Rick Holm: Inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame 2021, on April 9, 2022

Congratulations to Rick and Merianne Holm for Rick's induction into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame for 2021, on April 9, 2022 in Saskatoon.

The folks in the group photo are (L-R): Bob Baker (Prof Emeritus, Plant Sciences) and his wife Joan Baker.  Marissa Janssen, Pierre Hucl, Rick and Marianne Holm, Bert Vandenberg, Sabine Banniza, Tom Warkentin, Curtis Pozniak.  The last 6 folks are all Crop Development Centre and Curtis Pozniak is the current CDC Director.

FREDERICK (RICK) HOLM

Over a long and distinguished career in plant sciences, Rick Holm made many contributions to the Industry through his research on weed
control and crop development.

Born in 1946 in Gimli, Manitoba, he received a BSA (Honours) from the University of Manitoba in 1969 and an MSc from the University of
Manitoba in 1972. He held several public service positions, including Cereal and Forage Crop Specialist/Supervisor Crop Production Services
for the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture from 1971 to 1976 and Weed Control Specialist for Saskatchewan Agriculture from 1976 to 1981. He was Federated Co-Op’s Agronomist for Western Canada from 1981 to 1984. He joined the Department of Plant Sciences at the University
of Saskatchewan in 1984 as an Associate Professor and was an associate member of the University's Extension Division from 1984 to 1999. He was director of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan from 1999 to 2006 and is a professor emeritus. He retired from the university in 2011. Rick made many contributions to the industry through his research on weed control and crop development. His weed control research was applied and designed to serve the needs of farmers. As director of the CDC, he advanced expansion of the pulse lab and played a key role in supporting the development and commercialization of Clearfield wheat and lentil varieties in Canada. His collaborations with other scientists resulted in new knowledge on the effect of spray water quality on the efficacy of many herbicides.

As an academic. Rick co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts and authored nearly 80 technical reports. He made significant efforts to transfer his research results and knowledge to producers at events and conferences, with a practical, down-to-earth approach to weed
science and extension that was appreciated by producers. He had an excellent rapport with industry, which resulted in securing more than $3.5
million in research funding.

Rick received the Canadian Weed Science Society Excellence in Weed Science Award in 1995 and was awarded Fellowships in the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society of Agronomy and Canadian Weed Science Society in 2000, 2007 and 2008, respectively. His contributions to the seed industry were recognized with honorary lifetime memberships to both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Seed Growers Associations.

Jim Henderson, 1946-2021, Obituary

 

James Henderson 2021

Posted on June 24, 2021 by dom

James Saundry Henderson FCA Jim passed away peacefully in his sleep after a battle with Parkinson’s on June 22, 2021 at the age of 74.
He is survived by his loving wife Liz of 52 years; daughters Keri (Glen) and Pam (Greg); grandchildren Jaeden(Rachel), Galen(Dylan), Abi and Evan; sister Nancy (Jim); sister-in-law Barb; brothers-in-law Lawrence (Julie), Don (Diane), Dave (Leslie), Bill (Carol), Ernie; aunts Margaret, Doris and Darlene; a large extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Jock and Joan, in-laws Clarence and May, sister-in-law Judy and brother-in-law Brian.
Jim was born in Stonewall, Manitoba and raised on the family farm at Argyle. Although he was born with a deformed left hand it did not prevent him from being active in drama, singing, public speaking and many sports. He excelled as a baseball pitcher.
Being a country boy he enrolled in the faculty of agriculture at the U of M and was senior stick his final year. He soon realized, however, that he was more interested in his business electives and went on to do an MBA at UBC and article for his CA in Calgary. His biggest passion was post secondary education and he worked as Director of Education at Institute of CA’s in both Alberta and Manitoba before changing careers to college administration at both Keyano and Grant McEwan and then becoming president of Grande Prairie Regional College.
Jim was very involved in the community with various service clubs, committees and volunteer work. He was awarded an FCA in both Manitoba and Alberta for his dedication to his community and his profession.
He also continued to be active in sports playing his last floor hockey game on his 60th birthday and golfing until Parkinson’s prevented it. After that diagnosis he took up stick curling and boxing which he really enjoyed.
His artistic side came to the fore when he took up oil painting after he retired. The walls are full of his paintings and many family members and friends are proud owners of his work.
Jim’s family was the most important thing in his life. He and Liz lived in many different places and enjoyed most of them. They loved to go on golfing and wine buying trips to BC. In 2018 they celebrated their 50th anniversary with a big party. He was so proud of his daughters and his grandchildren and loved it when the grandsons had a running feud as to who was number 1. We will miss him terribly but know that he is at peace now.
There will be no funeral at this time but we hope to celebrate his life later in the year. Jim loved Scotch and ice cream so please indulge in one or both of them and think of him. The family would like to thank the staff in the 1400 wing at Extendicare Eaux Claire for the wonderful care he received there.
If friends and family so desire donations in his name can be made to Parkinson’s Alberta at the Buchanan Centre, 11209 86 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5B 3H7.

