Volume 240 December 2005

College Report - Name Change for the College?

Dear Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduate Association Members:

I suspect that all of you at some time in your lives have been both apprehen-sive and excited at the same time. That is how I feel as we announce the inten-tion to seek a new name for the College of Agriculture.

I begin by acknowledging the pride we all share in the history of our Collegeand the privilege we enjoy of working in and close to agriculture. Over theyears, we have seen many changes in agriculture, and the College has continuedto lead and to serve this sector. Our commitment to agriculture today remainsfirm. We will continue to engage enthusiastically with the agriculture sector atall levels. We will continue to nurture academic programs in agricultural sci-ence and business. We will work with all of you to position agriculture in theminds of the public as a solution provider for many of society’s greatest issues.

Alongside the commitment to agriculture, we are challenged as an academicinstitution to give greater expression to other applications for our applied sci-ences expertise, in agro-forestry and forestry, and in non-agricultural land andbio-resource management. We know from countless conversations with individ-uals, government, and industry that the current name of the College does notsignal this involvement and interest across these renewable resources sub-sec-tors. We also know that the work we do in food and bio-products science, andin the rural economy, is often overlooked by a majority of our public who takefrom the name of our College that our work ends at the farm gate. I and manyothers are convinced that it is sensible to group all of these bio-science applica-tions within a single college. I personally believe that agriculture is well servedby framing it within a natural resources paradigm.

And so we ask the question: Could a name be chosen that would invoke an

Alumni Award ofAchievement

Presented in recognition of out-standing contribution to profes-sion, community and/or theUniversity of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Bryan Harvey is an interna-tionally renowned scientist, acade-mic, administrator, and public ser-vant. Affiliated with the Universityof Saskatchewan since 1955, Dr.Harvey’s ground-breaking researchon malting barley breeding irrevo-cably changed malting and brew-ing around the world and attractedhundreds of millions of dollars tothe industry in Canada . His pas-sion for science and research isevident not only in his successfulefforts to develop a nationalaccreditation program forCanadian baccalaureate programsin agrology, but in his deep com-mitment to teaching and hisresolve to increase research inten-

Dr. Bryan Harvey(BSA’60, MSc’61,

PhD’64)

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Call For NominationsSAGA awards Honorary Lifetime Memberships to graduates who have dis-

tinguished themselves in both their careers and in their community involve-ment. Traditionally there is one recipient from each of the School and Collegeprograms. SAGA would like your help to ensure we are aware of worthyrecipients. Just send us a note and tell us about the work and communityinvolvement of your nominee. The nominations committee will take it fromthere. Send nominations to Don Mitchell email blucher@sasktel.net or call374-1240.

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sity to serve the people of Canadaand the world. A dedicated scientistand researcher, Dr. Harvey is also aprominent figure in his community,serving as President of theSaskatoon Nutana Rotary Club, as aboard member of the GraniteCurling Club, and as the CharterPresident of the Saskatoon Chapterof the Crohn’s and ColitisFoundation of Canada. He is truly acontributor to Saskatchewan ,Canada , and the world.

understanding by the public, by prospective students and their parents, and byprospective research partners, of our 21st century mandate, inclusive of agricul-tural production of course, inclusive of the entire value chain from farm inputsto finished bio-based products and services, inclusive of the overall rural econ-omy, and inclusive of our mandate for responsible development and utilizationof bio-resources throughout the entire renewable resources sector?

As we proceed now into consultations and toward a decision, let me assureyou that we will not be reckless in our actions concerning the College name.Consultations with students, alumni and other stakeholders will take place overthe next six months and it is possible that we might arrive at a recommendationfor faculty and University consideration by the fall of 2006. No name has beenchosen yet, and no decision has been taken about whether the name will be asingle word or something longer.

I know that you are proud of your College’s history and the important placeit has in society. I anticipate that you will be just as concerned about theCollege’s future. I would be extremely disappointed if our closest friends wereto pass judgment without first engaging in thoughtful conversation with theCollege. It is my sincere hope that you will think deeply and creatively with usabout the College’s mission, and about the College name, so that this Collegeand its graduates can continue to provide exemplary leadership and service toour Province and our World.

Your comments are invited. Email: ernie.barber@usask.ca

Ernie Barber, Dean

Honorary President Glen Hass President Colin PetersonVice-President Judy MacMillan Past President Don Mitchell Secretary Bev MagillTreasurer Carla Trobak Membership Pat Flaten Registrar Richard BellamyAlumni rep Fred Fulton Hall of Fame Bob McKercher ASA Trent Dewar Crop Production Rep Les Henry

Curling (2 year) Lanette Ehman Curling (1 year) Ewald Lammerding

Mixer (2 year) Glenda Clezy Mixer (1 year) Brad Hovland

Banquet (2 year) Teri Ife Banquet (1 year) Mike Kirzinger

Hockey (2year) Jeremy GermanHockey (1 year) Kristian Holden

SAGA Co-Editor Bernie Sonntag SAGA Co-Editor Frank Dunlop

NW MAL Al ShortSW MAL Collin Gerbrandt NE MAL Darren Camm SE MAL Brent McCarthy

2006 SAGA Executive

Alumni, continued from Page 1 Dean’s Message, continued from Page 1

Hitchin’ Post

Lorence Peterson 65C marriedLee Bristow on October 29, 2005 inSaskatoon.

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Greetings agriculture graduates and current students.The 2006 SAGA reunion is approaching quickly, so I

hope you have made plans to be involved with SAGAactivities. Whether you curl, play hockey or just want toget together with classmates and friends I’m sure you willhave a great time attending the various SAGA activities.Details concerning the various events can be found else-where in this newsletter.

SAGA is run by volunteer members. I would like tocommend the current executive for all their work in orga-nizing the reunion activities. We are always looking fornew faces on the executive, so please let me know if youare interested in volunteering for this great organization.

