Robert Hironaka still recalls a phone call from a 300-head feedlot operator who was having problems with bloating animals. He was treating 20 head per day for the problem, and needed advice.
Hironaka, a scientist at the Lethbridge Research Centre, had done extensive work on feed rations and feedlot economics, and he quickly identified the issue.
“He was making his grain too fine. I said ‘well look, you’ve got an auger. Drill a hole in the topside of the auger, put a garden hose attachment on it, and run the barley up’.”
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Three days later, the bloat problems had disappeared. And Hironaka had once again proven his reputation for developing a system of tempering feed grains to reduce fine particles in feed rations and improve feedlot efficiency.
On Oct. 17 Hironaka, 84, will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence for his work in research, in academia and in community volunteer work.
Brian Freeze, research manager at the Agriculture Canada Lethbridge Research Centre, describes Hironaka as a mentor and a researcher who helped develop southern Alberta’s feedlot industry into a major economic driver.
Freeze said when Hironaka began his research at the centre in 1959, feedlots were small, with 100 to 500 head. By the time he retired in 1991, feedlots of 20,000 were common.
“One of the initial problems of feeding barley in the late 1970s and early 80s was the fine particles and dust associated with barley,” said Freeze.
“Dr. Hironaka is credited with developing the currently used system of tempering barley, i.e. adding water to barley and allowing it to soak before mixing it with barley silage and feeding it.”
As well, Hironaka was at the forefront of devising digestible rations from a variety of feeds to minimize cost and maximize efficiency.
Working with economists including Freeze and Bernie Sonntag, Hironaka devised financial risk management strategies that allowed operations to feed cattle longer, if necessary, so they could take advantage of better prices.
“His contribution was to develop and refine the feedlot finishing system in Alberta focused on barley and barley silage,” said Freeze. His work helped feedlots develop profitable finishing systems.
Hironaka was born on a farm near Raymond and attended Olds College of Agriculture, the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge. He was a member of the U of L senate and served as chancellor from 1995-99.
He is also known in southern Alberta as one of the founders of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens, which continue to be a major tourism draw.
He recalls busy times of managing the finances of garden construction as a volunteer while also working as a researcher, but the results were worth it.
Hironaka has visited many gardens in Japan and says Nikka Yuko rivals those, largely because of its “borrowed view” next to Henderson Lake.
“A Japanese garden is something that you feel,” he says.
Hironaka will receive his provincial award in the company of recipients that include Reform Party founder Preston Manning, ATCO and Spruce Meadows founder Ron Southern and five others.