Larry Gompf

2008 with 5# Walleye (pickerel) 1969 Grad Photo 

Bio of Larry Gompf 

I was born and raised on a mixed farm at Oak Lake, Manitoba. We had 1,000 laying hens on the farm which seemed like a lot back then but isn’t even on the radar for size by today’s standards. My most memorable summer was 1968 when I went with Perry Pressman and Mel Johnston to New York to work on a research farm for Geigy Chemicals (now Syngenta). We had a blast and met and worked with some interesting people. Of course this was before graduation but I felt it deserved mention here. 

After graduation, I worked with Shell Chemicals in the ag. research department helping to bring along Endaven and Mataven wild oat chemicals. In the fall of 72, I worked for 7 months for Shell out of head office in Toronto. In 1973, I married Lily Parsonage (BN / 74) from Baldur, Man. We moved to Saskatoon in 1975 where I helped Hoechst Chemicals develop Hoe-Grass, another graminicide for wild oat and green foxtail control in wheat and barley. In January of 1977, my first daughter Laura was born. That fall we moved to Birtle, Man. where I tried my hand at full time farming. I also taught short courses in Crop Production for Assiniboine Community College during this period of time. It was at that time, 3 more daughters came along, Sarah in 1979, Michelle in 1980 and Jenny in 1982. When my farming career ended, I got back into the ag. chemical business with Chipman Chemicals (subsequently named ICI Chemicals, then Zeneca and now Syngenta). With Zeneca, I helped with the development of many crop protection products including Achieve, an effective wild oat and green foxtail product that is registered on a number of crops. 

In 1996 my wife and I went our separate ways and in 2002, I married Beverley Jamieson originally from Souris. We had met in residence at the U of M and remained friends over the years. She is a U of M Pharmacy Grad (69 also.) I finished my career by writing for 3 years for the farm newspaper Grainews. I want to thank Terry Highmoor for positive feedback of my articles over the years. At least it proved to me that someone was reading the words I was scribing. Bev and I live in the Ft. Richmond part of Winnipeg, south of the university. Bev is a good cook and we host a family dinner every Sunday evening when we are around. We have 2 grandsons (10 and 6) and there is another grandchild expected in October. We attend exercise class called Resistance Training for Older Adults at the university 3 times a week from Sept. to mid-May and then get lax (of course) for the summer months. In the winter, we also attend Current World Affairs lectures organized by the Creative Retirement folks. There are always interesting presentations on topics such as the political situation in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, the Middle East, North Korea the state of the economy or “what- have-you.” The discussions after the lecture are sometimes just as interesting as the presentation itself. In the summer, we spend considerable time at our cottage at Eagle Lake near Vermilion Bay, Ontario. One good memory – Bill Day with other guys, dragging a sled from residence to the Monty to buy beer during the snow storm of March 1966. It was either charge others the princely sum of $1.00/bottle or drink it themselves. What do you think happened? Happy 40th anniversary everyone! I look forward to seeing one and all during the weekend. Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have. Larry Gompf

