Saskatchewan agricultural leaders, innovators to be recognized

Even if you’re not a farmer, chances are that if you live in Saskatchewan, you’ve been to a farm, seen a farm or know a farmer.

After a long and accomplished career, one of those farmers — Les Johnston — is finally being recognized for his work in the field.

Johnston has dedicated most of his life to the livestock industry, and now he is one of six people being inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame this year.

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Spending the majority of his life on the farm, Johnston has made countless contributions that have helped not only his family but many other families currently working in agriculture.

“To be recognized in the greatest agriculture province probably in the world and to be associated with some of the greatest and most innovative and creative agriculture production minds in this province is actually very humbling,” Johnston told The Evan Bray Show.

Some of Johnston’s many accomplishments include helping to establish the Saskatchewan 4H Alumni at the University of Saskatchewan, receiving a certificate in Beef Management and Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination, and representing Saskatchewan on the National Quality Starts Here program.

He attributes his success to many different things, one of which is his wife.

“(For) 45 years, three months and I believe it’s 11 days right now, she’s been through every blizzard, drought, calving (and) BSE, and she’s highly organized, and we always managed to have a great meal,” said Johnston.

He said he wouldn’t change his career for the world.

“It was an opportunity to work with some of the greatest people that we have in this province. Agriculture is unbelievable; what a great place to grow up,” said Johnston.

This year’s inductees into the Hall of Fame are Johnston, Abdul Jalil, Brian Olson, Bruce Coulman, Grant Carlson and Stewart Stone. A ceremony honouring this year’s inductees is to be held next Saturday at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.