U of S scientists among agrology award recipients

By Ian MacKay

Two University of Saskatchewan scientists were among those recently honoured by the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.

Tom Warkentin and Randy Kutcher, along with four other people and one company, received awards during a March 11 ceremony in Saskatoon.

Dr. Tom Warkentin (PhD). PHOTO: CHRIS HENDRICKSON

Randy Kutcher

Warkentin “is a distinguished plant breeder and professor” with the Crop Development Centre, “where he has led field pea and soybean breeding since 1999,” according to a document. Warkentin has released 71 pea varieties and one soybean variety, and his cultivars account for about 65 per cent of Western Canada’s pea acreage, it said.

“His pioneering research on pea protein genetics, low-phytate varieties and resistance to fusarium and aphanomyces root rots has strengthened farm profitability, environmental sustainability and human nutrition,” the document said.

Warkentin also mentors graduate students and leads national and international pulse organizations. His honours include the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence and the 2025 Industry Appreciation Award from the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association.

Kutcher “is a leading plant pathologist” and holds the province’s research chair in cereal and flax crop pathology.

“His research on major crop diseases, including fusarium head blight, stripe rust, crown rust and pasmo, shaped integrated pest management strategies adopted across Western Canada and influenced disease management approaches internationally,” the document said.

“Working closely with plant breeders, he has advanced the development of disease-resistant cereal and flax varieties and pioneered rapid mycotoxin detection methods that enhance global grain quality standards.”

Shelby Wray of Pierson, Man., with Good Lands Environmental Inc., and Brianna Lummerding of Clavet, with Nutrien Ag Solutions, shared the Outstanding Young Agrologist Award.

Thomas Yates of Saskatoon was recognized for long-standing service and his contributions to the profession and the organization, while Kim Kennett of Saskatoon received an honorary life membership.

The Rack, based in Biggar with branches in communities including Rosetown, Outlook and Luseland, won the Agrology Excellence Award for employing licensed agrologists and encouraging staff to contribute to the institute at both the council and branch levels.