50th Anniversary Reunion attendees July 2019

 UofM 1969 Ag Grads 50 Anniversary Reunion Registrants July 2019

Bill Anderson

Roy Boila

Dave Clarke

Doug & Jum Clements

Reg & Joan Curle

Mike Dolinski

Larry & Bev Gompf

Russ Hampton

Jim & Liz Henderson

Terry & Lucille Highmoor

Gord & Cicely Hills

Rick & Merianne Holm

Mel & Gloria Johnston

Clayton & Cheryl Manness

Malcolm McEachern Did not make it

Ron & Leonna McInnes

Brian & Linda McLeish

Bob & Elaine McNabb

Gerry & Carol Moore

Weldon Newton

John Patterson Did not make it

Jim & Carol Pietryk

Perry Pressman

Ray & Bev Redfern

Tom & Rose Rogers

Pete & Beth Sanderson

Neil & Dorothy Strachan

Ron & Francis Triggs

Colleen & Don Wilkinson

Burke & Helena Wilson

From Rick Holm, June 20, 2020 "A while ago Dave Smith (Senior Stick, 1967-68) who lives just down the street from us gave me a copy of this photo of him handing the Stick over to Jim."

Bob McNabb with wife Elaine, Inducted into Canadian Conservation Hall of Fame

Manitoba zero-till pioneer inducted into conservation hall of fame

Robert (Bob) McNabb called for greater passion for soil, aligning profit with ecology

By Geralyn Wichers, Reporter. Published: November 27, 2019.  

Manitoba Cooperator, FARMIT MANITOBA

Robert (Bob) McNabb, with wife Elaine, was inducted into the Canadian Conservation

Hall of Fame on November 13. Photo: Geralyn Wichers

Robert (Bob) McNabb called for greater passion for soil, aligning profit with ecology Manitoba farmer Robert (Bob) McNabb called for greater passion for soil as he was inducted into
the Canadian Conservation Hall of Fame in Winnipeg, November 13.
In his acceptance address, McNabb called on those gathered to approach soil conservation with
the same passion as teenage, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
“If we could get on that same kind of level with that, we could really bring some sustainability to
this and civilization would be so much better for it,” said McNabb.
Through the Conservation Hall of Fame, the Soil Conservation Council of Canada recognizes those
who have made an outstanding and national contribution to the care of soil along with the water,
air and environment which soil affects, SCCC’s website says.
McNabb farmed for many years near Minnedosa, where he applied zero-tillage methods and later
added a rotation of permanent grasses for custom grazing. He said in 35 years of farming, they
were able to triple their soil organic matter.
McNabb also spent time in Zimbabwe where he co-ordinated a Canadian International
Development Agency-funded agricultural project. Along with locals, he wrote manuals on
conservation farming and zero-tillage practices.
For this and other work, McNabb was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2014. However, as early adopters of zero tillage, they were under a lot of peer pressure, McNabb said.
Their fields were covered with residue, while their neighbours’ were black with neatly sprouting
crops. This led one of his children to ask, “Did Dad screw up again?” McNabb said.
McNabb said the book Top Soil and Civilization by Tom Dale and Vernon Gill Carter cemented
his ideas about soil conservation. The book, written in the 1950s, surveys how past empires
depleted their soil and agricultural base, which contributed to their collapse.
“We really haven’t changed a lot,” McNabb said. “We’re still losing topsoil. We’re not treating soil
with the health that could be, and every civilization in the past (that) has been a downfall — that’s
not probably going to change unless we’re able to change some things.”
McNabb said he sees young farmers who look at farming in terms of profit, not soil health.

“The profit should be driven by ecology,” he said. “We need to find ways to motivate an attention
to soil health. I’m not just sure how to do that.”

