Honours and Awards

Distinguished Agrologist Award

Open to all active Professional Agrologists (PAg) and Technical Agrologists (TechAg).


The Distinguished Agrologist Award may be presented to a Saskatchewan 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 agrologist under the age of 40 who has provided outstanding service and made worthy contributions to agriculture, bioresources, food, or the environment.

Recognition Award

Open to all Active Members.


Presented to a Saskatchewan agrologist who has rendered special service or made a significant contribution to the betterment of the Institute and profession.

Honourary Life Membership

Open to any non-member 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

  1. Download the desired nomination form above.
  2. Fill out and submit the following to info@sia.sk.ca by November 15:
    • Completed Nomination Form
    • Supporting letters of recommendation.

2024 Award Winners

Outstanding Young Agrologist Award

Blake Weisth PAg

While working on his PhD in Soil Science, Blake holds a joint role of Applied Research lead at Glacier FarmMedia Discovery Farm and as Research Chair at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. With a passion for innovation, Blake spearheads groundbreaking research initiatives that push the boundaries of agricultural technology and education and is making a difference by promoting practical solutions to challenges facing farmers today. Blake is a young agrologist committed to advancing agricultural research and is most deserving of this award.

Distinguished Agrologist Award

Dr. Pierre Hucl PAg

Dr. Hucl is a professor in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Saskatchewan and with the Crop Development Centre. His world renowned research advancing plant breeding has earned him global recognition as a pioneer in the field. Dr. Hucl is recognized as one of the most innovative cereal breeders in Canada as he continually explores new ways to improve crops. Dr. Hucl is a most deserving recipient of the SIA’s Distinguished Agrologist Award.

Distinguished Agrologist Award

Dr. Sabine Banniza PAg

Dr. Banniza is recognized in Canada and internationally as an exceptional scientist and has been instrumental in advancing a vibrant pulse industry.  She has taken on many leadership roles in the area of applied plant pathology to benefit the pulse crop industry worldwide. Her passion and hard work make her a standout candidate for the prestigious Distinguished Agrologist Award, underscoring her potential to drive significant innovations in the field.

Recognition Award

Lyse Boisver PAg

Lyse works for Ducks Unlimited Canada and looks after upland restoration and delivers producer incentive forage programs for the Parkland area. As a community champion, she has served as President of both the SIA Saskatoon and Yorkton Branches, is on the Yorkton Agriculture Information board, among many others. Lyse’s commitment to the SIA Branches and her local community is truly inspiring. The recognition Award is a testament to her hard work.

Honourary Life Membership

Lee Laughren PAg (Hon)

Lee serves as a Senior Relationship Account Manager with RBC. In this position, he manages relationships with mid to large size farms, producers and agribusiness clients, tailoring products and services to help them achieve their goals. His expertise and dedication to providing exceptional services, have not only helped his clients succeed, but have also had a positive effect on the surrounding community. We are proud to celebrate and acknowledge Lee’s contributions with the SIA Honourary Life Membership Award.

Agrology Excellence Award

Matrix Solutions Inc.

For over 35 years, the Matrix Solutions team of dedicated professionals have been committed to developing mitigation strategies that reduce potential environmental and socio-economic effects from development projects and operations. Their expertise lies in understanding the impacts of operations on the environment and exploring ways to reduce those impacts. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is unwavering and we extend congratulations to Matrix Solutions. 

Previous Award Winners

Distinguished Agrologist Award

Kevin Hursh PAg 2021
Richard Szwydky PAg 2021 (presented posthumously)
Robert Tyler PAg 2020
Rahulkumar Patel PAg 2019
John McKinnon PAg 2018

