Cory Willness (right), CEO of Croptimistic Technology, presented the inaugural Les Henry award to Dr. Jeff Schoenau. (Submitted photo)

By farmnewsNOW Staff

Les Henry Award

U Sask professor receives inaugural award recognizing work for soil and water science

Jun 28, 2024 | 3:17 PM

Les Henry was a renowned soil scientist in Saskatchewan and Professor Emeritus at the University of Saskatchewan. He received many honours and awards throughout his career including induction into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. He also authored “Henry’s Handbook of Soil and Water” and contributed columns to the Grainnews newspaper for 48 years.

So, when Dr. Jeff Schoenau was awarded the Les Henry Award recently, it was a significant honour – particularly because Henry, before his passing on June 14, 2024, personally chose Schoenau as the inaugural recipient.

“I want to make sure folks are aware of the huge difference that he made in my career as an inspiration and a mentor,” said Schoenau. “From the simple words of advice he gave me, to the wide wealth of knowledge in soil fertility, Les made a huge difference in Western Canadian agriculture.”

Schoenau said the work Henry did, especially in his later years pursuing research in hydrology and salinity, greatly inspired him to incorporate that work into his own investigations.

“It is an honour to receive this award and Les will be greatly missed,” he said.

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The Les Henry award recognizes a recipient in Western Canada that provides excellence in soil and water science and its application in the farming community. Before his passing Henry spoke on the reasoning behind choosing Schoenau as the recipient.

“Jeff has been a leader in the soil science department and is doing research and extension that really matters to farmers and agronomists. He is always willing to speak at a public meeting and share down to earth soil information. Jeff represents unparallelled passion, teaching, and speaking that endears him to his students and farming community. He has made significant contributions in soil science and to the lives of those he has touched.”

Cory Willness, CEO of Croptimistic Technology, presented the award and stated, “As a student of both Les and Jeff, it is my honour to present the inaugural winner. Les’s choice to recognize Dr. Jeff Schoenau for this award speaks to the level of passion and influence that Jeff has carried throughout his career so far. We are thrilled to see this award go to someone so deserving.”

Read more on the legacy of Henry’s Handbook here.

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