WRAP UP REPORT – 50’TH REUNION + PROGRAM

1969 Faculty of Agriculture Graduates

Dear Fellow Aggies:

WRAP UP REPORT – 50’TH REUNION

Our 2019 fiftieth, class of 69, Aggie Reunion on July 18 and 19 was a tremendous success. Most of the thanks
goes to everyone’s eager and enthusiastic response to the call to muster. In addition to the fun, fellowship,
tours and entertainment, the event was a financial success. A small surplus of $55.50 has been donated to
Siloam Mission.

Our Sponsors Clayton Manness, Ray RedFern, the Agriculture Faculty and Karl Gompf are to be thanked
for their part in helping defray the cost of the reunion.

We thank our bus driver, Diana Penner, for arranging the bus at a much-reduced rate and offering to drive
all day at no charge. (However, we were able to reimburse her for her duties.) And we offer kudos to
Megan Dufrat for entertaining us during our reception.

A special standing ovation must go out to Jim Henderson (our Senior Stick) for making such a tremendous
effort to attend the reunion and take part in most of the proceedings. Well done Jim and Liz. Thanks to all
who assisted Jim during the reunion in particular Rick and Merrianne Holm.

A special thanks goes out to Clayton Manness for conducting a most informative tour of Prairie Flour Mills
and for a wonderful address to the Grads at the reception.

Thanks to all who helped set up and take down for the reception with a shout-out to Perry Pressman and
Janet Klaver, for their willing assistance.

A number of attendees were discussing a future reunion, perhaps in 5 years. The 2019 committee suggests
that someone seriously consider taking on the organization of that gathering. We plan to keep in touch and
next time it will probably just be a one-day affair if that is everyone’s wishes.

We offer the following suggestions

1: Establish a committee of three or more people, one who needs to take on the role of treasurer. The
committee needs a few members as there are a number of tasks that need to be completed for the reunion
and some are last minute. We held 3 committee meetings.

2: Start as early as is practical. A year is recommended, but in 2019 we proved that with proper planning,
one half a year worked.

3: Request information and advice from the present committee. This can save a lot of time in tracking down
people.

4: Possibly ask one of the present committee members be an advisor or to fill in on an emergency basis.
(Bill Anderson’s experience and advice was invaluable this year.)

From the 2019 Reunion Committee:

Larry Gompf, Brian McLeish, Bill Anderson, Russ Hampton, Neil Strachan

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Third and Last Letter Before the Reunion

Hi everyone,

This is it, the last letter before the reunion. This is to inform you about how things are planned
to roll out. We want to outline the 2 days in detail to make sure everyone is up to speed. We are
hoping for good sunny weather to ensure the best possible experience.

Day 1:  Thursday July 18th.  This is the toughest day logistically but we know we can make it
happen.  (Note: At the end of this letter there will be options presented re: parking and
travelling so please read it all and help us make some decisions.)

11:00 am: Meet at the U of M Aggie main buildings at the very east end. There is an open area
where we will meet with a welcome and introductions. Crystal Jorgenson, who is the
communications officer for the Faculty of Agriculture, will meet us there. She has lined up a
guest speaker who will present to us about the world of “ticks” which is her expertise.
The Associate Dean will welcome us on behalf of the faculty. The faculty is providing a light
lunch for us.

1:00 pm: After lunch we will walk across campus to the CEOS building, which is just a bit west
of the old President’s house on Chancellor Circle. (66 Chancellor) For more information on
what we will learn about, bring up CEOS - University of Manitoba. Check out videos and watch
any number but the one with the most information is a 10 minute one, where different
scientists from around the world describe the importance of research that is being conducted
]in the north. And of course how important that work is. 

3:00 pm: We want to be at the Human Rights museum for a 90 minute tour.  Below, we will
describe about parking and transportation on the 18th.  So keep reading.

4:30 pm: Leave the Human Rights Museum and head to Brazen Hall, which is a newly created
popular mini-brewery where the old Roundtable restaurant on Pembina Hwy used to be. (It’s
at the corner of Stafford and Pembina.) We will have appetizers and a beer or 2. One round of
a 6 oz beer will be provided (or pop if you aren’t drinking beer) and if you want more, you will
have to pay cash or run a tab.