The SAGA executive is still working on a few problemsassociated with emailing the newsletter to members. Thisissue was mailed to ensure that all members received it.

1. Some members have requested a hard copy of thenewsletter instead of an electronic version. This seems likea simple request, however, our SAGA database, which ismaintained by the University, does not allow us to do this.The database system does not allow us to segregate peoplewho have provided email addresses, but want hard copies.

Once we enter your email address in the database, you areoff the hard copy mailing list.

2. Email addresses change frequently. We need to devel-op a system to handle incorrect email addresses, emailaddress changes and bounce backs (undeliverable email).These members will not receive a newsletter since they willnot be on the hard copy mailing list.

3. University Advancement has created an on-line updateform to address the problem of updating information.SAGA uses this database. The website can be accessed atthe following URL: http://www.usask.ca/alumni/alum-nisite/services/addressupdate.shtml In the future, check theCollege of Agriculture website for the same on-line form.

To conclude, I hope to see you at the 2006 SAGAreunion. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend theactivities on January 13th-15th. It will be a wonderfulweekend filled with good times, allowing you to reminiscewith your classmates and friends about the good old daysnot so long ago.

Colin Peterson, C95SAGA President

The President’s Pen

Reunion Weekend 2006 - Plan to AttendSAGA ANNUAL MEETING

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 7 p.m.THE SASKATOON INN Saskatchewan Ballroom A

All SAGA members welcome!

SAGA MIXER Friday, January 13, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.

Saskatchewan Ballroom B & CTICKETS: $10.00 per person (available at the door)

SAGA BANQUET & DANCE Saturday, January 14, 2006

5:30 p.m. Cocktails6:30 p.m. Banquet

Saskatchewan Ballroom A, B & C$32.00 per person - Advance tickets only

Contact Mike Kirzinger: 944-4244; email - kirzinger@bogend.ca or Teri Ife: 249-2932; email - ife@duke.usask.caTickets will be available at the Mixer Friday, January 13, until 10:00 p.m.

*** NOTE - Absolutely no tickets will be sold after January 13, 2006 at 10:00 p.m. or at Door on Saturday, January 14, 2006 ***

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Thundering Herd

Kirsten Gaudet (Gustafson) 97Cand Donald Gaudet 93S are still inBellevue, Sk. grain and hog farming.Farming has been challenging in thelast 5 years, but they are still suckersfor punishment. They now have 3kids, Brianne (8 years old), Annette (6years old) and Joel (3 years old).They have been very preoccupiedsince Februaury 2005 when Briannewas diagnosed with a brain tumor.She has been through surgery, radia-tion, and chemotherapy, which shouldbe done in Nov./Dec. 2005. They arehopeful that these treatments will besuccessful and life will resume to“normal.” They appreciate everyone’sthoughts and prayers. To keep intouch they would like old friends tosend them their email addresses atdonald.kirsten@sasktel.net .

Gord Flaten 89C normally residesin Winnipeg with his wife LouisePelletier, daughter Elise (10) and sonPatrick (8). From August 2005 toSeptember 2006 he is taking a sabbati-cal from his work at the CanadianWheat Board to live in Latin America.They started by driving to Morelia,Mexico where the kids are enrolled ina local school and Louise and Gordare studying Spanish for a fewmonths. Travel plans after Christmasinclude Ecuador, Peru and Argentina.

Doug Higgins 85C has been inRegina with Farm Credit Canada for

the past 17 years. He’s currentlyFCC’s Director of Administration,taking care of the company’s businessinfrastructure. Doug and Rosalie havethree children - Jordan who’s at theUniversity of Regina and playing withthe Rams football team; Aaron who’sat Leboldus high school and is a busySpecial Olympian; and Kimberleywho’s in Grade seven and a busy girlinvolved with softball, basketball,piano and riding horses.

The family of Derald 65C andIrene 65C Ahner, who were marriedon May 15,1965, hosted a 40th wed-ding anniversary for them on Oct.8 inMaple Creek. Farmers and ranchersdon’t have time to celebrate anniver-saries in May, though they apparentlyhad time to get married in May!Attending this event were Birdene andGary Keefe 65C, Weyburn; Donnaand Brian O’Keefe 65C, Saskatoon;Norma and Donald Connick 65C,Gull Lake; Peter Hecker 75S,Heather Macnab 81S and Ian Bowie71C, all of Piapot; Elayna Bowie94C, Outlook; and Eileen and DarylTumbach 72C, Maple Creek.

After spending nearly 10 years inSaskatchewan, Clarice Springford99C and Peter van Dongen 00C havedecided it’s time to be closer to theirfamilies. They recently moved back totheir home province of BritishColumbia, settling in the small com-munity of Parksville, on VancouverIsland.

The couple, who married in 2003,have launched a new company calledSincera Group Communications Inc.,specializing in writing and event man-agement services for the agricultureindustry in BC and SK. In addition,they areenjoying the chance to helpout on the Springford family farm, apurebred beef operation located just

south of Parksville. They look forwardto connecting with other ag grads inBC and welcome anyone visiting theIsland to contact them for a visit at250.954.0145. Email -pvandongen@telus.net

Brian Wintonyk (81C) is stillworking in Calgary with DowAgroSciences and has just been promotedto the title of Research Scientist. Terri(81C) is now working for Sears as aBusiness Development Lead. Theirnest is starting to empty as Krista (20)is attending University of Lethbridge,studying music, and Zach (18) is inHalifax at Mount Saint VincentUniversity studying Applied HumanNutrition. Ben (16) is still keepingthem company and has made themavid football fans as that is his pas-sion. He plays in a city league for thespring season and at school for the fallseason.

