Respected soil scientist to receive prestigious award

Jul 10, 2026 | 3:05 PM

Rigas Karamanos is the 2025 recipient of the Les Henry Award, recognizing his contributions to research, teaching and extension in soil fertility and agronomy across the Canadian Prairies.

Karamanos said it was an honour to receive an award named after a colleague and friend.

“Les played an important part in the extension part of my career, from presenting to communication with growers. Les and I developed a new system of fertilizer recommendations in 1991 based on water use efficiency, later published as Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendation Zones,” Karamanos said.

Karamanos and Henry were fixtures at soil and water extension meetings in western Canada for more than 50 years. Karamanos authored or co-authored more than 400 research, technical and conference proceedings and delivered more than 1,000 extension presentations.

He taught at universities, operated a Saskatchewan soils lab and held senior industry positions with companies including Esso, Viterra and Koch.

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His work advanced nutrient management practices and bridged scientific research and on-farm practice, exemplifying the leadership and impact the Les Henry Award celebrates.

The Les Henry Award recognizes a western Canadian who demonstrates excellence in soil and water science and its application to the farming community. Karamanos is the third recipient of the award, established by the late Les Henry in 2024. Henry’s legacy, passion and integrity in agriculture are carried forward through the annual award.

Henry was a renowned Saskatchewan soil scientist and professor emeritus at the University of Saskatchewan. He received many honours, including induction into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. He authored “Henry’s Handbook of Soil and Water” and wrote columns for Grainews for 48 years.

The 2024 recipient, Don Flaten, will present this year’s award to Karamanos.

“Rigas has contributed so much to the agriculture community in the Canadian prairies over the past 50 years and has certainly earned this recognition,” Flaten said.

The official presentation is Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m. during Ag in Motion in the soil pit at the University of Saskatchewan booth.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

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Respected soil scientist to receive prestigious award

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