Before 6:30 pm: Leave Brazen Hall and proceed back to the Holiday Inn at McGillivray and
Pembina.

7:30 pm:  Hospitality suite at the Holiday Inn.  Pizza, renewing acquaintances and telling of
numerous lies. (All fun.) This is meant to be a fun evening but remember the 19th is a big day. 
It’s a BYOB night so if you want to consume alcohol, bring whatever you wish. (Spirits, beer
whatever.) This will not be provided. We’ll have plastic glasses there for everyone at the Hotel’s
request.

Day #2: Friday July 19th:  Our bus will pick everyone up at the Holiday Inn at 9:00 am. If    

anyone needs to ride in a car, let us know so someone can be available to drive.  The bus will
take us to Elie to view a “state of the art” flour mill, where Clayton Manness will be our host
and guide. We will proceed back to Headingley where a catered lunch will be provided.

1:30 pm:  The bus will take everyone to the Bruce Campbell Discovery Centre at Glenlea where
we will have a tour and an explanation about what the centre is all about.

2:30 – 3:00: The bus will take everyone back to the Holiday Inn for freshening up.

5:15 – 5:30:  Our most kind bus driver will pick folks up at the Holiday Inn and drive to

Howden Community Centre, just south of the city, for our reception and dinner.  We have a 

good evening planned; complete with live music. We booked the hall from 5:00 to midnight 

so make use of the time to talk to folks you haven’t seen for awhile. The bus will take folks  

back to the Holiday Inn when things wind down. (Note: We will be passing the hat for our 

pianist who like our bus driver, will be with us all evening. So please bring a little cash for 

her.)

Anywhere from 10:00 pm to midnight the party will be over and we trust that everyone will 

have a good time. We look forward to seeing everyone once again.

               

Note about the 18th parking and transportation: Folks, we need to move people from 

campus to the Human Rights Museum, back to Brazen Hall and then to the Holiday Inn. 

It can all work out but we have a number of proposals and they can all work so please pay 

attention to what we are proposing.

1. take a car to campus and park in public parking spot just east of the which is shown in the
map of parking for the campus. That is the best place to park either for most of the day or just
while we attend the 2 lectures.  Follow these steps closely.
a) Google up U of Manitoba Parking.
b) When that page comes up just below About Us, you’ll see Maps.
c) Hit Maps and at the bottom you’ll see Fort Garry Campus in bold and under that you’ll see
Parking Map.
d) Hit Parking Map and the parking Map of the campus will come up.
e) Print the map off if you are able and look for the Parkade with the big P for parking. That is
where you park. You pay when you leave. You’ll see when you go north on University Crescent ,
you go by the stadium, turn right onto Dysart Rd, take the first right after that and look for
Ralph Campbell Road. After a block or so, the parkade is on your right. After getting your ticket,
proceed to the Agriculture Plant Sciences building and that’s where we meet.

2. We attend the 2 lectures on campus and need to make our way to the Human Rights Museum.
This is where it gets tricky. We have to get 40 some people down there and then Back to Brazen
Hall and then to the Holiday Inn. So we need about 9 vehicles to move everyone. We have 4
vehicles promised so we need a few more. I know we can make it work. Those not driving can
take their car to the Holiday Inn and park on their upper parking lot. Someone will pick you up
there.

On the 19th at Howden Community Centre, Bill Anderson will be taking a group photo, probably
before we eat. So when we call for that to happen, we want everyone to step up. It will not take
too long. Thanks.

Another note:  Because we did not have all the preparations laid out for the Thursday meal
and drinks before now, we have to ask everyone for another $25.00/person. That will be the
last charge and we hope it is not too burdensome. We believe that there will be good value for
money spent and that everyone will leave the reunion with good thoughts and experiences.
See you all soon.

Larry Gompf on behalf of the organizing committee.