Terri thanks SAGA for the note inthe last edition regarding the passingof her father (Leo Kristjanson). And aspecial thanks to all in the ag commu-nity who sent cards and flowers toTerri’s Mom and the family. Terrinotes that it was truly awe-inspiring torecognize the impact Leo had on hiscommunity; locally, nationally andinternationally. He was proud to beincluded in this community. Email -twintonyk@shaw.ca

Don Folden 89C is the EasternTerritory Manager for FP BourgaultTillage Tools in St. Brieux lookingafter East Sask., Man., North Dakota,South Dakota and Minnesota.

He recently became InternationalProduct Specialist and will be devel-oping markets in Eastern Europe,focusing on Russia, the Ukraine andKazakhstan. He attended the SIMAfarm show in Paris in Feb., will attend

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Agritechnica in Hanover, Germanyand will travel to Kazakhstan for a 2-week trade mission following theGerman show. When not working, heis a competitive walleye fisherman andparticipates in 8 to 10 tournaments peryear, averaging over 350 hours on thewater per year. It paid off this year ashe and his brother won the NipawinVanity Cup Walleye Tournament Oct 1and 2 and took home the grand prizeof $50,000. It features teams fromacross North America. It is one of therichest walleye tournaments inCanada. Here is the link to the newsstory:mhttp://www.nipawinjournal.com/story.php?id=188505

Jaki and Joe Esquirol 83S contin-ue to work and raise kids in NorthBattleford. The kids are Benjamin(11), Morgan (8), Noah (5) andDominique (2). Joe is the owner ofEmpire Welding & Machining Ltd.established in 1986. Jaki, a certifiedGeneral Accountant, is the owner ofher own accounting practice. Email -joe@ewam.ca

Raelene (Ostrom) Mercer 97C isthe Green Certificate ProgramCoordinator for Alberta AgricultureFood and Rural Development,Edmonton. Email -raelene.mercer@gov.ab.ca

Lee Melvill 74C and Sandy (B.Mgt.U of L) are still at Brooks where Leeis a Market Specialist with the marketanalysis crew at Alberta Ag. Lee reallyenjoys the constant changes in themarkets and advising farm managerson how to deal with the markets. Infact, he often wonders why he wastedso much university time taking pro-duction courses! (He expects reactionsfrom classmates!) Lee occasionally

gets calls from Saskatchewan farmerslooking for market outlook or market-ing strategies and he welcomes calls ore-mails from Agros who are lookingfor marketing strategy suggestions.Lee and Sandy’s oldest bank-account-wrecker graduated in the spring with aB.Sc (Nursing) from U of A. The othertwo are a few years away from wreak-ing similar havoc on the familyfinances. Lee and his Dad, Walt, arestill farming at Cereal, Alberta andthey managed to get their wheat cropinto the bin dry and in good condition.This summer the Melvill familydragged their trailer to Homecomingsat Gull Lake and Watrous whereSandy’s relatives have farms. Lee canbe contacted at work atlee.melvill@gov.ab.ca.

Don Saelhof 72C is the ExecutiveDirector of APAS and continues hisefforts to provide organizational man-agement and consultancy services toagricultural organizations and compa-nies. He has provided these servicesover the last 15 years to BrandtIndustries, Millstreet Development,FCC (Stettler), Leon’s Manufacturingand now APAS. The focus at APAS isdeveloping and lobbying for imple-mentation of public policy that willbenefit farmers and ranchers, especial-ly for improved income and profitabil-ity. Email - dsails@sasktel.net

Glenn Stacey 83S is now attendingthe College aiming for a major inAgricultural Economics with a minorin Agribusiness. The intention is tograduate in 2007.

She is also transporting kids to div-ing, figure skating and soccer practice.

Bazil Fritz 73C, formerly a live-stock extension agrologist with SaskAg, is now a Long-Term Technical

continued from page 4 Advisor on the second phase of asustainable agriculture development(CIDA) project in Inner Mongolia,China. You can contact him atbatou_18@hotmail.com

Carmen Read 76C left Monsantoin 2004. He and his wife, Nancy,started their own company, C&NPartners Inc., and are doing work forvarious groups and organizationsfrom their new property at SylvanLake, AB. Their three kids have allleft home. They are looking forwardto the 30-year reunion in ‘06 and arehelping to plan the event, Email -cwread1@telus.net

Home Grown

Declan Lee Poppy (7lbs 4oz),future Ag Grad, was born onSeptember 17 to Lee Poppy 93S andMalina Poppy 98C of Swift Current.Big brother Chase is keeping Momand Dad organized with the newbaby.

Nichole (91 BEd) and ArnoldCornea 89C had a big, bouncingbaby boy on January 3, 2005 weigh-ing in at 10 lbs 15 oz. Dante Mikhailis a good baby brother to his sisterAnastasia and brother Nick, thoughfor some reason he does like to eat alot. Arnold’s sister, Michelle 93Cand her husband Raymond LeHeiget(93 DVM) decided to try keeping upby having their own baby boy thevery next day, January 4, 2005.Daniel Michael, 4 lbs 8 oz, was a lit-tle premature and spent some time inthe Neonatal ICU in Winnipeg beforegetting home to St. Claude early inFebruary. Brothers Jean andStephane are intrigued by this latestaddition to their family.

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Pooped deck

Julian Dumanski 62C and wifeEvelyn attended the 100th anniversaryof the Village of Sheho (incorporatedas a village in 1905). It was once a(potentially) thriving rural centre, withseveral stores, a bank and it’s ownnewspaper. However, times change,and currently there are only about 150lonely souls left. But, almost 900 peo-ple showed up for the anniversary;everyone still loves a party! They hada great time visiting with former class-mates and acquaintances. Fortunatelyeveryone wore name tags

Gary Carlson 61C received theCentennial Leadership Medal at the2005 Sask. Ag. Hall of FameCeremonies for his leadership inestablishing the SAHF. Gary andJessie continue to enjoy operatingDaybreak Bed and Breakfast as wellas their world travels

Jack Drew 57S and 61C admitsthat he didn’t do much when he wasworking, but is doing less now. Hespends his time curling, golfing, trav-eling and visiting grandkids. SinceGayline retired this summer hedoesn’t even have to cook or cleanhouse anymore. They are enjoyinggood health and city living.

