Ottawa, ON – Bill Wymenga, of Southern Ontario, was awarded the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award at the annual general meeting for the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), held in Ottawa, Ontario on July 5, 2018. CCSI presents this award to recognize individuals who, through their involvement in scientific research, program development or program implementation, have made a significant contribution to the Canadian Swine Improvement Program and swine industry.
Bill Wymenga, supported by wife Marlene and their four children, has been farming since 1981 on the home farm which is a 600 head finishing barn with 100 acres. He is a partner in a 500-sow farrow-to-finish operation. Bill is also co-owner and swine specialist at Ridgetown Feed and Supply Ltd. Bill has always had an interest in the big picture and has been very active in the Swine Industry through his work in various positions on a number of boards. Bill served on the Canadian Pork Council from April 2011 to January 2018, and as Vice-Chair from 2013 to 2016. He also served on the Ontario Pork Board of Directors from 2004 to 2017 and the CCSI Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017. One of Bill’s specialties lies in his ability to build relationships with national and international partners, lending to an enhanced level of understanding with representatives from both within Canada and with other countries.
If those positions didn’t keep him busy enough Bill has also served as the President of the Kent Pork Producers’ Association, as a Municipal Councilor in Harwich Township, as Chair of Ontario Swine Improvement and as Chair on the Church Council. As he retires from all of his appointed director positions, Bill is looking forward to spending more time at home helping with the family business and out on the golf course. CCSI would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill Wymenga for his contribution of knowledge and his dedication to the Canadian Pork Industry and congratulate him as this year’s recipient of the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award.
The Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement was created by the Canadian Pork Industry to provide leadership, coordination and services for swine genetic improvement. Its members are the regional swine improvement centers in Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada,
the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Meat Council, the Canadian Swine Breeders Association and users of the Canadian Swine Improvement Program.
Source : Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Inc.