Two Manitobans are among the latest inductees to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Dr. Digvir Jayas, currently the University of Manitoba’s vice-president (research and International), has spent more than 30 years researching the ecosystem of stored grain.
This work has contributed to global food security and the economic well-being of farmers by minimizing losses of stored grain.
His research team developed the concept for horizontal airflow drying of grain and the first 3-D model that’s driving better management systems for storing grain. This has improved quality for human consumption and benefitted Canadian farmers.
Jayas is noted for his interdisciplinary approach to research and his collaboration with others in government, industry and academia.
Ashok Sakar has been called a ‘legendary’ flour miller and tireless advocate of Canadian grains during a career spanning more than 50 years.
He began working in grain milling and travelled around the world from India to Switzerland before settling in Canada in 1979, when he joined the Canadian International Grains Institute (now Cereals Canada.)
As head of milling for that organization, he developed milling efficiencies and generated flours with desired quality attributes for food products around the globe.
Over the years, Sakar earned a reputation for engaging the entire value chain to influence opportunities and maximize potential for Canadian grains. His work focused on wheat, buckwheat, food barley, canary seed and pulses to develop a variety of milled ingredients.
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Since retiring in 2014, Sakar’s passion for Canadian grains and milling continued as a consultant with Cereals Canada as an educator, innovator, researcher and mentor.
Also nominated were Maurice Delage of Indian Head, Sask. and Mabel Hamilton of Innisfail, Alta.
Delage was an agribusiness leader who now farms. During his business career he led Hoechst Canada, AgrEvo Canada and Aventis North America.
He’s noted for his early support of biotechnology, leadership in the development of hybrid canola lines that continue to dominate the Canadian industry and fostering intercontinental research co-operation.
Hamilton is a teacher by training and over more than 40 years she held leadership roles in various cattle industry organizations, including the Alberta Cattle Commission (now Alberta Beef Producers), the Canadian Angus Association and the Beef Information Centre.
Her achievements include developing a classroom agricultural program for Grade 4 students to increase urban youth’s understanding of where food comes from and strengthening the beef sector’s connection to consumers through education and advertising.