Ted Turner 48S wrote about a 1948School of Agriculture get together inEstevan, July 13 and 14, 2005. Theyspent some time on social attitudeadjustment followed by a group din-ner. They then got a little cultureadjustment at the Souris ValleyTheatre where they took in a presenta-tion of “Dandelions and Grasshop-pers”; a three generation look at thesettlement and development ofSaskatchewan - appropriate in a cen-tennial year. The group educatedthemselves some more on tours ofRoche Perce, Shand power plant, agreenhouse operation and strip min-ing. This was followed by more atti-tude adjustment and a luncheon at thehome of Marguerite and RonGalloway 48S. Others attendingincluded Agnes and Bill Small, Elsieand Jack Henshaw, Betty and BarryRugg, Evelyn and Delbert Enns, Jeanand Cliff Murch, Betty and HewittMurch, Frank McLeod, Maxine andKen Hendrickson and, of course,Mel Turner.

Curtis Boe 52S reports that he andwife, Betty, are both in good health inSwift Current. They built a new housein the Ashley park area beside thecreek and walking path. They regrethaving both retired from golfing ayear ago.

Liz and Art Delahey 52C hostedthe semi-annual gathering of some ofthe ‘52C class in late October. Thegroup tries to get together in springand fall for potluck dinners to catch upon health matters (NB) and seasonalactivities and travel. The vintners inthe group supply copious quantities oftheir finest stock - consumption wouldindicate that all appreciate good wine.The group is basically those in or nearSaskatoon, although some come froma fair distance to enjoy the fellowship.

Present were Tom (Joyce) Gordon,Bob (Joyce) Brack, Tom (Dorothy)McCloy, Jack (Eileen) Quick(Unity), Chuck (Jeanette) Piefer(Nipawin), and Don (Marie) Lambie(Regina). Despite approaching their55th reunion all were quite spry withno more than the usual aches andpain! Normally Don (Alisa)Sutherland are part of the group butDon had unfinished business on thefarm. Also Don Spicer was on hisway to Arizona to keep his golf gamein shape. Art and Liz are spendingNovember in Arizona with Don Spicerand the Piefers. Art will return to thecurling wars in December.

A number of senior ag grads are notcompletely pooped and participateregularly in the Nutana Curling Clubsenior leagues on weekday mornings.They include Don Acton 57C, BobMcKercher 54C, Art Delahey 52C,Elwood Fleming 62C, BernieSonntag 62C, Stan Campbell 50C,Eiler Humbert 50C, Don Torrie73S, Gary Storey 63C, Bob Norman70C and Les Henry 64C.

A CP news item extracted from theLondon Free Press:

ESTON, SASK. — The intimacy ofsmall-town life has taken on a wholenew dimension in Eston, where localmen — some well into their harvestyears — have posed naked for afundraising calendar.

“By God, I’m 76, I’ve got nothingleft to hide,” said Keith Richardson,pictured streamside naked except forhis fishing rod and hat.

The Real Men of Eston is a 15-month calendar produced to raisemoney for a health centre. TownCoun. Al Heron came up with the ideaafter his 97-year-old father-in-lawneeded treatment from an electrolyte

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machine. The one in use locally was 20 years old andunreliable. Models for the calendar include the mayor onhis riding mower, Eston’s Zamboni driver and its firechief. Merle Byrnes, 69C, also known as Mr. May, whoposed on his golf cart wearing nothing but knee-highsocks, says he’s proud of his participation. His wife, how-ever, wasn’t so sure. Merle didn’t tell her about it beforethey left for their annual retreat to Arizona. She found outabout the scheme reading a copy of the local paper thathad been forwarded to them. “My wife looked at me andsaid, “Who would be stupid enough to do that?” Merlerecalled.

More than 500 of the $20 calendars have been sold;enough to pay for a new electrolyte machine.

Lyle McNichol 63C retired from Manitoba Agricultureand Rural Initiatives on Dec. 31/04 after 32 years as a live-stock specialist in Dauphin. He is now self-employed as aconsultant in livestock nutrition, on-farm food safety pro-

grams and as an animal protection officer for the province.He and his wife, Frances Stewart, enjoy visiting grandkidsin Calgary and old friends and classmates. Retirementdoes not mean slowing down.

Gary Storey 63C, Stan Barber 63C and Bill Turner66C and their much better halves spent several weeks vis-iting France in September and October, 2005 They rentedtwo villas for one week each, first in the hills of Provence,and then in new Montpellier. From there they did day tripsseeing the sights, ate wonderful French food and drank abit of the stuff France is famous for. Prior to their firststay, Stan and Donna Barber did a two week tour or Italyand Greece and Bill and Joan Turner attended the weddingof their niece in Tuscany. Following their villa stays, theyspent time seeing the so-called “Most Beautiful Villages inFrance”. All that was left of the crops to harvest wasmaize, but winter wheat and canola were up and growing.At the end of their part of the French trip, Turners wereable to see their daughter, Nancy, married to new son-in-law, Simon, in England where Nancy is now working.

