A long-time agriculture communicator and leader and one of Roland’s premier pumpkin promoters have been recognized for their contribution to agriculture.
Delaney Ross Burtnack and Arthur Cameron received certificates of merit from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of agriculture and food sciences and school of agriculture May 29. The university hands out the award in “recognition of leadership with agricultural organizations and outstanding service to the community at large.”
The great pumpkin and the country fair
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Cameron is a long-time organizer of the Roland Pumpkin Fair and one of the founding members of the Manitoba Giant Growers Association. According to nominator Milan Lukes, he also holds the record for the province’s heaviest watermelon at 167 pounds.
Lukes, a student at the university, recounted how he, at age 10, met Cameron at the Roland event. He was fascinated with the giant pumpkins and Cameron became a vital source of information.
“Despite my young age, I always felt that Arthur took me seriously,” Lukes said.
Lukes would go on to win the pumpkin weigh-off at the fair a few years later.
“I imagine that few alumni have had an impact so profound as Arthur Cameron, directly bringing amusement and fascination to thousands upon thousands of attendees at the Roland Pumpkin Fair,” Lukes said.
Seeds of research
Ross Burtnack is the executive director of the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), and former president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (CAAR). Her resume includes numerous agriculture communications jobs.
She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a masters of science in agronomy and precision agriculture in 2001, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Professor emeritus Don Flaten, who nominated Ross Burtnack, recounted how she developed new agronomy and safety training resources and re-engaged CAAR in advocacy issues.
In her role at MCGA, her accomplishments include adding a new revenue reserve that allowed investment into research infrastructure at the University of Manitoba and Assiniboine Community College, Flaten said.
“I must say that one of the most enjoyable aspects of my life is to see young people develop into these fabulous leaders in our agricultural industry, and Delaney is one of those people who watching her career has brought me great joy,” he said.
