Two Manitoban agriculture leaders were honoured for outstanding professional contributions and public service at a University of Manitoba celebration June 1.
Jill Verwey and Ian Steppler received certificates of merit, presented by the faculty and the School of Agriculture, a June 2 news release from the university read.
Verwey runs a mixed dairy, beef and crop farm with her family near Portage la Prairie. She is the current president of the Keystone Agricultural Producers and has served with many other organizations, including Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and Ag in the Classroom. She has also volunteered in community groups like the Portage General Hospital Foundation.
Read Also
A place of national honour for former deputy ag minister, Dori Gingera-Beauchemin
Long public service, focus on community and industry leadership launch Dori Gingera-Beauchemin into 2025 Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame honourees
Steppler farms near Miami, Man., and is president of the Manitoba Beekeepers Association.
“Ian was the driving force behind the establishment of the Knowledge Research Transfer Program, a program that will provide extension services to help mitigate future losses of bees as well as conduct demonstration trials that will help to transfer research innovation to use by industry,” the release said.
Steppler has also served with other organizations, including the Deerwood Watershed Authority and provincial Agricultural Advisory Committee. He regularly speaks on beekeeping through his YouTube channel and at conferences.
To date, 90 individuals have been acknowledged by the University of Manitoba for their contributions since the award was first presented in 1981.
