By diligently pursuing a boyhood interest in the production of better crops and seeds, Alex Stewart eventually gained international acclaim in 1937 when he won the world’s championship for oats at the International Livestock and Grain Show at Chicago; an honour which he captured again in 1947.

However, it was as a producer, processor and merchandiser of pedigreed seed that he made his greatest contribution to Canada’s basic industry. In these areas he introduced many new varieties which had a significant impact on the agricultural economy of this country.

Being public spirited, Alex served with distinction on the boards of many agricultural organizations. He was the first president of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and lived to see it develop from a humble beginning into the most effective instrument for crop improvement in the province.

When the Ontario Stock Yards became a public utility, Alex became the first chairman of the board. On the national scene, he served as president of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (1944-47) and for many years as a director of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. In 1949, he received the Robertson Associate Award, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association’s highest honour.