Two Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences alumni honored for contributions
The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and the School of Agriculture have recognized two outstanding alumni with the 2026 Certificate of Merit for their exceptional contributions to Manitoba’s agricultural sector and rural communities.
Since 1981, the Certificate of Merit has highlighted the achievements of alumni who have shown outstanding leadership across agriculture, agri-food, and their communities.
Each year, up to three Certificates of Merit are presented to graduates of Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences degree programs, to graduates of the former Home Economics/Human Ecology degree programs, and to graduates of the Diploma in Agriculture program.
This year’s recipients were celebrated at a special ceremony on June 17 for their lasting impact on the province’s farm and food landscape.
Grant Dyck has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment to agriculture and community throughout his career. Grounded in both place and people, he leads by example, combining honesty and self-awareness with strong business acumen. With a collaborative approach and a focus on outcomes that benefit others, he consistently invests his time and energy to strengthen his community.
Grant’s father instilled a perpetual optimism of “if God is your partner make your plans big!” with a farm priority mindset of people first, land second and steel third. He started renting land at 16 and bought his first piece at 18 via a high lease-to-own with a neighbour. A few winters travelling and working abroad, mainly in the developing world, led Grant to pursue agriculture full-time and to recognize that our table is a global one.
Shortly after completing his Diploma in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba in 1999, Grant faced the unexpected loss of his father and assumed responsibility for managing a large and complex farming operation. At a young age, he took on the challenges of crop production, business management, and team leadership, navigating these responsibilities with humility, determination, and a willingness to seek advice and learn. Over the years he has contributed to a variety of boards and think tanks addressing the future of the industry.
Together with his wife Colleen, Grant co-owns and operates Artel Farms Ltd. in Niverville, Manitoba. The farm’s name, derived from a Russian word meaning “a group of people working together toward a common goal,” reflects the Dycks’ collaborative approach to agriculture and community. Since establishing their operation, they have expanded to approximately 11,000 acres of grain and oilseed production. Their success was recognized nationally in 2009 when they were named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers and again in 2019 as Manitoba’s Farm Family of the Year.
Grant’s leadership extends beyond his own operation to strengthening agricultural infrastructure and supporting fellow producers. In 2001, when the Niverville grain elevator faced closure, he worked with other farmers to develop a cooperative approach that preserved this vital community asset. During a 2015 expansion of Artel Farms, he invested in additional grain drying capacity not only for his own use but also to support neighbouring farms. During this period, he co-founded and developed T-Rex Ditchers - agriculture’s largest rotary ditcher - while the farm also hosted the manufacturing operations of Colleen’s company, The Great Gorp Project.
Grant’s dedication to service is evident through his involvement with a wide range of initiatives. He and Colleen launched a Grow Hope project on their farm, dedicating land to
produce crops that support emergency food aid and global food security efforts through Mennonite Central Committee. This initiative engages local individuals, churches, and community groups, fostering awareness and collective action on global hunger.
Grant has also hosted fundraisers for International Development Enterprises (iDE) Canada, supporting smallholder farmers around the world and contributed to agricultural education through Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba, helping to connect students with modern farming.
Alongside Colleen, Grant continues to build a thriving farm and a strong family foundation in Niverville, Manitoba, where they are raising their four children: Georgia, Oskar, Leo, and Moses.
Through his contributions to agriculture, community development, and global food security, Grant exemplifies outstanding leadership and service.
Dr. Paul Schneider’s career has been defined by leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing animal health and supporting the agricultural community. He combined technical excellence with a collaborative, people-focused approach that has strengthened the swine industry in Manitoba and beyond.
Paul graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1978, and from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career with the St. Pierre Veterinary Clinic, then 2 years later moved to South-East Veterinary Services in Steinbach, and soon became the consulting veterinarian for Elite Swine Inc., later joining the company full-time and playing a central role in shaping its growth and success. As head of veterinary services and a key member of the management team, he helped guide significant expansion, including its transition into Maple Leaf Foods’ integrated production system across Western Canada.
Paul’s impact on swine health and production has been practical and far-reaching. He led the development and implementation of science-based production and disease management systems, including early weaning strategies to improve herd health, advancements in mycoplasma eradication without full depopulation, and the adoption of three-site production systems that are now industry standard. His work emphasized biosecurity, animal welfare, and continuous improvement, supported by the integration of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
His professional contributions have extended beyond Manitoba. He served as President of the Western Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians and with the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association holding several positions including president and has been awarded a Life Membership in that association. He has contributed to the Canadian Swine Health Board and worked with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians on disease eradication and biosecurity.
In recognition of his contributions to science-based veterinary practice, Paul received the prestigious Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award from the University of Minnesota. His commitment to improving global animal health was demonstrated through his work in China from 2008 to 2011, where he supported a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) project aimed at improving animal health services for rural farmers. For this work, he was honoured with the Distinguished Foreigner Award
Equally important has been his impact as a mentor and educator. He has guided and supported the development of veterinary and agricultural professionals throughout his career, sharing his knowledge generously and fostering a culture of curiosity, respect, and
continuous learning. He has written many articles for industry publications such as Grainews and Canadian Swine News and supported public policy development for sustainable and high quality veterinary service in rural Manitoba by serving on the Manitoba Rural Veterinary Services Task Force.
Paul has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through roles as a board member of Garderie Jolys Daycare and a Beaver Scout leader in St. Pierre Jolys, a volunteer with the Winnipeg Jazz Festival and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy – Winnipeg Zoo.
Now largely retired, he and his wife Vivian enjoy time with their family, including their children and grandchildren in Canada and Australia.
Through his leadership in animal health, his commitment to mentorship, and his contributions to agriculture locally and globally, Dr. Paul Schneider exemplifies outstanding service and impact.
The University of Manitoba is proud to be the alma mater to Bisons who are at the centre of advancing national and international conversations, and action on issues that matter.
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