AHOF Members archive

Lloyd Ellice Atchison of Pipestone, Manitoba, is inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in recognition of his exemplary contributions to agriculture, conservation, and community service spanning over five decades. Born May 8, 1943, in Souris, Manitoba, Lloyd has dedicated his life to farming excellence and environmental stewardship. In 1970, he purchased Poplarview Stock Farm near Findlay, transforming it from a modest operation of six quarters and 90 black Angus cows into a thriving 35-quarter, 900-head cattle operation that became a model of sustainable agriculture. Lloyd’s pioneering work with Limousin cattle began in the late 1960s when he enrolled in crossbreeding experiments with the Canadian Department of Agriculture. His commitment to breed improvement led to his recognition as a...

William Leslie Campbell (1955-2025) exemplified the spirit of Manitoba agriculture through five decades of unwavering dedication to farming, livestock breeding, and agricultural leadership. Born in Boissevain in 1955, Bill was a fourth-generation farmer who transformed his family’s 1,700-acre grain operation and 860 acres of pastureland into a model of agricultural excellence, earning recognition as both a Century and Heritage Farm through The Manitoba Farm Family Recognition Program. Bill’s passion for Limousin cattle breeding began in 1974 when he and his father Glen purchased their first purebreds from the Brandon Research Station. This launched a lifelong journey that would see Campbell Limousin become a nationally recognized operation, marketing genetics across Canada and internationally to Brazil and Mexico. His commitment to breed...

Fred Tait has devoted his life to advocating for a healthy environment, thriving rural communities and sustainable farming throughout Manitoba and across Canada. Fred has lived experience, having come from a farm family and continuing that tradition himself. Fred was born on February 20, 1942 at the Portage La Prairie hospital. His parents, Norman and Margaret Tait, brought up Fred and his 2 younger brothers on a small farm near Rossendale, Manitoba. Fred describes it as a subsistence farm where the cattle, pigs, and chickens raised along with crops grown, fed the family. Fred attended a one room schoolhouse in Rossendale from kindergarten to grade 8 and then attended the high school there for grades 9 and 10. He had...

Dr. Allan Preston has spent his career advancing agriculture, imparting his infectious love for the industry, and doing his utmost to make rural Manitoba and Canada a stronger and more vibrant place. Dr. Allan was an exceptional student and a student leader growing up in Hamiota, MB. After high school, he attended university and then was accepted to Vet School in Saskatoon, SK. Following graduation, he moved back to Hamiota and joined his rural veterinarian practice and worked with his dad on the farm. Allan didn’t just help animals, he immersed himself in the community and took a leadership role in most community initiatives including guiding the Hamiota Agricultural Society, chairing the Hamiota Community Foundation, and being an active 4-H...

Don Flaten, Ph.D., FCSSS, FSSSA, FASA, P.Ag. Dr. Don Flaten is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Manitoba, where he retired in 2021 from his position as Professor in Nutrient Management and Crop Nutrition. Don has however not retired from publishing research papers and maintains a considerable farm, industry, government, and media extension program as well as being an advisor to research funding organizations. From 1987 until 1999, Don was the Director of the School of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba, primarily responsible for curriculum delivery and management of the Diploma in Agriculture program. Professor Flaten was also an Associate Dean from 1990 to 1994. From 1999. Dr. Flaten focused on teaching...

Hugh Frederic Drake was born on March 18, 1944 in Elkhorn, Manitoba, Canada and passed away on December 26, 2023. In 1904, Hugh’s grandfather, also named Hugh Frederic, moved to a farm outside Elkhorn where he farmed with his son, Hugh. He married Myrna, and today, their two sons Darwin and Dwayne run a 22,000-acre grain, oilseed and livestock operation. Hugh’s grandson Danny is the fifth generation on the Drake farm and operates a forage harvester business as well as farms with the family. In 2004 the Drake family celebrated being a century farm, 100 years working together on the family farm. Hugh attended Elkhorn High School and dedicated most of his life to service on various boards within the...

Allan Dawson, born on February 28, 1956, is widely respected for his significant contributions to the evolution of agriculture in Canada. Throughout his esteemed career in agricultural journalism, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to fact-based reporting and advancing the industry’s growth and development. Growing up in the Altamont area, Allan assisted his stepfather Glenn Wilson on their Altamont farm, tending to cattle, haying and crop production. He was active in his high school in Miami, Man., winning the Midland School Division Oratorical Contest and serving as school president and valedictorian. Allan’s journalism career began in 1980 as the farm director at CISV Radio. He freelanced for The Valley Leader and Grainews before joining the Manitoba Co-operator in April 1983. Later,...

LISTEN NOW: Grain Elevator and Processing Society / Whole Grain Podcast (March 2024) / CANOLA CHRONICLES: UNVEILING THE REMARKABLE EVOLUTION, WITH DR. MICHAEL ESKIN Dr. Michael Eskin is a highly respected figure in the Canadian agricultural industry, renowned for his exceptional contributions to canola innovation and utilization. Since beginning his tenure at the University of Manitoba in 1968, Dr. Eskin has played a pivotal role in transforming canola into the country’s most profitable food crop. Throughout his career, Dr. Eskin’s scientific breakthroughs have propelled canola research forward. His pioneering work includes characterizing enzymes responsible for fatty acid breakdown in canola and demonstrating optimal frying parameters and stability for various food products. He has also highlighted the hedonic attributes and preservation...