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5 Year Reunion2001 Degree - Gerrit Baan 374-8958

g-baan@hotmail.com2001 Diploma - Judy MacMillan 329-4414

jmacmillan@agr.gov.sk.caaspendale@sasktel.net

10 Year Reunion 1996 Degree - Lisa Bains 249-6260

lbains@hubcitydisplay.comMike Kirzinger 944-4244

mike.sw@bogend.camike.kirzinger@swseed.com

1996 Diploma - Jodyrysavy 249-4332j.rysavy@shaw.ca

20 Year Reunion 1986 Degree - Harvey Petracek 373-4379

harvey@tleoffice.comLorna Stephen 780-986-6895

5stephen@airsurfer.ca 1986 Diploma - Judy MacMillan 329-4414

jmacmillan@agr.gov.sk.caaspendale@sasktel.net30 Year Reunion

1976 Degree - Carmen Read 403-748-4425cwread@telus.net

1976 Diploma - Donna Falkevitch flipper@prairie.ca

Jim Tanner 757-701740 Year Reunion

1966 Degree - Bill Turner 723-4969turners@sasktel.net

George Pearson pearson@sasktel.net

1966 Diploma - Judy MacMillan 329-4414jmacmillan@agr.gov.sk.caaspendale@sasktel.net

50 Year Reunion 1956 Degree - Norman Bray 586-5401

brayag@uregina.caCharlie Carlson 586-4602

1956 Diploma - Chev Hillis 753-2652hillisfarms@sasktel.net

Clair Philips 445-323460 Year Reunion

1946 Degree - Judy MacMillan 329-4414jmacmillan@agr.gov.sk.ca

aspendale@sasktel.net60 Year Reunion

1946 Diploma - Mason Simmons 373-9496mason.s@sasktel.net

SAGA 2006 REUNION CONTACTS

The 1950 class returned to campus to attend the 2005 University reunionfestivities which coincided with their 55 year anniversary. This was their 7thclass gathering with others as class reunions for 20, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50year anniversaries. Participation was down from earlier events, but 13 wereable to be present. They included Ted McCannel (Denise), Bill Hamilton(Esther), Keith Downey (Edna), Fred Fulton (Norma), Howard Rice(Dorothy), Eiler Humbert (Jean), Ross Evans (Elizabeth), Stan Campbell,Cam Caswell (Phyllis), Stu Given (Mae), Bob Bews (Dot), Herb Dow (Fran)and Fred Langley. They were particularly happy that wives of former class-mates, Monica Banting (Victoria), Marg Crowle, Doris Taylor and RionetRothery were able to attend. Regrets were received from others unable toattend.

The group participated in the scheduled University alumni activities, toursthat included the Agriculture Building, lunch in the Atrium and the highlightevent, the Chancellors Banquet at the Bessborough. Their own presentationof “Those Were the Days” accompanied by Marg Crowle netted them astanding ovation and a request for a copy of the song for the UniversityArchives.

A class breakfast and attendance at the President’s Luncheon the followingday completed the program. Each member of the class received a “Fifty FiveYear Alumni Certificate”. They are now getting ready for their 60th. GoodLuck!

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Front row - Cam Casswell, Denise McCannel, Phyllis Casswell, RossEvans, Elizabeth Evans, Edna Downey. Second Row - Ted McCannel,

Howie Rice, Doris Taylor, Fred Fulton, Norma Fulton. Third row - DotBews, Fred Langley, Herb Dow, Keith Downey, Rionet Rothery.

Fourth row - Stu Given, Bill Hamilton, Mae Given, Esther Hamilton,Bob Bews, Eiler Humbert, Jean Humbert, Monica Banting

COLLEGE FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE IS ON!

The October issue of the SAGAnewsletter outlined details of a chal-lenge issued by the College ofAgriculture Degree class of 1966 tohelp mark its 40th anniversary. Thefund-raising challenge was issued toall other Degree and Diploma classesending in six (i.e., ‘36, ‘46, ‘56, ‘76,‘86 and ‘96).

The challenge is to see which classcan pledge, by January 14, 2006, (i.e.,the evening of the SAGA dinner anddance), the most seed funds over thenext three years towards establish-ment of a new feed technology pro-cessing facility. The winning classand other classes that have committedcontributions will be announced atthe SAGA dinner with appropriatespecial recognition.

This initiative is aimed at helpingthe University of Saskatchewan reachits goal of $100 million under itsmajor new funding campaign -“Thinking the World of our Future.”Dean Ernie Barber has indicated thatthe top priority of the College ofAgriculture for research infrastruc-ture is establishment of a new feedprocessing research facility. It isenvisaged that the new facility, cost-ing up to an estimated $10.0 millionwould become an integral part of thefeed technology “cluster” at the U. ofS.

Discuss the idea of “playing thegame” with your reunion class repre-sentative. For further information,please contact George Pearson 66C(306) 653-7004 or Bill Turner 66C(306) 723-4969.

1950 College Class Reunion

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Kimball CrusadersThere has been a quiet little group of Ag grads and

spouses secretly meeting annually at Kimball Lake.Their mission: To figure out how the hell to makemoney in Agriculture and how best to gracefullyregain composure after a spill in the lake. Althoughthey have been at it for the better part of a decade, theyare still no closer to a viable solution.

Members of the group include:Craig Rath 86C, manager/owner in training,

Wendland Ag Services, wife Audrey and daughtersKatelyn and Grace

Corey Loessin 86C farmer/trucker, wife Joan Heath(Sask Canola Commission) and kids, Aiden and Audra

Peter Sandercock 92C greenhouse guru, wifeDorothy Long (consultant), offspring Kate and Josh

Ellis Clayton 87C field sales agronomist, PioneerHi-Bred and spouse Susan (home care specialist), daughters Trisha and Shannon and John Coté 86C farmer and wifeBarb Stefanyshyn-Coté 87C (speaker, lecturer) and their brood Josh, Erin, Morgan and Lyndon.

On occasion, the group has received guidance from Kelvin and Shelley Meadows and kids, Kirsten and Shae.Although the team has yet to be called to service to solve the world’s agriculture dilemma, they continue to meet under

the cover of a restful family outing. However, as their children grow older and require less supervision, the group may beforced to imbibe to a greater extent, in hopes of regaining the same alcohol-induced inspiration of their college days. Oldhabits die hard.

