Keith Leckie was best known for the distinguished leadership he gave the Canadian Meat Council (formerly Meat Packers Council of Canada) serving as its general manager from 1960 until his retirement in 1979, and in other administrative capacities from 1951.

In these positions, he played a key role in developing the teletype system for selling hogs; advocated a more integrated livestock/feed grains policy; encouraged progressive improvements in cattle and hog rail grading; and promoted cost/benefit analysis of all livestock marketing programs.

A former professor of Agriculture Economics at the Ontario Agricultural College, and an Economic Research Assistant with Agriculture Canada, he was much in demand as a speaker, writer, and resource person to governments.

Throughout his career, Keith served in many official capacities, including: vice-president, Agricultural Institutes of Canada; president, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society; director, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and chairman of its market livestock committee; and director of the Canadian 4-H Council.

In recognition of his contributions to swine improvement and leadership in agri-business, he was awarded the OAC Centennial Medal in 1974.

In 1977, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association named him their first Honourary Cattleman.