Researcher dies
Herman Austenson, executive director of the Western Grains Research Foundation from 1989 to 1996, died March 27 in Saskatoon.
From 1975 to 1983, he was head of crop science and plant ecology at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and was director of the Crop Development Centre.
“Herman’s credibility in the industry and his attention to detail were an important part of launching the Western Grains Research Foundation as a farmer funded, farmer directed research organization,” said foundation chair Cam Henry.
In the 1940s, Austenson studied at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with his masters in field husbandry and plant breeding in 1948. He earned a Ph. D in agronomy in 1951 from Washington State University.
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He is survived by his wife Marilyn Steel, two sons and a daughter, a granddaughter, two sisters and two brothers. His first wife, Ruth, died in 1971.
Retiree honored
Peter Langemann, board member for the St. Mary River Irrigation District for 21 years, announced his retirement at the district’s recent annual meeting.
For the last 10 years, Langemann, of Coaldale, Alta., served as chair of the board administering one of the largest irrigation districts in Alberta.
Milk quality awards
The Manitoba Milk Quality Certificate program recognized 198 producers earlier this month.
Award winners are selected on the basis of ability to meet stringent standards for milk quality. Those standards include low bacteria count, low somatic cell count, absence of water and antibiotics and acceptable farm premises ratings through the year.
Those who meet qualifying standards receive either a gold or merit certificate. This year there were 74 gold and 124 merit certificate recipients.
Farm Credit Corporation sponsors awards to the top 10 milk quality recipients in Manitoba. This year they are: Allan Houndle, Petersfield; Grenkow Dairy Farms Ltd., Winnipeg; Raymond Hayward, Pilot Mound; Sunnyside Colony Farms, Newton Siding; Leonard A. Carlson, Tuelon; Michael Carels, Bruxelles; Meisner Cousins, Moosehorn; Edwin D. Elias, Morden; Rosser Holsteins, Rosser; Wilbert P. Klapprat, Beausejour.
