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Three Albertans inducted into Agriculture Hall of Fame

Oct. 6, 2014 - Three Albertans were inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame in Edmonton, on Friday, Oct. 3.

This year's inductees have a century and a half of experience among them in the greenhouse, dairy and food crop industries. Alberta's three newest agricultural hall-of-famers have made advancing agriculture in the province their life's work. The inductees are:

Gordon Hilton: A true pioneer of conservation tillage, Gordon brought one of the first no-till drills to Western Canada in 1980. He worked tirelessly to educate and encourage other farmers to adopt conservation farming methods. Gordon was the first farmer ever inducted into the Soil Conservation Council of Canada's Hall of Fame in 1990.

Dr. Mohuddin Mirza: An accomplished and visionary scientist, Dr. Mirza is recognized as a pioneer in introducing hydroponics production to greenhouse crops. A founding member of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association and adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, in the 1980s he helped introduce soilless crop production.

Curtis Clark (posthumous). The winner of multiple awards throughout his career as a breeder, dairy judge and exhibitor, Mr. Clark was known for laying the groundwork to develop purebred breeders and superior cattle in Alberta. With his long-time partner Lloyd Pickard and later his son Jim, he grew Acme Holsteins of Carstairs into the most traveled, well recognized Holstein herd in Western Canada.

The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture and food industry and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta. The men and women named to the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1951 exemplify agricultural leadership and accomplishment.

October 6, 2014  By Janet Kanters