SASKATOON — Three men were recently inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Eion Chisholm of Okotoks, James Christie of Trochu and Hugh Michael of Lethbridge were honored for their service to agriculture and rural life.
Feedlot builder
Eion Chisholm saw the potential and opportunity in cattle finishing. In 1958 he founded Western Feedlots Ltd. and managed the company for 30 years, building the largest cattle-finishing business in the province.
He was one of the originators of Canfax, a cattle sales information service paid by cattle producers. He was also instrumental in changing the beef grading system.
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Although he’s retired from Western Feedlots he remains a governor of the Western Stock Growers’ Association.
Directed insurance
James Christie has been involved in farm organizations all his life. He was director and chair of the Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance Corp. for more than 15 years. He was director and later chair of the Alberta Weather Modification Board from 1972 until it was discontinued in 1986.
Christie was interested in adopting new technology and farming practices and encouraging others to do the same. His efforts at promoting co-operation among government and industry was key to getting money for the Swine Research Centre. He continually promoted the interests of hog producers as a member of the Alberta Hog Marketing Board.
Canola pioneer
Hugh Michael was a pioneer in canola processing and marketing. During the 1950s he saw the value of rapeseed as a cash crop.
He was a founder of the canola crusher, Western Canadian Seed Processors, now known as Canbra Foods, in Lethbridge. He was instrumental in promoting the new variety of rapeseed called canola.
In 1961 Western Canadian Seed Processors opened the first edible oil extraction plant in the province. It still is a leader in the crushing industry as a fully integrated oilseed processing plant producing for both domestic and export markets.
