Alex was born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan on August 12, 1938 and Bette (Leask) was born in Lenore, Manitoba on October 5, 1939. Alex was raised on the family farm in Virden, Manitoba. Graduating from Virden Collegiate in 1956, he immediately assumed the role of operating the farm. Bette grew up on a farm in Lenore and graduated as a Registered Nurse from Brandon General Hospital in 1960. They have four daughters and two sons, Billy, Della, Lara, Christa and Mandy.
Alex is a lifetime member of the Canadian Hereford Association, having successfully bred, raised, shown and sold purebred Hereford cattle from 1958-1988. The family hosted Hereford cattle producers from all parts of the world.
In 1979, the Scott’s switched from conventional to organic farming and were continuously involved in a sustainable, organic system.
Alex and Bette provided the impetus for the formation of the Organic Producers Association of Manitoba (OPAM) in 1988. They were instrumental in creating an organization that would address the needs of organic producers. There was a need for an organization to certify organic products, provide education and develop markets. Farmers adopting organic farming practices required information and services not readily available. Through the formation of OPAM, practical farming experience was shared among the members and with the general public. National standards for certification of organic crops were set in cooperation with similar groups across Canada. Accreditation by the Standards Council of Canada in 2002 and the United States Department of Agriculture in 2003 gave OPAM prominent status in Canada.
Both Alex and Bette were actively involved with OPAM since its inception by promoting organic farming though the media, teaching at seminars, attending conferences across Canada and hosting international delegations on their farm. In 1993, they began working with Assiniboine Community College and the Independent Organic Inspectors Association to facilitate the training of organic inspectors in Manitoba. They continued to stay abreast of current organic issues and practices by attending conferences and workshops nationally and internationally.
Alex and Bette have shared their love of music and sports with the community of Virden. Area churches, schools, the Virden and District Choral Association, the Virden Music and Arts Festival and Virden minor sports have all benefited from their willingness to share their time and talents.
Alex and Bette envisioned the benefits of organic farming, devised a strategy and capably executed that strategy to help create a vibrant organic farming industry in Manitoba.