Toronto (Ontario) [18 juin 2026] – 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.
L'Association du Temple canadien de la renommée agricole (ACAHA) honore et célèbre les Canadiens pour leurs contributions exceptionnelles à l'industrie agricole et alimentaire. Les portraits sont exposés dans la galerie du Temple canadien de la renommée agricole située à la Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Le CAHFA fait également connaître l'importance des réalisations des intronisés pour le Canada. La CAHFA a été créée en 1960 et est administrée par 12 conseils d'administration bénévoles résidant dans les régions du Canada. cahfa.com
Pour plus d'informations, contactez:
Phil Boyd
Président de la CAHFA
[email protected]
Brenda Trask
Directeur exécutif, CAHFA
[email protected]