SAGA HockeyThe Annual SAGA Hockey

Tournament is set for Jan 13-14 inAsquith. There are still spots avail-able for teams and individual play-ers. Fees are $300.00 per team.This guarantees 3 games. As partof an initiative to entice more grad-uates to join us for the Mixer onFriday Night, we have includedfree admission tickets with teamfees.

Gather up some guys and galsand come join us for a weekend ofhockey and socializing. There willbe a female hockey game onSaturday; cost will be $10/player.The deadline to enter is Dec 23.For more information please con-tact Kristian Holden at 244-6644 orJeremy German at 343-7017.

The gang’s all here at Kimball Lake.

Back L-R: Omar Bilokury, Art Domes, Fred Silzer, Ross Kingdon, ClintHouston, Darrol Driver, Roy Crawford. Front L-R: Jack Walker, StewartPalmer, Stan Smith, Don Grant, Bill Lambert, Cliff Hayes, Don Allewell,Lorne Jackson. Missing: Art Goll, Dick Kosick, Ted Kuervers, DonMurray, Marvin Nyborg, Bob Widdup.

55 College Class Reunion

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This edition has reverted to the old distribution methodvia postal service. This is to ensure that all SAGA mem-bers get this edition. There is still some uncertainty con-cerning reliability of email distribution.

If you were an intended email recipient for recent edi-tions, but did not receive the October issue, we would liketo hear from you, preferably via email. SAGA’s longerterm plan is to revert to email distribution for future edi-tions and to get as many members as possible onto email.

The format for future newsletters will be changedslightly to make it a little easier to read on your computerscreen.

The plan down the road is to produce three issues peryear - hopefully spread out a little better than the last two

issues. This plan cannot work, however, if SAGA mem-bers at large don’t provide a good proportion of the input.

While we prefer email input, we’ll take it any way youcan give it to us - email, fax, letter, phone call or in-personcontact.

You can now update contact information yourself on theUniversity Advancement website. Please use the followinglink to update your information.

http://www.usask.ca/alumni/alumnisite/services/addres-supdate.shtml

If you have any trouble please inform SAGA.

Note from editors:

SAGA MembershipA Gift Idea for any Time

Need that unique gift for an Ag Grad?Why not a life membership in SAGA?

Name _________________________________________Address ________________________________________Email _______________________Grad year ___________________College ( ) Diploma ( )Occupation _____________________________________Employer ______________________________________

SAGA membership fees: Years since graduation 0-9Life membership $80

Years since graduation 10+Life membership $70

Annual Membership $10

Send to:

Saskatchewan Agriculture Graduates AssociationBox 320, RPO, UniversitySaskatoon, SK S7N 4J8

The Lighter SideIn a trial, a small town prosecuting attorney

called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderlywoman. He asked, “Mrs..Jones, do you knowme?”

She responded, “Yes, I do know you, Mr.Williams. I’ve known you since you were ayoung boy, and frankly, you’ve been a big dis-appointment. You lie, you cheat on your wife,you manipulate people and talk about thembehind their backs. You think you’re a big shotwhen you haven’t the brains to realize you neverwill amount to anything more than a two-bitpaper pusher. Yes, I know you.”

Stunned, the lawyer pointed across the roomand asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know thedefense attorney?”

She replied, “Why yes, I do. I’ve known Mr.Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He’slazy, bigoted, and has a drinking problem. Hecan’t build a normal relationship with anyoneand his law practice is one of the worst in theentire state. Not to mention he cheated on hiswife with three different women, one of themyour wife. Yes, I know him.” The defense attor-ney almost died.

The judge asked both counselors to approachthe bench, and in a very quiet voice, said; “Ifeither of you bastards asks her if she knows me,I’ll throw your sorry asses in jail for contempt.”

PAGE 11ZZ

SAGA BonspielSaskaton

January 13 - 15, 2006

Draw Times: The First games will be played on January 13 at 2 or 4 p.m.Location: Hub City Curling ClubNotification: By phone or email. Draws will also be posted on the Crop Production website.

Rules: Every team will play at least 3 games.All games will be 8 endsTies will be decided by skip rocks with sweepersHutcheon Event curlers must be 50 years of age or olderEligibility - 3 SAGA members or Ag students per team. (The curling committee is considering some relaxation of this requirement to encourage more participation. Contact curling coordinators to determine eligibility.)Graduates must be paid-up membersLimit of 32 rinks in the regular draw and 16 in the Hutcheon EventEntries close on January 10, 2006. Student teams may enter later, if space is available.Entries from individuals are welcome. Attempts will be made to find you a team.Cost: $27 per person or $100 per team - includes a pass into the Mixer.There will be prizes for winning teams in all eventsContact: Ewald Lammerding at 477-1369 or email eflammerding@sasktel.net

Lanette Ehman at 665-6008 or email ehman@sask.usask.caPlease complete the entry form below and forward it to the above contacts.Entries will be accepted by email and confirmed via email. Mail entries may also be sent to 2014 Preston Ave., Saskatoon, SK, S7J 2E8

Ag Grad Bonspiel Entry Form

Team Name: Hutcheon Event?

Team Contact:

Email address:

Phone for Team Contact:

Position Name Address Year Life?

Skip

Third

Second

Lead

Hello Agros! We hope everybodyfinally got their crops off and arelooking forward to the future. Hereat the College of Agriculture we havesurvived another intense AG BAGDRAG month. This is what we didwhen we weren’t studying:

- On October 3rd Drag kickoff inthe bowl. We sold 150 burgers andabout 40 Drag tickets. Moody’sEquipment Ltd brought in a tractorfor the event

- A couple of days later we had ourannual United Way Blitz. In one daywe gathered $2830.82 in sparechange from people on campus.