Elizaveta Petelina PAg 2018
Grant Wood PAg 2017
Tom Wolf, PAg 2017
Lyle Cowell PAg 2016
Roger Frey PAg 2015
Dave Cubbon PAg 2013
J. Doug Fehr PAg 2012
Paul McAllister PAg 2012
Barry Swanson PAg 2012
Larry White PAg 2011
Blair McClinton PAg 2011
Patricia L. Flaten PAg 2010
Laurie C. Tollefson PAg 2009
Kenneth L. Sapsford PAg 2008
Lyle Darwent PAg 2007
Thomas N. Weir PAg 2007
Patrick M. Gerwing PAg 2006
James E. Gorman PAg 2006
Bryan L Harvey PAg 2006
J. Craig Smith PAg 2006
John M. Gruszka PAg 2005
John F. Hemstad PAg 2005
Gordon E. Hultgreen PAg 2005
Myriam R. Fernandez PAg 2004
Brian G. Rossnagel,PAg 2004
Kenneth A. Rosaasen PAg 2003
Gordon G. Rowland PAg 2002
Zoheir Abougendia PAg 2001
A. James Webster PAg 2001
Larry. R. Gramiak PAg 2001
Stewart A. Brandt PAg 2000
Bazil P. Fritz PAg 2000
Eric N. Johnson PAg 2000
Bruce A. Hobin PAg 1999
Paul G. Jefferson PAg 1999
John W. Stewart PAg 1999
Leslie T. Bohrson PAg 1998
Donald H. Dabbs PAg 1997
Stuart H. Nelson PAg 1997
Charles M. Williams PAg 1996
Donald W. L. Read PAg 1996
Robert E. Brack PAg 1995
J. Leslie Henry, PAg 1995
Frederick A. Holm PAg 1995
Kenneth G. Stoner PAg 1995
Charles W. Carlson PAg 1994
James W. Halford PAg 1994
James H. Pratt PAg 1994
Robert P. Zentner PAg 1994
Philip J. Thair PAg 1993
Larry Koturbash PAg 1993
Maurice A. Delage PAg 1993
John O. Hanson PAg 1992
Kenneth J. Kirkland PAg 1992
Glenden W. Hass PAg 1991
Roy G. Button PAg 1991
Stanley E. Beacom PA 1990
Constantine A. Campbell PAg 1990
Alfred E. Slinkard PAg 1990
Donald A. Rennie PAg 1989
Gordon E. Parker PAg 1989
Ronald M. DePauw PAg 1988
Kenneth E. Bowren PAg 1988
Douglas H. Grant PAg 1987
P. Joseph Moran PAg 1987
John A. Peck PAg 1987
T. Victor Beck PAg 1986
Peter W. Petersen PAg 1986
Harald Tangjerd PAg 1986
James R. Jowsey PAg 1985
Lindsay J. Boyes PAg 1985
Jacob A. Brown PAg 1984
Allan L. Levee PAg 1984
Thomas Lawrence PAg 1983
D. Stuart McBean PAg 1982
Frank G. Warder PAg 1981
John Y. McFaull PAg 1979
Lloyd G. Putnam PAg 1978
W. Earl Johnson PAg 1977
Glenn E. Flaten PAg 1977
C. Henry Anderson PAg 1976
J. Ivan Clark PAg 1976
Murdock MacKay PAg 1976
William R. Merryweather PAg 1974
William J. White PAg 1974
Vivian B. Holmes PAg 1973
W. Harold Horner PAg 1973
Mark R. Kilcher PAg 1973

Outstanding Young Agrologist Award

Elliott Hildebrand PAg 2021
Joel Peru PAg 2020
Chad Bohachewski PAg 2019
Katelyn Duncan, PAg 2018
Errin Willenborg PAg 2018
Bennie Dunhin PAg 2017
Nadia Mori PAg 2016
Chris Holzapfel PAg 2014
Jenifer Heyden PAg 2013
Michael Champion PAg 2012
Kara and Wade Annand PAg 2011
Shanna D. Stolhandske-Dale PAg 2010
Trevor B. Lennox PAg 2009
Melanie S. Boldt PAg 2007
Kari L. Nicolas PAg 2006
Timothy A. Nerbas PAg 2004
Barbara Stefanyshyn-Coté PAg 2003
Jeffrey J. Schoenau PAg 2002
David J. Struthers PAg 2001
Juanita A. Polegi PAg 2000
Adrian M. Johnston PAg 1999

