The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame has found a permanent home at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin.
Unveiled during an induction ceremony on Jan. 29, the new exhibit will be permanently housed in the grain elevator at the museum.
The ceremony honoured three new inductees: Dr. Kee Jim, from Okotoks, Blair Roth from Lethbridge, and Manfred Kanehl (posthumous induction), from Parkland County.
“I am honoured to welcome three new inductees to the Agriculture Hall of Fame," said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson in a press release.
"They have helped to raise awareness of the vital role of agriculture and were essential to the early development of our province. This year, I am thrilled to open the Ag Hall of Fame exhibit, a permanent space to celebrate the legacy and innovations that shape Alberta’s agricultural industry.”
The inductees were nominated by the public and the final selections were made by a panel of judges from Alberta's agriculture industry.
Created in 1951 to recognize outstanding contributions to Alberta agriculture, the Agriculture Hall of Fame is the Department of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation’s oldest and most prestigious award.
Since 1951, 144 men and women have been named to the hall of fame for their innovation and unwavering dedication to the ag industry.
The new exhibit at Reynolds Museum will showcase both new and former inductees, as well as the history of agriculture in Alberta.
The permanent display also features the Century Farm and Ranch Award exhibit. The award, established in 1993, recognizes families who have continuously owned and operated the same land for at least 100 years.
Alberta’s oldest farms and ranches trace back to 1884.
The ministries of Agriculture and Irrigation and Arts, Culture and Status of Women collaborated on the design and decision to install the Ag Hall of Fame at the Reynolds Museum.
"I hope all Albertans have the chance to visit this exhibit and learn the inspiring stories of these outstanding individuals," said Tanya Fir, minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.