- On October 20th we had ourHillbilly Havoc event in the Bowl. Acompetition was held amongCommerce, Engineering, Kinesiol-

ogy, and Agriculture. Events includ-ed the Goose Waddle, the RubberBoot Toss, Weiner Dangle, and theMilk Chug/Suck. The Agros ofcourse were victorious! Throughoutthe month we stunted each of theirlounges.

Stomps were held on October 19th,and 27th. We hit up the Engineering,Kinesiology, Arts and Science,Commerce, Chemistry, Biology,Geology, Education buildings to getthe word out about Drag.

On October 28th we ran a charityfor Breast Cancer. We made a dealwith Dean Ernie Barber that if weraised $750 in three hours (that is$1/Ag student), he would shave hishead.

In three hours, a representativefrom the House of Eve Salon came to

the Atrium and cut hair. About $300was raised from this, and another$700 was brought in from donationsfor a total of $1030. 21, so off withthe Dean’s hair.

About 40 past grads came out toGrad Pub. AG BAG DRAG followedat Prairie Land Exhibition Park.Longshot played to a crowd of 800people until 1:30

Overall, October was a successfulmonth. The University of Manitobasent up about 16 student representa-tives, Olds brought down about 14,and the University of Alberta madetheir appearance for Drag.

Thank you to all who came out toour events.

Trent DewarPublic Relations Officer, ASA

PAGE 12

ASA Report

Population: 1.3 B; expected to reach 1.5 B; 2/3 rural:1/3urban, but urbanizing rapidly

Agricultural land: Arable land -130 M ha, 50 M ha irrigated; Grassland - 400M ha

Water: 2/3 of water use is for irrigation, but urban water demand rising rapidly

Annual precipitation: Wide range from <200 mm in NW to 2000 mm in South

Cropping intensity: One crop/yr in north and west, double cropping in central areas and three crops in the south

Main crops: 500 M T of wheat, corn and rice annuallyOther important crops: Soybeans, rapeseed, fruits and

vegetables, cottonNational food security: One of the most food secure

countries on the planetAgricultural trade: Positive agricultural trade balance

for over 20 years. Main imports are wheat,corn and oilseeds; main exports are horticulture and animal products

Trend in trade: Import land intensive products (grains and oilseeds); export labor intensive products (horticulture and livestock)

Livestock: Pigs - 600 M annual slaughter, Cattle - 124 M, Sheep and goats - 270 M, Poultry - 14 B, Aquatic products - 40 M T

Rural poverty: 30% of population (300 M people) below international poverty line 25 - 30 years ago; now 3 % below poverty line which is better performance than any othercountry

Agricultural environmental problems: Degradation of grasslands, soil erosion, salinity on irrigated lands, aquifer depletion, water pollution from pesticides and fertilizer

More information: See China’s Agricultural and Rural Development, published by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, website - www.aciar.gov.au

B - Billion, M - Million, T - Tonnes

Agriculture: Big Business in China

PAGE 13ZZ

Margaret and I moved to Romeabout three years ago where I took upa position as an Economist with theFood and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the United Nations. We hadlived in Saskatoon for some six yearsprevious to moving to Rome where Idid international consulting work andMargaret worked for the Centre forSecond Languages at the U of S andkept food on the table between con-sulting jobs. Before that, we hadlived in Pakistan and West Africawith shorter periods in Bangladeshand Trinidad. Those of you who haveearned your living consulting knowonly too well the paranoid feelingthat you will likely never get anotherconsultancy job again after just fin-ishing the last one. It was on such aday that I applied to FAO and a yearlater we found ourselves in Rome.

Few people know that FAO startedits life in Canada. The first session ofFAO was held in Quebec City in1945 and FAO remained in Canadauntil it was moved to Rome in 1951.Canada was one of the 44 foundingmembers and has a permanent repre-sentative to FAO attached to theCanadian Embassy in Rome. FAO isa large organization with some 3,500staff of which 1,500 are professionalpositions. Most of the staff resides inRome but there are country represen-tatives based in most of the develop-ing countries. There are 188 member

countries. The annual budget is aboutUS$ 750 million.

FAO is basically the world’s agri-culture department although the cor-ner of it that I work in is somewhatdifferent than the rest of the house. Iwork in the Investment CentreDivision of the TechnicalCooperation Department. Throughthe Investment Centre Division, FAOdesigns and prepares investment pro-jects for funding by major donoragencies such as the World Bank, theInternational Fund for AgriculturalDevelopment (IFAD), and the AsianDevelopment Bank (ADB). The FAOand World Bank established a jointwork programme in 1964 for projectsfunded by the World Bank. Aboutone-half of the Centre’s work is nowwith the World Bank and the remain-der is distributed among the otherdonor agencies. The InvestmentCentre was involved with projectsthat totalled US$ 3.2 billion in 2004.

The Investment Centre has fiveServices covering major geographicalregions. I work in the Asia andPacific Service. The others are theLatin America and CaribbeanService, the Southern and EasternAfrica Service, the West and CentralAfrica Service and the Europe, NearEast, North Africa and Central AsiaService. Most of my work has beenin Vietnam, Bangladesh, India,Mongolia, Pakistan and the Maldives.

I have also worked for some of theother services and have been toEgypt, Iran and Serbia. The Centrehas about 90 professional staffincluding agricultural economists,agronomists, engineers, sociologistsand anthropologists. Each year, theCentre sends over 600 missions tosome 100 developing countries andcountries in transition. We are on theroad about 5 months of the year..

The work is very challenging,always working to deadlines, andwondering what country one will bein next month. Living in Italy hasgiven Margaret and me a new per-spective after previously living inseveral developing countries. Thefirst year in Rome was very difficult.Rome is a rather chaotic noisy city tolive in and it takes some time to getused to it. The Italians, God blessthem, have their own way of doingthings. However, the Italian wine isgreat and to get up into Tuscany isbliss and when I come to work everymorning and come up from the Metrostation, the first thing I see is theCircus Maximus, the Palatine hillswhere the Caesars lived and furtherdown the road is the Coliseum.

