University of Manitoba honours agricultural leaders with 2025 Certificate of Merit

Cathey Day 

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Certificate of Merit

Cathey Day’s lifelong dedication to community development, international cooperation, and volunteerism has left an indelible mark on Manitoba and beyond. Born and raised on a multi-generational, farrow-to-finish hog farm near the infamous community of Dand, Cathey’s early life instilled in her a deep appreciation for rural life, family, and agriculture education. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1988 with a Bachelor of Human Ecology, majoring in Family Studies with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in public service and community leadership.

Since becoming a Professional Home Economist in 1989, she has remained an engaged member of the Manitoba Association of Home Economists (MAHE). Her contributions were recognized in 2010 when the Faculty of Human Ecology Centennial Committee named her one of 100 graduates who have made significant professional contributions.
Cathey began her professional journey in 1990 with Manitoba Agriculture as an Extension Home Economist where she served many communities in western Manitoba. For decades, Cathey has managed programs and people with humour and wit. She demonstrates empathy and gratitude with all those with whom she is involved. From the Manitoba Government’s Queen’s Leadership Development Initiative to Circles for Reconciliation – Cathey loves learning and having fun.

Cathey served as Canadian Coordinator (Canadian Society of Extension), in partnership with the Tanzanian Society for Agricultural Education and Extension (TSAEE) with the Agriculture Institute of Canada travelling to Tanzania and Ghana building agricultural and educational partnerships. She was a founding member of the former Canadian Agricultural Rural Extension Society and contributed to project evaluation and international outreach traveling to El Salvador through the Canadian Home Economics Association.

For 30 years, she has served as a volunteer board member of Prairie Skills Inc., a non profit organization that restored a heritage building in Deloraine and focuses on community. She enjoys dancing at the MB Farm Women’s Conference; volunteering with Ag in the Classroom – MB; The Marquis Project and as an executive trustee of Deloraine Area Donor’s Choice.

Cathey’s commitment to youth development includes a passion for Camp Wannakumbac. She was a founding member and Vice Chair of Wannakumbac Circle Inc. and the Clear Lake Community Service Cooperative which now governs Camp Wannakumbac.

From being a provincial 4-H public speaking winner in 1984 to a 2024 chaperone of Manitoba 4-H students to Japan, Cathey’s family commitment to various levels of the 4-H program remains strong.

Her involvement in arts, sports, and faith communities is equally robust—she participates in the Deloraine Community Band and Choir and provides worship leadership and music at the Deloraine Area United Church.

Home for almost 35 years has been the Prairie Wind Angus farm near her hometown of Deloraine where she and Buzz raised three sons with lots of extended family support. Two sons attended the University of Manitoba and perhaps so will their delightful grandsons. Cathey’s family continues to embody the values of service, leadership, and community that has defined her remarkable life.

Fred Greig

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Certificate of Merit

Fred Greig is a distinguished leader in Manitoba’s agricultural sector, whose lifelong dedication to farming, advocacy, and community service has made a lasting impact across the province and beyond.

Fred pursued his passion for agriculture by earning a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1982.

He began his professional journey in agricultural credit, working first as an agriculture loans officer with the Virden Credit Union and later with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) where he served as a credit manager. After 12 years in the financial sector, Fred transitioned to full-time farming in 1994. Fred and his wife Lori, along with their three children—Alison, Stephanie, and Cameron—and their families, operate Avondale Seed Farm Ltd. and a beef-cow operation near Reston, Manitoba.

Fred’s leadership in the agricultural industry is both broad and deep. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA) following the end of single-desk marketing. As a founding board member and later chair, Fred helped shape the organization into a powerful advocate for Manitoba’s grain producers. Under his guidance, MWBGA invested in research, production, and market development, and forged strong partnerships with national organizations such as Cereals Canada and the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC).

Fred’s vision extended beyond provincial borders. He was instrumental in building collaborative relationships across the Prairies and helped establish MWBGA as a founding member of both the CWRC and the Canadian Barley Research Coalition. His leadership was again called upon during the successful amalgamation of five Manitoba commodity groups - MWBGA, Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Manitoba Flax Growers Association, National Sunflower Association of Canada and Winter Cereals Manitoba - into the Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) in 2020. As chair of both MWBGA and MCA, Fred championed the belief that farmers are stronger together, helping to unify the voice of Manitoba’s crop producers.

In addition to his work with MWBGA and MCA, Fred has served on the boards of Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, Western Grains Research Foundation, CANTERRA SEEDS, and the Canadian Grain Commission’s Western Standards Committee. His contributions have helped shape agricultural policy, research priorities, and market standards at both provincial and national levels.

Fred’s commitment to service extends into his local community. He has been an active volunteer and leader in numerous organizations, including his current role as chair of Sunrise Credit Union, which serves communities across western Manitoba. Elected as a director in 2014, Fred has contributed to several internal committees, including audit and risk management, demonstrating the same integrity and foresight that define his agricultural leadership.

Fred Greig exemplifies the principles of servant leadership—authenticity, integrity, compassion, and a people-first philosophy. His quiet strength, humility, and unwavering dedication have inspired countless individuals in the agriculture industry and beyond

Kim McConnell

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Certificate of Merit

Kim McConnell is a visionary, mentor, and tireless advocate for Canadian agriculture, whose contributions have shaped the industry and inspired generations of leaders.

Kim grew up on a family farm in Hamiota, Manitoba, where his early experiences instilled a deep respect for agriculture and rural life. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, already demonstrating leadership as Senior Stick (President) of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and serving on numerous university committees. His connection to the Faculty has remained strong ever since, offering mentorship, marketing expertise, and strategic guidance to multiple deans and countless students.

In 1984, Kim founded Fieldstone Marketing and Communications from his basement. This entrepreneurial venture evolved into AdFarm, one of North America’s largest and most respected agricultural marketing firms. Under Kim’s leadership, AdFarm developed iconic brands for industry giants such as Bayer, Cargill, Corteva, RBC Royal Bank and Farm Credit Canada. The company was repeatedly recognized as one of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies” and “Best Places to Work in Canada.” Kim’s pioneering work in agricultural marketing has helped build public trust in food and farming and served as a catalyst for major industry initiatives.

After stepping down as CEO in 2007, Kim remained a strategic advisor while dedicating his energy to advancing agriculture, rural Canada, and youth leadership. His influence spans numerous boards and initiatives, including the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, 4-H Canada, Calgary Stampede, and the Salvation Army. He has leveraged his connections with Canadian and international leaders to foster collaboration between government, industry, and the public, leading and supporting key initiatives such as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers, Growing Alberta, Alberta Farm Animal Care, and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. A trusted facilitator, Kim has played pivotal roles in revitalizing the seed and beef industries, expanding trade, and building public trust in agriculture through efforts like the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity.

Kim’s dedication to youth and education is especially noteworthy. He has mentored countless students and young professionals, including Indigenous youth and young women entering leadership roles. In addition to his work with 4-H at a national level, he was directly involved in the structural re-alignment of two provincial 4-H organizations. His guest lectures and mentorship at the University of Manitoba have been described by students as “inspiring” and “transformative.”

Kim’s leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades. In 2012, he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame—the youngest recipient at the time. In 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to agriculture and youth development. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, was named Canada’s Agri-Marketer of the Year, Calgary’s Inspiring Business Leader of the Year, and was made an Honourary Member of 4-H Canada, a testament to his enduring impact.

Today, Kim resides in Alberta with his wife Carolyn, where he continues to inspire, lead, and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.