Local agronomist recognized for outstanding work
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- Published on Thursday, January 28, 2016
Submitted photo. From left: Luc Maenen (former Director General, International Plant Nutrition Institute), Dr. Cynthia Grant (centre) and Bob McNaughton (Chairman, Fertilizer Industry Round Table) at the FIRT awards ceremony.
By Kira Paterson
Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press
Dr. Cynthia Grant of Minnedosa has made her final year with the Agriculture Canada Research Centre in Brandon one to remember. Grant graduated with her Ph. D in Soil Chemistry from the University of Manitoba in 1986 and has worked in the Brandon research centre as a soil scientist from her graduation to her recent retirement.
In 2015, she received four awards recognizing her outstanding work in agronomy. In May, she received a Certificate of Merit from the U of M Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, recognizing her as an outstanding graduate of the faculty. Grant has worked with the university as a research project leader, student supervisor or advisor, adjunct professor, mentor, co-investigator and co-author.
Then in July, she was presented with the Distinguished Agronomist Award for 2015 from the Canadian Society of Agronomy (CSA). She received the award at the annual general meeting in Edmonton, AB.
In November, the international organization Fertilizer Industry Round Table presented her with the Innovative Technologies Advancing the Fertilizer Industry Award. She was recognized for her contributions in the areas of enhanced efficiency fertilizers in cropping systems, management systems that improve nutrient use efficiency and environmental quality of fertilizers.
Her latest award was announced in December, from the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI). The institute chose her to receive the 2015 IPNI Science Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in research, extension or education with focus on efficient management of plant nutrients. The IPNI award presentation will be made on Feb. 9 in Orlando, Florida.
“The awards were especially meaningful because they were presented by the university, by the scientists in the Canadian Society of Agronomy and by the agricultural industry in North America and internationally,” Grant explained. “Also, I think the awards emphasize the benefits of working collaboratively with the great group of agricultural researchers who are dedicated to improving the agricultural industry and its economic and environmental sustainability.”
Grant has been involved in provincial, national and international agricultural organizations, including having served as president of the Canadian Society of Soil Science and the Canadian Society of Agronomy. “Over the years, it has been wonderful to work cooperatively with the University, provincial extension specialists, colleagues across Canada and internationally and the agricultural industry,” she noted.
Grant is a lifetime resident of the Minnedosa. She grew up on a farm just south of Minnedosa and lives on a farm in the area with her husband to this day.
She showed interest in agriculture from childhood, being actively involved in her 4-H beef club. “Growing up on a farm made me interested in agricultural science as a career,” she said.
Even though she has retired from her work at the Brandon research centre, she is still involved with some ag research related projects. Retirement won’t be all work and no play for her and her husband, however. “We have bought a place in Florida to spend the winters where it is warm,” she added. “I also plan to travel in retirement.”
