For Immediate Release

May 24, 2006

Guelph, ON:  Doug Wagner has been named as the successful recipient of the T.R. Hilliard Distinguished Agricultural Extension Award for 2006. The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Alumni Foundation at the University of Guelph established this annual award to recognize persons who are making outstanding contributions to agricultural extension in Ontario. The award is named in memory of the late T. R. (Dick) Hilliard, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food.  It consists of a citation and $1,000.

“We are very pleased to add Doug Wagner’s name to a growing list of outstanding contributors to Ontario agriculture” says Dr. Mary Buhr, Associate Dean of OAC who chairs the selection committee. “Mr. Wagner, as Coordinator of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, continues to make a very significant contribution to extension and outreach to Ontario agriculture. Tens of thousands of farmers visit this Show each year to seek out the latest in new farming technology”.

Co-nominators for the award are the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) and the Ontario Seed Growers’ Association (OSGA), both organizations which Doug headed up as Secretary Manager for 20 years. “Doug has dedicated his career to working closely with researchers, government extension and agri-business to profile leading-edge technology for Ontario farmers”, says Keith Black, President of the OSCIA. “He has led many new initiatives with creative approaches to extension”.

Quentin Martin, President of the OSGA goes on to state that “Doug is an outstanding organizer and has the drive and determination to carry out major events. Seed growers have benefited from Doug’s skills in organizing many events, which included several national conferences”.

Plans are underway for Doug to receive the T. R. Hilliard Award at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show on September 12, 2006.

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For further information, contact:

Dr. Mary Buhr                            Keith Black, President    Quentin Martin, President

Association Dean OAC                 OSCIA                                    OSGA

519-824-4120, Extension 53492   519-357-1092                      519-664-3710