Hall of Fame names five new inductees

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Inductee biographies 

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Dr. Brian Rossnagel transformed barley and oat production during a 35-year career as a plant breeder with the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. A distinguished professor emeritus, Rossnagel strengthened Canada’s international competitiveness and delivered economic benefits to farmers, processors and consumers. His breeding program developed more than 100 barley and oat varieties for feed, forage, food and malting markets that have been adopted by producers in Western Canada and beyond. He also leaves a legacy of extension and mentorship. Rossnagel lives in Saskatoon and was nominated by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. 

Dr. David Bailey is recognized for more than 40 years of work in scientific research, food safety and the integration of genomics into agri-food production. His career with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada included roles across the country, including research scientist, research centre director in Ontario, P.E.I. and Alberta, and director general of food safety and quality in Nova Scotia. Since 2006, Bailey has been president and CEO of Genome Alberta. Bailey lives in Calgary and was nominated by Wilf Keller. 

Gary Bowers dedicated his career to advancing the Jersey breed of dairy cattle, establishing himself as a breeder and developer of elite cow families and A.I. sires under the Lencrest prefix. His work as a breeder, judge and industry ambassador has shaped herds, breeding systems and standards in Canada and around the world. His contributions include leadership roles as president of Jersey Canada and Semex, and as a director of the Canadian Dairy Network and Lactanet. Bowers lives in Coaticook, Que., and was nominated by Semex. 

Guy Charbonneau has been a co-owner of Ferme Vachalê, a Holstein dairy farm and agricultural operation for 11 consecutive generations. Charbonneau has spent 57 years championing agriculture and his community, with interests in dairy production, genetics, crops, the environment and sustainability. His advocacy led to involvement with l’Union des producteurs agricoles and organizations in the genetics industry. Charbonneau is also interested in the connection between agricultural issues and municipal politics, promoting the importance of agriculture locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally. He lives in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Que., and was nominated by Holstein Canada and Lactanet. 

Ken Forth has driven developments in Canada’s fresh fruit and vegetable sector. A fifth-generation farmer, his Forthdale Farms Limited evolved from multi-crop fruit and vegetable production to a broccoli enterprise focused on the Ontario market. Forth has advocated for farmers on issues including trade, farm support programs, agricultural safety and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. His legacy includes his impact on labour policies affecting Canadian farms and raising the international profile of Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry. Forth lives in Lynden, Ont., and was nominated by Deborah Forth and Anne Fowlie. 

CAHFA honours Canadians for contributions to the agriculture and food industry. It was organized in 1960 and is administered by a 12-member volunteer board of directors from across Canada. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com