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:
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- Completed Nomination Form
- Supporting letters of recommendation.
2024 Award Winners
Outstanding Young Agrologist Award
Robert (Robbie) Retzleff PAg
Robbie has been registered with the SIA since 2013 after graduating from Lakeland College with a degree in Environmental Management and a diploma in Environmental Conservation and Reclamation which qualified him for a Professional Agrologist designation as approved by the SIA Admissions and Registration Committee. Early in his career, he managed projects for the Saskatchewan Research Council’s Accelerated Site Closure Program. Currently, he is the manager of environment at WSP in Lloydminster. Robbie’s expertise includes wellsite and pipeline reclamation, project management, phase two site assessments, ground disturbance, spill response, report writing, and overseeing large-scale remediation projects. He has shared his knowledge through presentations to industry professionals and at SIA branch events. By engaging with these diverse audiences, he has contributed significantly to the professional development of his peers and the advancement of best practices in environmental management. In 2023, Robbie joined the SIA Northwest Branch and became President in 2024, where he fosters collaboration and plans events. He encourages individuals to register with the SIA and believes that joining the SIA not only enhances professional credibility but also provides valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and contributing to the advancement of the profession.
Distinguished Agrologist Award
Dr. Aaron Beattie PAg
Dr. Beattie is a globally recognized leader in plant breeding who has had a direct impact on food security through his contributions to sustainably increasing productivity of barley and oat varieties in western Canada. He has been involved in agricultural research as the Barley and Oat Breeder at the Crop Development Centre in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan since 2006. His plant breeding efforts has resulted in the release of 18 malt, food and feed barley varieties, and 11 oat milling and forage type varieties, many of which have had a substantial economic impact on local and western Canadian agriculture and the value-added industry. Dr. Beattie’s collaboration with brewers highlights the potential of a “farm to table” movement. This partnership not only reinforced the economic importance of sustainable agriculture but also emphasized the value of supporting local food systems. Dr. Beattie’s work in developing higher yielding, drought-tolerant and disease-resistant barley and oat varieties is invaluable, especially in the context of a rapidly changing climate and growing demand for sustainable farming practices.
Honourary Life Membership
Jean Harrington PAg (Hon)
Jean and her family manage 7,500 acres of farmland near Glenside SK. She is also an owner of Prairie Farm Brokerage Inc., a business offering grain market consulting services. In the mid-1980s, Jean joined the Saskatchewan Women’s Agricultural Network to connect rural women and discuss industry issues. She was an elected member on the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Board of Directors from 2013 to 2018. From 2014 to 2018, she was a director on the Canadian Grain Commission Western Standards Committee. In 2022, she was reappointed to this committee by the federal Agriculture Minister as a public appointee to represent farmers and is now serving a second term. In January 2020, Jean was appointed to the SIA Provincial Council as a Public Representative and sat on the SIA Governance and Discipline Committees and represented the SIA with the national Agrologists Agronomes Canada. Jean believes in discussing agrology with the public to ensure it is a recognized profession. Her passion lies in fostering a collective understanding to effectively serve her agricultural clients and stakeholders and is an advocate for the profession of agrology.
Recognition Award
Allan Scholz PAg (Ret)
Al is an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan, holding a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master’s in Sustainable Environmental Management. For more than 40 years, he has been a leader in agriculture, food, and environmental sectors, working as an agrologist, organization manager, consultant, speaker, and author. As the founding Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association, Al spearheaded the sector’s expansion from 1993 to 1996. He also established Saskatchewan Agrivision, an independent policy think-tank for transformational change in agriculture, serving as its Executive Director for eight years. From 2012 to 2019, Al served as Executive Director and Registrar for the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (SIA). During his tenure, the number of licensed agrologists increased by 54%. He played a key role in the updating of The Agrologists Act and helped the Act and Bylaws Committee update the regulatory and administrative bylaws to reflect the changes in the Act. He led the development of SIA’s policies and procedures, established the Finance and Audit Committee and the Governance Committee, launched the Salary Survey, and supported the work of SIA’s branches.
Honourary Life Membership
Miles Anderson PAg (Hon)
Miles and his wife Shari run a century-old ranch near Fir Mountain SK. Besides ranching, he is an environmentalist, historian, biologist, and paleontologist. Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to protecting endangered and at-risk species on his ranch, which borders Grasslands National Park and encompasses diverse ecosystems. By studying the nesting habits of the greater sage grouse, Miles adapted their cattle grazing patterns, significantly increasing the population of this endangered prairie bird. They were recognized for this important work in 2016, when they received the Environmental Stewardship Award at the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conference and the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence in environmental stewardship within the ranching industry, recognizing innovative and successful methods for achieving environmentally and economically sustainable cattle production. Miles was appointed to the SIA Provincial Council as a Public Representative in January 2020, and served on the SIA’s Finance and Audit Committee and the Discipline Committee. He brought valuable perspectives to Council meetings and connected agrologists with national and provincial programs, recognizing the importance of their expertise
Agrology Excellence Award
Moose Jaw Co-op Agriculture Division
Moose Jaw Co-op Agriculture Division is a leading ag retail business in the Moose Jaw area, emphasizing agronomic expertise and support. Their culture fosters employee development and education, providing tools for their team to excel and make an impact. The Professional Agrologists, Technical Agrologists, Articling Agrologists and Articling Technical Agrologists at Moose Jaw Co-op build strong partnerships with farm customers, offering expert advice in agronomy, animal husbandry, and business operations. They maintain close relationships with their customers, built on trust and sound advice. Professional Agrologists Troy McInnis PAg and Barry Rapp PAg encourage staff to expand their networks, maintain licensure with the SIA, and pursue professional development opportunities. The Moose Jaw Co-op prides itself on helping the communities it serves. In the last two years, they have invested up to $300,000 in community initiatives. In 2024, they committed $90,000 over three years to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank to support a new food hub model. The Moose Jaw Co-op exemplifies the SIA Agrology Excellence Award criteria through their commitment to hire agrologists, fostering their professional development, prioritizing customer care, and giving back to the community.