In memoriam

Remembering Ted Bailey, alum and faculty supporter

Bailey's commitment helped transform teaching and research spaces

Ted Bailey, alum and faculty supporter
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes
Estimated Read Time:
2 minutes

Ted Bailey (BSA ’66), a proud University of Manitoba alum and steadfast supporter of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 84. Throughout his life, Bailey maintained an enduring connection to UM and a profound commitment to advancing Manitoba agricultural education.

A graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program, Bailey built a distinguished career in Manitoba’s livestock and feed industry, rising to become general manager of Riverbend Feed Mill Ltd. and senior vice-president of the Landmark Group Inc. He received the Canadian Feed Industry Golden Globe Award in 2007 for his leadership and commitment to the Canadian feed industry.  His professional success was matched by a strong sense of service to institutions that had shaped him, including the University of Manitoba.

Ted Bailey’s graduation photo, Brown and gold Yearbook, 1966
Ted Bailey’s graduation photo, Brown and gold Yearbook, 1966
Ted Bailey’s graduation photo, Brown and gold Yearbook, 1966

Bailey’s contributions to UM were most notably expressed through his philanthropic leadership. Shortly after retiring in 1999, he agreed to chair a major Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences capital initiative supporting two transformative projects centred at the Glenlea Research Station: the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment and the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre. From 2005 to 2009, Bailey brought together a dedicated team of industry volunteers, leveraging his credibility, relationships, and quiet determination to inspire giving across the agri-food sector.

Under his leadership, the campaign raised more than $8.3 million, support that strengthened applied research, enhanced knowledge mobilization, and created new opportunities for students and industry partners alike.

Dr. Karin Wittenberg, Dean Emeritus, recalls Bailey's contribution to the campaign.

"Ted immediately stepped forward to help with this effort because he understood the long term value of creating a research ecosystem focused on the environmental and economic sustainability of livestock and poultry food systems. Together with a close friend and business associate, he was instrumental in securing an additional $4 million from industry and government for the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre." 

Ted gave the best years of his retirement to ensure the success of these two centres, and I could not be more grateful to him.

Dr. Karin Wittenberg, Dean Emeritus, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Bailey was also deeply committed to undergraduate students, viewing education as the foundation of a strong and innovative agricultural sector. In recognition of his service to the University and the broader agricultural community, Bailey was awarded the University of Manitoba Distinguished Service Award in 2011.

Ted Bailey’s legacy at the University of Manitoba lives on, in the facilities he helped build, the students those spaces continue to serve, and the enduring partnership between the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Manitoba’s agri-food community.

Read his obituary here.

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.