Rocky View County, AB – Three prominent Albertans, including Canadian Angus personality Bob Prestage, have been honoured by the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame in recognition of their contributions to research, genetics and the livestock industry. Dr. John Kennelly, Robert Prestage and Cornelius Van Raay were honoured at a ceremony in Leduc on October 7th.Robert (Bob) Prestage has been dedicated to beef cattle breeding and genetic programs in Alberta for more than 50 years. His commitment to the industry is evident through his sustained work in marketing and exports, and international and community programs. Early in his career, Prestage distinguished himself by developing the progeny test program for beef cattle, significantly improving the genetic pool of the Canadian cattle industry. Founding Wicklow Angus in Camrose, he raised the profile of Angus beef in Canada and internationally. Prestage selected, processed and exported thousands of cattle to more than 20 countries, including marketing the first cattle to Russia to support the Alberta cattle industry’s recovery from BSE. Prestage has supported Alberta breeders in selling cattle around the world, generously sharing his marketing expertise, hosting numerous international delegations, and judging at international cattle shows. A former reeve of Camrose County, Prestage has made many contributions to youth and community organizations and has received numerous industry and community awards including induction into the Alberta Angus Association Hall of Fame as a Breed Builder.
CAA CEO Rob Smith says, “Bob is exceptionally well known in our fraternity and is as highly respected as anyone in Canada. As a breeder, a volunteer, a field man, and as a mentor and coach, his voice is always heard and his guidance and leadership always appreciated. CAA is extremely proud to see Bob in the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.”
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture and food industry and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta. Since 1951, almost 130 Albertans have been honoured for their leadership and accomplishments within the agriculture sector.
The Canadian Angus Association (www.cdnangus.ca) is Canada’s largest purebred beef breed organization. The Association represents more than 2,000 members across Canada for the purposes of registering and recording the pedigrees of purebred Angus cattle in the closed HerdBook and promoting the breed across Canada. The member-approved mandate is to maintain breed registry, breed purity and provide services that enhance the growth and position of the Angus breed.