The Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame will officially recognize six outstanding individuals who will be formally inducted into the Hall and honored for their lifetime of achievements and contributions in agriculture.
Reed Andrew, President of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame, says this award recognizes a lifetime of commitment, innovation, and plain hard work to help strengthen and grow Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
"Congratulations to this year’s inductees; they have made a lasting impact on agriculture and the province as a whole."
This year's six individuals are being inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition for the significant contributions they've made to the advancement of the agricultural industry.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Bors as Head of the Fruit Program, Plant Sciences Department, University of Saskatchewan, has successfully introduced nine sour cherry and 10 haskap varieties and has supported the commercialization of cherries and haskaps across Canada.
His fruit plants are grown by home gardeners and commercial fruit producers across Canada, the United States and Europe. He also maintains the Prairie Fruit Genebank preserving the germplasm of prairie fruit plants.
Frank and Gerry Bourgault of Bourgault Industries at St Brieux are also being inducted.
Frank’s youngest son, Claude says his dad was an inventive guy right from the get-go; he was always tinkering.
"He was a very creative guy, very easygoing guy, and courageous as hell. Because to be able to do what he did at 50 years old, start Bourgault Industries, at that time was really high risk. And he brought in guys like Gerry and really competent people. He was a great guy to work with. He didn't live long enough. He was only 65 when he died. He was the foundation for the company for many years and that's why they're being inducted together. Dad took the risk, brought it to a certain point, and Gerry took the ball and ran with it."
The late Harold Martens will be recognized for his passion for agriculture and his efforts to try and improve the industry for producers.
He served in municipal politics before becoming the MLA for Morse in 1982, a role he held for 13 years serving as Associate Minister of Agriculture and Food in the Devine Government. He also served on numerous local and agricultural committees, including serving as president of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers.
Dr. Grant Royan a graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s Veterinary College, is also being inducted Saturday.
Dr. Royan and partner Dr. Del Pearson operated the Sherwood Animal Clinic in Regina, which served as the main large animal clinic in the Regina area for more than 20 years. He also served many years as a board member for Canadian Western Agribition and the official veterinarian. Dr Royan has been a mentor to many veterinarian students and also worked as a technical consultant for multiple Canadian veterinary pharmaceutical companies.
If you remember watching the Prairie Farm Report, you'll remember the name Bill Wilson.
Bill Wilson will also be inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame on Saturday. Wilson n had his start in the late 70's at the radio station in Weyburn, before moving on to radio and
television, with his focus being on agriculture. In 1983 he started his own business and developed the Prairie Farm Report a unique half hour informational/documentary style television series focusing on farms and ranches. The half hour series has aired every season for over 30 years and can now be found on the Rural Channel.
The six 2025 honorees Dr. Robert Bors, Frank Bourgault, Gerry Bourgault, Harold Martens, Dr. Grant Royan, and Bill Wilson will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame is located at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon.