Distinguished Agrologist Award
Open to all active Professional Agrologists (PAg) and Technical Agrologists (TechAg).
The Distinguished Agrologist Award may be presented to a Saskatchewan registered agrologist for professional distinction associated with outstanding service and worthy contributions to agriculture, bioresources, food or the environment.
Outstanding Young Agrologist Award
Open to all active Professional Agrologists (PAg) and Technical Agrologists (TechAg) under 40.
Presented to a young Saskatchewan registered agrologist under the age of 40 who has provided outstanding service and made worthy contributions to agriculture, bioresources, food, or the environment.
Honourary Life Membership
Open to any non-agrologist without the qualifications necessary for registration.
An Honourary Life Membership may be presented out of respect and in recognition of Saskatchewan achievements in and service to agriculture, bioresources, food, or the environment, without the usual prerequisites, duties, or obligations of full registration contained in The Agrologists Act and the Institute’s Bylaws.
Agrology Excellence (AGEX) Award
Open to any organization.
Presented to organizations, agencies or businesses in recognition of outstanding contribution to agriculture, bioresources, food or the environment in Saskatchewan by providing professional services of Professional Agrologists and Technical Agrologists.
Nomination Process
- Download the desired nomination form above.
- Fill out and submit the following to info@sia.sk.ca by November 15:
-
- Completed Nomination Form
- Supporting letters of recommendation.
2026 Award Winners
Outstanding Young Agrologist Award
Shelby Wray TechAg
Shelby began her career with Good Lands Environmental Inc. shortly after completing her Environmental Science degree 15 years ago. She manages all aspects of the reclamation program, including environmental assessments, reclamations, site assessments, and more. She serves as the liaison between field staff, clients and landowners, balancing regulatory compliance and the environmental integrity of each project. Under her leadership, reclamation projects are executed efficiently and responsibly.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shelby is an active and generous member of her community. She regularly supports and participates in local fundraising events, including cancer fundraisers, support for the local swimming pool and community hall renovations and fall suppers.
Shelby embodies the value of the profession of agrology and exemplifies the spirit of the Outstanding Young Agrologist Award.
Outstanding Young Agrologist Award
Brianna Lummerding PAg
Brianna is Manager of Agronomic Services with Nutrien Ag Solutions, where she applies technical expertise in plant, soil and agronomic sciences to support colleagues and farmers. Known for being passionate about applied research, Brianna helps design and manage practical trials that support customers’ crop management decisions.
She is a skilled communicator and educator, regularly presenting to producer audiences to promote sustainable and profitable practices. Brianna also champions youth Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – or STEM – education through work with Let’s Talk Science and contributes agronomy insights in industry publications.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from the University of Saskatchewan, she began her career at Cargill, before joining Nutrien in 2016. Brianna is an Agrologist, Certified Crop Advisor and 4R Agronomist committed to strengthening agronomic innovation and farmer success, along with supporting the next generation of agrologists
Honourary Life Membership
Kim Kennett
Kim is a proud farm kid and advocate for Canadian agriculture. With a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and a Master of Continuing Education, she has advanced the sector through communications, leadership and service.
A dedicated 4-H supporter, Kim began as a member and volunteer, and later served as Provincial Communications Manager. As a freelance writer, editor and researcher, she worked with multiple provincial and national organizations, some of which include Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, SaskCanola and the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council.
Eight years ago, she co-founded The Magpie Group Communications + Marketing, a boutique firm exclusively serving the Canadian agriculture sector. She played a critical role in shaping corporate messaging and strategy for businesses across the country. Kim also serves as Vice President of the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame and previously volunteered in Nigeria with CUSO as a small business advisor.
Agrology Excellence Award
The Rack
Founded more than 40 years ago in Biggar, Saskatchewan, The Rack is a family-owned, independent ag retailer that combines agronomy, research, innovation and full-service retail support under one umbrella and is one of the top employers of agrologists. It ensures delivery of science-based expertise to growers through its team of agrologists.
The Rack is a proud supporter of the profession of agrology. Under the leadership of Dennis Bulani, a Professional Agrologist himself, The Rack offers opportunities to those qualified to be licensed and supports them through their articling program to full status as a Professional Agrologist or Technical Agrologist. It also supports continuing professional development for its agrologists. As a result, many of The Rack’s team have contributed back to the profession by being involved with the Institute at the Council and Branch levels.
Distinguished Agrologist Award
Dr. Thomas Warkentin PAg
Dr. Warkentin is a distinguished plant breeder and Professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre, where he has led field pea and soybean breeding since 1999. Internationally recognized for advancing pulse crop genetics, he has released 71 pea varieties and one soybean variety with his cultivars representing approximately 65% of Western Canada’s pea acreage.
His pioneering research on pea protein genetics, low-phytate varieties, and resistance to Fusarium and Aphanomyces root rots has strengthened farm profitability, environmental sustainability and human nutrition. Author of more than 195 peer-reviewed publications cited over 14,000 times, Dr. Warkentin is also a dedicated mentor to graduate students and an active leader in national and international pulse organizations. His contributions have earned numerous honours, including the 2025 Industry Appreciation Award from the Canadian Pulse and Special Trade Association and the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence.
Distinguished Agrologist Award
Dr. Randy Kutcher PAg
Dr. Kutcher is a leading plant pathologist and the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Cereal and Flax Crop Pathology at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre. His research on major crop diseases, including Fusarium head blight, stripe rust, crown rust and pasmo, shaped integrated pest management strategies adopted across Western Canada and influenced disease management approaches internationally.
Working closely with plant breeders, he has advanced the development of disease-resistant cereal and flax varieties and pioneered rapid mycotoxin detection methods that enhance global grain quality standards.
As a dedicated educator and mentor, he has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students and delivered extensive industry training. Through his research leadership and outreach, Dr. Kutcher has improved outbreak response, reduced economic losses from devastating diseases, and advanced the resilience and sustainability of cereal production systems in Canada and beyond.
Recognition Award
Dr. Thomas Yates PAg
Dr. Yates has demonstrated long-standing commitment and dedicated service through his involvement with the Admissions and Registration Committee and the Saskatoon Branch.
He currently serves as a member of the Admissions and Registration Committee and has for over 10 years. Throughout his tenure, Tom has consistently provided thoughtful insight, sound judgement, and a strong sense of professionalism that has supported the Committee’s mandate and decision-making processes.
Tom also served as a Director on the Saskatoon Branch for a few years, where he contributed to strengthening initiatives that advanced the Branch’s objectives.
Tom is known for his steady approach, practical perspective, and commitment to upholding high professional standards. His contributions have played a meaningful role in ensuring continuity, governance integrity, and positive outcomes for the Committee, the profession of agrology and agrologists as professionals.