Five outstanding individuals were recognized for lifelong contributions to Canadian agriculture with their formal induction into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Dr. Brian Rossnagel, Kenneth Forth, Guy Charbonneau, Gary Bowers and Dr. David Bailey were honoured at a special event on Saturday, November 7 in Laval, Québec. 

“This year’s inductees provide another great reminder that our industry is built on a rock-solid foundation of leadership, innovation and dedication,” says Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame chair Phil Boyd. “It’s an honour to bring them into the spotlight to share their long-lasting achievements that continue to contribute to the strength and resilience of Canada’s agri-food industry.” 

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. Since 2006, Bailey has been president and CEO of Genome Alberta. David Bailey lives in Calgary, AB and was nominated by Wilf Keller. Find out more about David.

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 leadership roles include 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 The Semex Alliance. Find out more about Gary.

Guy Charbonneau has been a co-owner of Ferme Vachalê, a Holstein dairy farm and agricultural operation for 11 consecutive generations. Charbonneau has dedicated 57 years to championing causes and making a difference in agriculture and within his community. He 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. Find out more about Guy.

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). Ken Forth lives in Lynden, ON and was nominated by Deborah Forth and Anne Fowlie. Find out more about Ken.

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. His leadership and collaborative approach to plant breeding successfully strengthened Canada’s international competitiveness and delivered lasting economic benefits to farmers, processors and consumers. Rossnagel’s 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. Brian Rossnagel lives in Saskatoon, SK and was nominated by the Crop Development Centre – University of Saskatchewan. Find out more about Brian.

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 November 10, 2026 news release