Recognition Award

Blair McClinton PAg 2021
Grant Wood PAg 2020
Carol Ann Paterson PAg 2019
Chad Bohachewski PAg 2018

Graham Scoles PAg 2018
George Lewko PAg 2017
Barry Rapp PAg 2016
Sandra Shiels PAg 2015
Laurie Hayes PAg 2014
Richard V. Koller PAg 2005
Glenden W. Hass PAg 2004
Barry R. Peterson PAg 2002
Bryan R. Doig PAg 2001
Brenda R. Machin PAg 2000
Philip H. England PAg 1999
Roy E. McKenzie PAg 1995
C. Fred Bentley PAg 1995
Richard E. Armstrong PAg 1994
John F. Hickie PAg 1988
Frederick E. Fulton PAg 1986
G. Edward Padbury PAg 1984
Mark R. Kilcher PAg 1981
James R. Martin PAg 1981
Robert J. Sparling PAg 1981
Hugh H. Nicholson PAg 1980
J. E. Ross Greenshields PAg 1979
Allan D. McLeod PAg 1977
William K. Janzen PAg 1975
Stephen R. Burkell PAg 1974
Roy E. McKenzie PAg 1973

Honourary Life Membership

Murad Al-Katib 2021
Dorothy Long 2020
Adele Buettner 2019
Doyle Wiebe 2018
Mike Raine 2017
Murray Purcell 2016
David Gullacher 2014
Earl Mickelson 2011
Paul Beingessner 2008
John E Bennett 2007
John M. Clair 2007
Terry Pearse 2006
Margaret Skinner 2006
E. and M. Beauchesne 2005
Harry M. Hill 2005
Bradley A. Wildeman 2005
Neil Jahnke 2004
Dean W. Smith 2004
William M. Farley 2003
Audrey J. Horkoff 2003
D. Gaven Semple 2003
John V. Cross 2002
Zenneth K. Faye 2002
Donald J. Tait 2002
Roger Kaeding 2001
Ray Wilfing 2001
John Miller 2000
Norman Roebuck 2000
Alanna L. Koch 1999
Norman A. Flaten 1999
Noreen Johns 1998
Verna Thompson 1998
Frank Rempel 1998
Walter Nemanishen 1997
Ronald R. Walter 1997
Gerald M. Willerth 1997
Benjamin Dyck 1996
Edward D. Seidle 1996
Edward K. Turner 1995
Eldon R. Norum 1994
J. Milton Fair 1994
Archie Anderson 1993
Bernard H. Kirwan 1992
Boyd Anderson 1991
Lynn Biggart 1990
Leo F. Kristjanson 1989
Allan F. Smith 1988
Murray E. Smith 1988
Harold Yelland 1988
James O. Wright 1987
Donald Swenson 1985
Emerson H. Wells 1984
Glenn L. Levee 1984
Edgar Mapletoft 1984
J. Harvey Gjesdal 1983
Ernest E. Moen 1983
Carl W. Carlberg 1983
George M. Williamson 1982
Frank Deakin 1982
Harry-Jae Elder 1982
Miller A. Craig 1981
Olaf Friggstad 1981
Alec Kennedy 1981
J. William Marshall 1981
Daryl Rumble 1980
William Cooper 1979
Albert J. Porter 1978
Ernest J. How 1978
Harold C. Baker 1978
George Morris 1977

Agrology Excellence (AGEX) Award

G-Mac’s AgTeam 2021
Sharps Crop Services 2020
Ag Grow Consulting 2019
CropPro Consulting 2018

Western Ag Professional Agronomy 2017
Pioneer Co-operative Association Ltd. 2016
Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) 2015
Bayer CropScience 2014
Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) 2013
Saskatchewan Conservation Learning Centre Inc. 2011
Provincial Council of ADD Boards 2010
Weyburn Inland Terminal 2009
Saskatchewan 4-H Council 2008
Farm Credit Canada 2007
Government of Saskatchewan, Department of Agriculture & Food 2006
Crop Development Centre 2005
DuPont Canada Inc 2004
Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association 2003
Ducks Unlimited Canada 2002
Newfield Seeds 2001