But, if the price of wheat was highenough, I would be back on the farmin Saskatchewan.

Invited contribution on FAO byJoseph G. Nagy 72C

PAGE 14

Feeding the World - A History of the FAO

Just a reminder from President Bill Turner 66C that plansfor the 1966 degree class reunion are as follows:

* Friday, Jan 13 - class dinner (members and partners), Wig and Pen room, Saskatoon Inn.

* Saturday, Jan 14 - Members and partners at SAGA dinner and dance.

* Sunday, Jan 15 - Class brunch (members and partners)

at the Faculty Club. Plans are to arrange a tour of thenewly re-opened College Building.

* A class hospitality suite at the Saskatoon Inn will be open Friday evening and Saturday.

Bill says, “We’ve already heard from a number of classmembers who are planning to come for the reunion, butwe’d like to hear from the rest in order to facilitate finalbooking arrangements.”

1966 Degree Class 40th Anniversary Reunion Plans

Empty Saddles

Keith Higgins 48S passed away onFebruary 8th, 2005 after a short battlewith cancer. He died in St.Paul’sHospital Palliative Care Unit, ofwhich he was a founding member. Hewas born in 1923 in Rosetown, SK,and grew up on the family farm there.He served three years in the CanadianArmy in WWII. He worked for thePotash Company of America, theNational Farmers Union and then ranhis own income tax, bookkeeping andinvestment company for two decades,serving dozens of farm clients, manyof whom were also war vets. Keithwas predeceased by his wife Sylviain 1984 and is remembered by hischildren Diane (78 Home Ec), Lynne(80 Engineering), Doug 85C andScott (01 Masters U of T). He was astrong supporter of the Lupus Societyof Saskatchewan, an organization ofwhich he and Sylvia were foundingmembers.

Sam Reimche 44S has completedhis journey on earth. He died April22/05, at his home in Leader, Sask.He farmed there on the family farmfrom 1936 to 2000. He always feltthat his two years at the Uof S wereamong the most useful of his life interms of training, and he certainlywent on to work with what he’d beengiven.

Doreen Alice Misfeldt wife ofJim Misfeldt S’42, C’51 of

Saskatoon, died in her sleep at homeon October 16, 2005. She was born atFort-A-Lacorne, SK on Feb. 18,1927and trained as a teacher, a vocationshe loved and returned to three timesduring her life. Doreen leaves tomourn her husband, son R.James(Bette Sellers); daughtersJimeen (Al Thurston), Valrie (AllanStewart), Trudy (Ed Huget), Marlys(Doug Miller), Karen (MarcusShields), Kim (Brent Fordham),daughter-in-law Tarena, grandchil-dren, great grandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren. Doreen was avery hospitable and kind person,spending her last day visiting a sickfriend.

Isabell Wright, wife of GeorgeCameron (Cam) Wright C’49, diedat age 90 at Jubilee Lodge, Kinistinoon October 21, 2005. She left tomourn her husband of 58 years, sonsJack (Arvella) and Tom, (Wendy), sixgrandchildren and three great grand-children. Isabell was a teacher inSanctuary, Saskatoon, Melfort and onthe James Smith Reserve. A numberof reserve residents were in the largecrowd at her funeral, and the chiefand a former chief praised her devo-tion to teaching and ability to inspiretheir children.

From The Green and White:

Ira “Millen” Dunbar, 30S, ofBrandon, MB, died December 9,2004.

Donald Ferguson McDougall,42S, of Kindersley, SK, died April18, 2005.

Clark H Lewis S.V.M., 48S, ofMoosomin, SK, died March 2, 2005.

Dr. Allan Norman Myhr, 49C,

PAGE 15ZZ

MS(oth), PhD(oth), of Geulph, ON,d. August 8, 2004

Keith Forrester Best, 50C, ofKelowna, BC, died February 20,2005.

Neil Colvin 50C, of Fort Saskat-chewan, AB, died May 12, 2005.

George Clifford Becker 56S, ofMcLean, SK, died April 11, 2005

SAGA COMMEMORATIVEPLAQUE

SAGA was founded in 1935.The above plaque was placed out-side Room 104 in theAdministration Building in late1974 by SAGA. At the 40th AGMof SAGA in January 1975, a spe-cial Ceremony of Founding washeld and three of the original mem-bers, Sol Sinclair, HowardMcDonald and Harold Mossattended.

During recent major buildingrenovations, the plaque was left inplace. The building was originallycalled the College Building as ithoused the Colleges of Agricultureand of Arts and Science.

When the colleges vacated thebuilding, it became theAdministration Building, and now,following the re-opening in 2005,has returned to the original name.

SAGA member-

ship fees:

Years since

graduation

0 - 9$80

10+$70

annual $10

NAME _____________________________________________

ADDRESS ( new? ❏) _________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS___________________________________

GRAD YEAR ___________ SCHOOL ( ) COLLEGE ( )

OCCUPATION ______________________________________

EMPLOYER (self or other) ____________________________

MY OWN DOINGS (and others’) ________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

(add pages if needed)

PAGE 16

The SAGAis a publication of:

Saskatchewan AgriculturalGraduates’ Association Inc.

Box 320, RPO, UniversitySaskatoon, SK S7N 4J8

President: Colin Peterson 95C

Editors:Bernie Sonntag 62CFrank Dunlop 63C

Return undeliverableCanadian addresses to:

Deadline for

the next

issue:

Mar. 31/2006

Send It To:Bernie Sonntag 62C318 Collins Cres.

Saskatoon, SK S7N 4K7

Phone/fax: (306) 653-7215

Email: thesaga@shaw.caorFrank Dunlop 63C2157 Easthill

Saskatoon, SK S7J 3C8 Ph: 306-374-1598

40012934 Saskatoon, SK