Six inductees selected to join Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for 2025

John Anderson is an innovative entrepreneur and international business leader who has dedicated his 50-year career to Oppy – a global fresh produce food retail business that relies on Canadian agriculture. From his early days in the warehouse to CEO, John transformed Oppy with his vision and relentless dedication to excellence to advance sustainable agriculture and support local agricultural communities. Under John’s leadership, Oppy made groundbreaking advancements in agricultural practices and distribution methods while continuously focusing on championing the success of the Canadian agriculture industry. His enduring focus on sustainability, farm wages and community welfare has earned the company, and him, global acclaim and numerous awards. John Anderson lives in West Vancouver, BC and was nominated by the Honourable Wally Oppal.

Dori Gingera-Beauchemin dedicated her public service career to the sustainable development of Manitoba’s agri-food sectors. A respected leader and mentor, Dori’s roles included deputy agriculture minister where she worked diligently to ensure agricultural policies were responsive to the evolving needs of Canadian farm communities. Her unwavering advocacy contributed to initiatives to build public trust, establish a Research Chair in Sustainable Protein at the University of Manitoba, increase opportunities for future generations with the Canadian 4-H Foundation, and serve on Farmers Abroad Canada. Since retiring, Dori is helping develop Canada’s first national agri-food sustainability index, and operates Beauchemin Family Farm. Dori Gingera-Beauchemin lives in Ile Des Chenes, MB and was nominated by Emerging Ag Inc.

Gaétan Desroches has devoted more than four decades of leadership and vision to Sollio Cooperative Group, Canada’s largest agricultural cooperative with roots in Quebec. As CEO, Gaétan laid the foundation for a more innovative, resilient and supportive agriculture sector in Quebec and beyond. A respected advocate and tireless ambassador, Gaétan led the organization through strategic mergers, collaboration with Laval University to develop a research farm, and rebranding and repositioning from its roots as La Coop fédérée. Gaetan has made a profound impact on the agricultural landscape in Quebec and Canada, modernizing the cooperative model towards a more competitive and sustainable model. Gaétan Desroches lives in Morin-Heights, QC and was nominated by Sollio Cooperative Group.

Joe Hudson was instrumental in shaping Canada’s egg industry as the founder and CEO of Burnbrae Farms for nearly 60 years. Joe’s leadership saw Burnbrae transform the egg sector with his vision for vertical integration and become Canada’s largest family owned and operated integrated producer and marketer of eggs and egg products. His passion and determination drove the company’s phenomenal growth and success to be one of Canada’s most successful agri-food businesses. Burnbrae’s success also afforded Joe the opportunity to make lasting impacts on the larger agricultural industry and communities across the country through partnerships and charitable giving. Joe Hudson lived in Brockville, ON and was nominated by Egg Farmers of Canada.

Dennis Laycraft is a lifelong champion for Canada’s beef industry who has made an indelible mark on many critical aspects of today’s industry. For more than 40 years, his patient leadership style at the Canadian Cattle Association has been opening and defending markets, and building critical capacity as he continuously drives Canadian trade and competitiveness interests. As a skilled collaborator, Dennis has played key roles in many initiatives including the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Canada Beef and the new Agricultural Market Access Secretariat. He’s mentored many to ensure the industry’s export capacity and competitiveness are built on preparation, principles and quick action. Dennis Laycraft lives in Calgary, AB and was nominated by the Canadian Cattle Association.

Dr. Peter Sikkema is a leading weed scientist who dedicated his career to developing weed management programs for producers in Ontario and beyond. A researcher and educator at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, Peter’s research helped farmers minimize crop yield loss from weed interference and maximize net return per acre. He’s internationally recognized for pioneering work on herbicide-resistant weeds in corn, soybeans, small grains and edible beans. Peter was committed to addressing real-world challenges and knew the value of his research was measured by changes made to on-farm weed management practices. His practical, down-to-earth approach drove his extension activities, resulting in numerous research, extension and teaching awards. Dr. Peter Sikkema lives in Ridgetown, ON and was nominated by Grain Farmers of Ontario.

CAHFA was organized in 1960 and is administered by 12 volunteer Board of Directors residing in regions across Canada.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

Six inductees selected to join Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for 2025

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