Saskatchewan rancher Neil Jahnke is being remembered for decades of dedication to the beef industry, but mostly for piloting Canada through the BSE crisis.
Jahnke, 70, died Nov. 26 on his Gouldtown ranch. The funeral was Dec. 3.
Jahnke was president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association in 2003 when BSE was found in a Canadian cow.
“His leadership during that difficult time boosted consumer confidence in our beef, and he stood up against protectionist policies that threatened the industry,” said provincial agriculture minister Lyle Stewart.
Ralph Goodale, a Regina Liberal MP who in 2003 was in the federal cabinet, said there was never a stronger champion for producers.
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“Colourful, forceful and fearless, Neil was a natural leader who worked his heart out for the industry he loved,” he said.
Jahnke served as president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Saskatchewan Livestock Association, Canada Beef Export Federation and the Beef Information Centre and was a board member of Canadian Western Agribition.
He was named to the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2005 and was to receive a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal this week.
His wife Marilyn, son Shane and daughter J.J survive him.
