Canadian agriculture runs on innovation and dedication, and five outstanding individuals will be honoured for their lasting contributions as the 2026 inductees into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA). Dr. Brian Rossnagel, Ken Forth, Guy Charbonneau, Gary Bowers and Dr. David Bailey will be formally inducted at a special ceremony on Saturday, November 7 in Laval, Québec.

“We are welcoming a fantastic array of individuals who have helped shape the landscape of Canadian agriculture by impacting the people, the policies and the opportunities that drive our industry,” says Phil Boyd, chair, CAHFA. “They demonstrate a shared value of leadership across every commodity and sector of agriculture, and it is with great pride that we welcome them into the ranks of Canada’s big change makers at the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.” 

Dr. David Bailey is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Canadian agriculture through his more than 40-year commitment to scientific research, food safety and advancing the integration of genomics into agri-food production. His career with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) spans the country, reflecting the national scope and impact his work had on research and innovation. Bailey joined AAFC as a research scientist and took on progressively senior leadership roles including research centre director in Ontario, PEI and Alberta, and Director General of Food Safety and Quality in Nova Scotia. Since 2006, Bailey has been president and CEO of Genome Alberta. David Bailey lives in Calgary, AB and was nominated by Wilf Keller.

Gary Bowers dedicated his career to advancing the Jersey breed of dairy cattle, establishing himself as an outstanding breeder and developer of elite cow families and A.I. sires under the Lencrest prefix. A transformative leader in Canadian dairy genetics, Bowers’ work as a breeder, judge and industry ambassador has shaped herds, breeding systems and standards in Canada and around the world. His impact on Canadian agriculture is defined by his national influence, practical application and long-term economic benefit to the dairy sector. His longstanding contributions to the industry include leadership roles as president of Jersey Canada and Semex, and a director of the Canadian Dairy Network and Lactanet. Gary Bowers lives in Coaticook, QC and was nominated by Semex.

Guy Charbonneau has been a co-owner of Ferme Vachalê, a Holstein dairy farm and agricultural operation for 11 consecutive generations. With a passion for dairy production, genetics, crops, the environment and sustainability, Charbonneau has dedicated 57 years to championing causes and making a difference in agriculture and within his community. At a young age, he advocated for agriculture and farmers, a passion that ultimately led him to be involved in l’Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA – Quebec farmers’ union) and numerous organizations in the genetics industry. Charbonneau is particularly interested in the interface between agricultural issues and municipal politics, using his talents as a rallying force to promote the pride and importance of agriculture at local, regional, provincial, national and international levels. Guy Charbonneau lives in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, QC and was nominated by Holstein Canada and Lactanet.

Ken Forth channeled his passion, curiosity and persistence to drive lasting developments and advancements for Canada’s fresh fruit and vegetable sector. A fifth-generation farmer, his Forthdale Farms Limited evolved from multi-crop fruit and vegetable production to a broccoli enterprise focused on the Ontario market. Forth has always been a strong advocate for farmers working on issues including trade, farm support programs, agricultural safety and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). His enduring legacy stems from his passion, leadership and the substantial impact he’s had on labour policies affecting Canadian farms, and raising the international profile for Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry. Ken Forth lives in Lynden, ON and was nominated by Deborah Forth and Anne Fowlie.

Dr. Brian Rossnagel transformed barley and oat production during his 35-year career as a plant breeder with the Crop Development Centre – University of Saskatchewan. A distinguished professor emeritus, Rossnagel’s leadership and collaborative approach to plant breeding successfully strengthened Canada’s international competitiveness and delivered lasting economic benefits to farmers, processors and consumers. His prolific breeding program developed more than 100 superior varieties of barley and oats for feed, forage, food and malting markets that have been widely adopted by producers in Western Canada and beyond. Equally enduring is his legacy of extension and mentorship to train future leaders. Brian Rossnagel lives in Saskatoon, SK and was nominated by the Crop Development Centre – University of Saskatchewan. 

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA) honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits are on display in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery located at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The CAHFA also publicizes the importance of inductee achievements to Canada. CAHFA was organized in 1960 and is administered by 12 volunteer Board of Directors residing in regions across Canada. www.cahfa.com

Source:  Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame June 18, 2026 news release