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.

Kenneth Cox (Armena)

Ken Cox represents total commitment and dedication to every part of his life’s activities.  He, and his wife Verny, have successfully raised a family and developed a top quality Angus cattle operation on their Armena Farm.

Ken graduated from the Vermilion School of Agriculture in 1962 and then attended the American Herdsmen Institute in Missouri.  He worked at Byers Flour Mills and then moved on to become the herdsman for many farms in the surrounding area.

With a lifelong and unwavering belief in the 4-H program, Ken has always given totally of himself to Alberta Youth.  Ken held numerous workshops and demonstrations and judged at many 4-H shows, locally as well as nationally.  As well, Ken is recognized across the province for his commitment and involvement in Northlands Farm Fair, Canadian Angus Association, Alberta Angus Association, Stettler Agricultural Society, Camrose Regional Exhibition and many other local and provincial organizations.

Ken has unfailingly volunteered in Armena and surrounding communities and unselfishly used his organizational skills for the benefit of others.

A man of dignity and integrity, Ken is an inspirational leader in our community.

2012

Mildred Luz was one of those individuals best characterized by the phrase "salt of the earth".  She left a legacy of lifelong commitment and dedication to her farm, to raising a family and to supporting her community.

Mildred strongly believed in the value and strength of the farm family, rural community and the contribution of women to both.

A graduate of Olds College, she used her education, organizational skills and everlasting enthusiasm to raise a family, operate a successful farm with her husband Art, and provide leadership to agriculture in Alberta through memberships in various organizations.  Her most cherished membership was in the Heather Brae Women's Institute, where she remained an active member with perfect attendance for over 50 years.

Another passion of Mildred was "Fall Focus".  With Mildred's leadership, Fall Focus grew from 80 participants to 375.  She strongly represented the needs of area farm women and focused on the issues that they faced on a regular basis.

In 2002, she received the Golden Jubilee Award.  This award is given to citizens who have made significant contributions to Canada, a province, or a community which helped improved the lives of fellow citizens.

Characterized by quiet dignity, natural grace and terrific leadership and mentoring skills, Mildred has left an indelible mark on her community, family and our society.  She was a pioneer for women in rural leadership development and inspired many younger farm women.

Whether locally, provincially or nationally, Humphrey Banack has displayed sincere and passionate leadership in helping to improve agriculture to the benefit of farm families.

He and his wife Teressa, have successfully farmed and raised a family in the Round Hill area. He was in the pork business for many years and served as a delegate with the Alberta Pork Producers. Humphrey also had a cow-calf operation in the past, and is strongly focusing on the grain and oilseed operations. Humphrey has exhibited whole-hearted commitment and dedication to his community by being integrally involved in all aspects of life and organizations within the Round Hill community.

On a more public scale, Humphrey has carried out leadership roles in provincial and national agricultural organizations such as the Wild Rose Agricultural Producers Association as President and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture as Second Vice-President. His vision for a vibrant, profitable and sustainable agriculture industry, coupled with his efforts to bridge the gap between urban consumers and primary producers, is truly worthy of recognition and appreciation.

2010

Benjamin "Ben" Cyril Hirsch (Camrose) A long time farmer in Camrose County, Ben Hirsch has had a successful farming career combined with a whole-hearted commitment to community activities.

Ben and his wife, Doris, have raised their family on the farm east of Camrose. Together they have participated in many community events such as 4-H and the Camrose Fair.

Ben's special skills and knowledge of horses have been a huge part of his life on the farm and in the community.  He ran a very successful commercial horse breeding program featuring Appaloosa, Quarter Horse, Arabian and Morgan breeds.  His volunteer accomplishments include helping to found the Camrose Easy Riders 4-H Club, serving on the Board and many committees for the Camrose Regional Exhibition and being instrumental in choosing the present location for the CRE.  Ben also brought the first event to the new CRE Fairgrounds, the Lakeland Rodeo.

In 1982, Ben received the Canadian Fairs and Exhibition Volunteer of the Year Award due to his long standing involvement with Camrose Regional Exhibition.  In addition to having a lifelong love affair with the CRE, Ben has been deeply involved in the United Farmers of Alberta and the Hampton Historical Society.

Gus Lindstrom from the Meeting Creek-Bashaw area has made a huge contribution to agriculture and community during his career as farmer, entrepreneur and administrator.

Gus grew up in the Meeting Creek area and loved farming all his life.  Married to Linda, they operated a very successful seed farm, winning seed industry awards.  His dedication to the seed industry and forward thinking led him to become the General Manager of the Association of Alberta Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants.  Gus was integral in the grain and seed cleaning industry learning about and using seed treatments which have provided economic benefit to grain producers across Alberta.

In addition to serving Albertans provincially, Gus was a remarkable community stalwart.  A long time board member of the Bashaw Co-op Seed Cleaning Plant, Gus was a driving force in its development.  He also served the Evergreen Rural Electrification Association, Meeting Creek Community Association and other community and regional organizations.

He is renowned within his community for his positive attitude, optimism and enthusiasm for farming and life in general and for his selfless commitment to making life better.

Marvin Schultz is a man of many skills, vision and ambition from the Hay Lakes community.

A family man, Marvin and his wife Darlene, raised their family on their dairy, beef, grain and hay farm.  An accomplished mechanic, welder and carpenter, Marvin not only used these skills on his own farm, but willingly taught them to others in his community.

He and his family participated in an urban-rural school exchange where students visited the farm and learned first-hand about farm life and the importance of being a good steward of the land, preserving it for future generations.

In addition to being innovative and hard working on his own farm, Marvin has served the Hay Lakes community in numerous ways for many years.  He is an integral part of the Hay Lakes Agricultural Society.  Marvin has been instrumental in its accomplishments such as building and upgrading the Agriplex and its adjoining land so that individuals and groups of all ages and interests can use its many features.  As well, he has volunteered time and talent to develop the Hay Lakes Lions Campground.

Family, community and future generations have and will benefit from Marvin's efforts and skills to improve the quality of life in Camrose County.