Agricultural Wall of Honor

This honor recognizes the contributions to Agriculture by individual producers, individuals in agri-business, or individuals in extension and research work.  Candidates for the Agriculture Wall of Honor should have demonstrated leadership in farm, rural and community organizations at the district, county or provincial level.  Selections for the Camrose Agricultural Wall of Honor are considered on the basis of a person's outstanding contribution to agricultural development and the quality of rural life within the perimeter of Camrose County.

Nomination and Application forms can be found here or by contacting the Agricultural Services Office by phone (780) 672-4765, or email ASB@county.camrose.ab.ca.

 2016

Nan Shute

Nan Shute has made a huge contribution to plant agriculture (horticulture) in our community and county as well as the provincial level.

She, and her late husband, Walter, began their interest in horticulture on their farm northeast of Camrose. After retiring from the teaching profession, Nan continued this interest by becoming an Accredited Judge with a Rose Specialty.

Nan has volunteered many hours being a leader and teacher in this field: educating Alberta students in the Grade 6 curriculum, Trees and Forests, a member of the Camrose and District Horticultural Association, Alberta Horticultural Association, Camrose Communities in Bloom, Rose City Rose and Lily Show, Junior Gardeners in the County, Agricultural Communications Committee activities, judging Alberta Bench Shows, giving presentations on horticulture, Rosehaven Courtyard revival, initiated planting and care of the rose and garden at the Bill Fowler Center and Memorial Garden as well as involvement in other local organizations.

Nan is truly dedicated to the promotion of responsible husbandry of our land and the importance and joy of growing plants. She delights in discovering the new and amazing and is willing to share her expertise.

Glenn Friesen

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

As Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Meridian Manufacturing Ltd, Camrose, Alberta, Glenn has played a pivotal role in the development and commercialization of innovative grain storage and handling solutions over the last 33 years. This was accomplished through his relationships with dealers, farmers and the local community. In addition, his many hours seeding in the spring and combining in the fall, instilled in Glenn respect and gratitude for the agrarian way of life. As a visionary and leader, Glenn has clearly contributed to the growth of the company.

Glenn has likewise generously contributed his time and talent to the agricultural community in the Camrose County: as Director & VP of Vision Credit Union Board, in the start-up of the Canadian Food Grains Bank together with Rod Ross and as an active member of Century Meadows Baptist church.

With three years at Peace River Bible Institute, a concise business economics course at Queens, Glenn believes that his best education was and continues to be the relationships with brilliant farmers and producers he encounters, his friends, and customers, his children, his wife, and God who first gave him salvation, and strength, health and wisdom.

Finally, for one born with dirt in his blood, Camrose, and its agricultural community, have been the driving force for Glenn’s vision both at Meridian, and the surrounding rural initiatives.  

David Solverson

Dave was born and raised in Camrose, Alberta. He started his farming career at the age of 8, raising purebred Hereford cattle. He was active in 4H as both a participant and later as a local judge.

In 1983, he and his brother, Ken took over the family farm, Woodwind Ranch, from their father, Bill. The ranch is located west of Camrose on the Battle River valley. Currently, the ranch operates on 6,000 acres with 2,500 head of cattle. Over the years, the family hosted the Cancer Trail Ride and are strong supporters of the Battle River Community Foundation.

From the mid 1990’s to 2016, Dave was active in various agricultural industry organizations, including the Canadian Bull Congress, Alberta Barley, Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Associations, where he served as President from 2014-16. Dave has contributed many hours towards improving the Canadian rancher’s ability to compete internationally and has been influential in the development of federal and provincial agricultural policies, which have helped the beef producer.

As a strong and passionate advocate of Canadian beef, Dave has been instrumental in leading the industry to be competitive in global markets.

Marian Williams

Marian Williams started her career as a District Home Economist for Alberta Agriculture in 1975, after graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics.  She held positions in Vegreville, Vermilion and Olds before moving to Camrose where she spent the rest of her career.  Like her father Larry, a District Agriculturist, and her mother Esther, the first permanent District Home Economist in Alberta, Marian has been outstanding in her commitment to agriculture and an integral part of both the urban and rural community.

Throughout her career, Marian led the way in providing information to people on food safety, consumer education, nutrition, farm management and community development. An advocate for learning opportunities for farm women, Marian started the very successful rural women's Fall Focus Conference which provided leadership, learning and laughter. An enthusiastic advocate of local food, she has supported and encouraged the growth of local food production to the benefit of both producers and consumers.

She has been involved in every aspect of community life ranging from church and 4H youth groups, volunteering for community events and board member for groups such as Alberta Winter Games, The Bethany Group and The Bailey Theatre and an accomplished member of a synchronized skating team.

Marian's lifelong extension legacy is one of innovation, unfailing public service and total commitment, caring and concern for others.