2011 Inductees to
Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame
Guelph,
ON [November 7, 2011] – Influential Canadians Dr. David Chalack, Laurent
Souligny and Frank Stenger have joined the ranks of Canada’s most exceptional
individuals as the 2011 inductees into the prestigious Canadian Agricultural
Hall of Fame. The formal induction ceremony took place November 6, 2011 at the
Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame awards banquet in Toronto,
Ontario.
“This year’s
inductees have added significantly to the strength and development of Canada’s
agricultural industry,” says Cam Dahl, president of the Canadian Agricultural
Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA). “Through leadership and a lifelong commitment
to a vibrant agricultural sector, David Chalack, Laurent Souligny and Frank
Stenger continue their work and dedication to Canadian agriculture. CAHFA
proudly recognizes their contributions with this highest honour.”
Dr. David Chalack
Nominated by the
Canadian Livestock
Genetics Association
Dr. Chalack began his journey in agriculture on the home
farm in Bearspaw, and his formal education in a one-room school near Cochrane,
Alberta.
David has been a champion for improved cattle genetics and
for all sectors of agriculture. He campaigned for changes in Holstein breeding,
emphasizing the “harmonious blending of parts” that an animal needs for a longer
productive life. He has been instrumental in attracting investment in genomics
research and bringing to Canada the best scientists to work for the improvement
of Canadian livestock.
Recognizing the need for a good animal care model, David
championed the development of a new animal welfare policy for the Calgary
Stampede that includes an independent review and active engagement of the
public. This model is now being copied by other exhibitions.
David is a governance leader. He has recognized the need
for strong leadership within farm and industry organizations, and has worked to
ensure our industry is led by talented and well-trained directors and staff who
can work together. Through his 4-H, Holstein and Stampede connections, both
professional and volunteer, David continues to motivate and inspire people to be
the best they can be.
Laurent Souligny
Nominated by Egg Farmers of
Canada
Laurent Souligny has spent most of his life directly
involved in agriculture, much of it based in St. Isidore, Ontario, the home of
the Souligny farm and a community where he and his wife Hélène still
reside.
Laurent started farming in 1964 and in 1973 became involved
in farm organizations when he joined the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. His
advocacy on behalf of Canadian farmers continued, ultimately leading to Laurent
becoming the Chair of Egg Farmers of Canada, a position he held for 11 years. He
served as a member of the Board of Egg Farmers of Canada for 24
years.
Laurent’s goal as Chairman of Egg Farmers of Canada was to
ensure a strong future for every part of the egg industry in Canada. He
represented egg producers both in Canada as well as internationally, frequently
travelling abroad to defend the interests of the sector. Laurent’s tireless work
on behalf of his industry led to his selection as Chair of the organization
representing the five supply-managed industries.
Laurent’s work on disease mitigation led to the Start
Clean-Stay Clean™ program, the egg industry’s HACCP-based, on-farm food
safety system – a program that is considered among the best in the world.
Laurent helped establish Egg Farmers of Canada as a leader in traceability. He
was instrumental in ensuring that egg producers are adequately compensated when
disease does strike, a fact that will benefit generations to
come.
Laurent reached out to international bodies such as the
United Egg Producers to help promote scientific research on the nutritional
benefits of eggs. In 2010 he oversaw the creation of a special research Chair at
the Université Laval that focuses on the economics of egg production. The
Research Chair on the Economics of Egg Production helps explore issues like the
benefits of improved disease control, the potential impacts of international
trade agreements, and the costs and benefits associated with reducing the carbon
footprint of the egg industry. A research chair focused on nutrition is soon to
be established because of his focus on research.
Laurent Souligny’s legacy in Canadian agriculture will
continue to grow well into the future.
Frank Stenger
Nominated by Jersey
Canada
Frank Stenger’s life
story and that of his family is a classic example of what is possible in the
agricultural industry within Canada. Hard work, persistence and smart decisions
by this German immigrant not only fashioned a good life for the Stenger family
but created growth and opportunity for his chosen country.
Frank is the breeder of the world-famous Enniskillen Jersey
herd, a Master Breeder herd that has been the source of superior seed and
foundation stock for domestic and foreign buyers for over five
decades.
Frank began a lifetime of involvement in breed association
activities over 60 years ago when he was elected as a director of the local
Jersey association in the Durham region. Frank’s
work in dairy breed improvement combined with his marketing efforts helped open
the international marketplace for Canadian livestock genetics. Even today,
Frank, in his mid-80s, is influencing others to turn to Canada again for their
genetics needs.
As a former 4-H and Junior Farmer member, Frank never lost
his zest for working with young people. A steady stream of youth from across
Canada and around the world have called Enniskillen Farm their summer “home away
from home” and have learned how to work hard and grow in their knowledge of
agriculture while there.
Frank Stenger’s decades of successful devotion to improving
the lot of fellow Canadian farmers and agriculturalists in other countries truly
provides an example for those who follow in his footsteps.
The
Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association honours and celebrates Canadians
for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits
are on display in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery located at the
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The CAHFA also publicizes the importance of
inductee achievements to Canada. The CAHFA was organized in 1960 and is
administered by 12 volunteer Board of Directors located across Canada.
www.cahfa.com
For more
information, contact:
Cam Dahl
President,
CAHFA
Tel: (204)
803-4196
Judy Shaw
Vice-President, CAHFA
Tel: 519-837-5328
