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New inductees into Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame

Nov. 27, 2015 - Six individuals will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame for 2016. Three inductees were announced at Canadian Western Agribition last week in Regina: Byrnne Rothwell, Florian Possberg and Barry Andrew.

Byrnne Rothwell:  Byrnne spent much of his early life on the family farm gaining an appreciation for the value of family and rural life. After graduating from Ontario Veterinary College in 1964, he worked as a veterinarian in Mission, B.C. and Wakaw, Sask. before building a home and a clinic at Shellbrook, Sask. in 1970. In 1986-87, the practice was sold and Byrnne joined Agriculture Canada working in animal health, meat hygiene and food inspection in locations that included Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. He had a long history of volunteerism with organizations that included the Saskatchewan Horse Federation, Canadian Western Agribition and the Prince Albert Exhibition. He was highly respected across Canada for his dedication to equine welfare. Dr. Byrnne Rothwell passed away in January 2014.

Florian Possberg:  Florian has been a tireless supporter and advocate for the hog industry in Saskatchewan and Canada. Together with his wife Betty, he started his farming career by building and managing a 60 sow operation near Humboldt in 1976. Florian was one of the founders of Big Sky Farms which grew to become the second largest hog producer in Canada. Big Sky Farms in now owned by Olymel, a large agricultural co-op based in Quebec. In 2009, he partnered with his son Brian to form B&F Polar Pork Farms Ltd. Darrel Possberg, another son, has joined the operation and the expanding farm now includes four of Florian and Betty's eight children. Florian has been a leader and an ambassador for the Canadian pork industry through Sask Pork, Canadian Pork Council and Prairie Swine Centre.

Barry Andrew:  Barry, a grain and cattle producer from the Foxleigh district north of Regina, was a founding member and director of Canadian Western Agribition. He served as president in 1980 and 1981, and played a key role in lobbying all levels of government for funding of bulidings and for show promotion around the world. Barry served as president of both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Shorthorn associations. His Duncairn Shorthorns were promoted and sold across Canada and the U.S. for more than 40 years. From 1982 to 1990, Barry was program director of the provincial counselling and assistance for farmers program which was developed to assist producers struggling with high interest rates and difficult economic times. Barry Andrew passed away in December 2012.

The induction ceremony for these three new members, along with three that will be named in January at CropSphere in Saskatoon, will take place on Aug. 6, 2016.

 

November 30, 2015  By Top Crop Manager


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