OLDS - Several Olds-area agriculture industry professionals have been named to Canadian Western Agribition’s top 50 most influential leaders in Canadian agriculture.
Alex Villeneuve, Jill Harvie, Joy Agnew, Robert Saik and Todd Ormann were among the 50 finalists from across Canada in the nomination-based campaign.
In late 2020, Canadian Western Agribition and Farm Credit Canada teamed up to launch the search for their first-ever Top 50 in Canadian Agriculture campaign in five categories that included mentors, upstarts, innovators, deal makers and designated hitters.
After several weeks of nominations, a panel of judges were put to the test selecting 10 finalists in each category.
The finalists were announced Canada’s Agriculture Day, which this year fell on Feb. 23.
“There is no better way to celebrate Canada’s Ag Day than to recognize the diversity of people, sectors and ideas that make Canadian agriculture what it is today,” said Chris Lane, Canadian Western Agribition’s chief executive officer, when making the announcement .
The Saskatchewan-based organization hosts the largest livestock show in Canada.
All winners in the campaign will be featured in a magazine distributed by Canadian Western Agribition and will be celebrated at the organization’s 50th show in November.
“These finalists represent some of the best in an industry that continues to create endless opportunities to dream, grow and thrive. It’s certainly something to celebrate as part of Canada’s Ag Day,” said Todd Klink, chief marketing officer for Farm Credit Canada.
Villeneuve, Harvie and Ormann were selected winners in the upstart category, Agnew in the innovator category, and Saik in the mentor category.
