FMC Canada honors future leaders through new scholarship award
FMC Canada has named Liam Dechaine of Botha, Alberta, as the first recipient of the Barrett Rankin Memorial Scholarship. The $5,000 award recognizes students entering the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a strong passion for agriculture, and commitment to community service.
The scholarship was created in memory of Barrett Rankin, a respected agricultural leader who dedicated his career to education, innovation, and advancing Canadian farming. Rankin held leadership roles with Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, and FMC, and his work and studies took him around the globe. The award ensures his vision for nurturing future agricultural leaders continues to inspire new generations.
"FMC Canada celebrated the first year of Barrett's scholarship program with 32 applications from exceptional students," said Devron McLeod, Country Manager. “The drive and passion for agriculture and community made our choice tough, but Liam stood out. His dedication to agriculture's past and future, strong leadership, and genuine drive to make a difference reflect exactly what this scholarship honours, values Barrett lived every day.”
Dechaine, a sixth-generation member of his family’s beef and grain farm, will begin studies in Agricultural Business this fall. Alongside his farming roots, he has shown leadership by captaining his AA hockey team and volunteering at the East Central Hockey School, local senior homes, and community organizations like the Stellar Museum and Antique Tractor Club.
An Honour Roll student, Liam is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the Canadian agricultural industry. "Barrett was an influential person who truly tried, and succeeded, to make the lives of people around him better," said Dechaine. “I am extremely honoured to be chosen to be a part of his legacy."
Through this scholarship, FMC Canada celebrates both Barrett Rankin’s contributions and the promise of young leaders like Liam who will shape the future of Canadian agriculture.
Photo Credit: Barrett-Rankin-Scholarship