Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement recognizes Alberta man for work in genetics industry

Aug 08, 2017
By Kaitlynn Anderson

General manager Wim van Berkel received B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award

By Kaitlynn Anderson

Farms.com

After over 20 years of working in swine genetics, Wim van Berkel was acknowledged for his extensive contributions to the industry with the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award this summer.

Much of van Berkel’s research involves ultrasound work and program development. Along with his team, van Berkel developed a computer program that is now being used in the swine industry in China, Chile, Jamaica and across Europe, according to a Saturday article in the Lacombe Express.

The award, presented in Ottawa by the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Inc., recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions to the swine industry.

Van Berkel, the general manager of the Western Swine Testing Association near Lacombe, Alta., has worked not only to better the industry but also to benefit the consumer, according to the Lacombe Express article.

His nominator, Keith Rasmuson, spoke very highly of the award recipient:

Van Berkel “has worked in the Canadian swine genetics industry for more than 20 years. He has provided leadership, training and management services for the farmers in the purebred pig industry in Alberta,” Rasmuson said on the nomination form.

Previous award winners include Lyse Grenier (2013), Dan Hurnik (2014) and John Gough (2011).

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