An Alberta Angus breeder is being inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame this year.

Bob Prestage from Camrose has held many positions in the livestock industry, such as working for the Ontario Government Department of Agriculture, and exporting animal genetics around the world and building the Angus brand through his Wilock Angus Farms.

Prestage says the Angus breed wasn't that popular when he bought his first two cows 1952, but that's all changed with marketing.

"That's the big change that's taking place, and that's why the Angus breed has surged ahead, both in Canada and the United States, because our leaders have pushed the idea of marketing."

He says the Angus breed has become a recognizable brand for its maternal traits and high quality meat consumers are able to recognize in grocery stores and restaurants.

The Hall of Fame is also recognizing Prestage for his work with Canadian Beef Sire and Western Breeders, developing a progeny test program for beef cattle 60 years ago which is still being used to this day.

Prestage was shocked when he found out he'd be inducted into the Hall of Fame, saying he's never had to work a day in his life.

"I just got up every morning and there was things I had to get done. I was involved in various projects, and I can honestly tell you I enjoyed every waking moment. Work was not a drudgery, work was a pleasure."

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame describes Prestage as a "strong leader and excellent ambassador".

He was also inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2016.

Prestage will be officially inducted into the National Ag Hall of Fame later this year along with JoAnne Buth, Marc Comtois, Cynthia Grant, Laurent Pellerin, and Louis Latimer on November 28 in Quebec City.

 

Read more: Two Alberta Beef Enthusiasts Inducted Into Canadian Ag Hall Of Fame

 

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