Chatham, Ontario, Canada – The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce has announced that Maizex Seeds Founder, President and CEO Dave Baute has been honoured as Agriculturist of the Year at the Annual 70th Rural Urban dinner held on November 23, 2016. The annual award recognizes members of the local agriculture community who have made noted contributions to agriculture in Chatham-Kent and beyond.
Baute was recognized not only for his role in founding and building the largest independent seed corn company in Canada, but also for his active long term involvement in the seed industry. This includes his term as President of the Canadian Seed Trade Association and active involvement in supporting not only local charities, but importantly, postsecondary agricultural education, including his role as Chair of the Ridgetown Agri-Food Foundation.
Here he helped lead fundraising efforts aimed at making the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus a long term centre for agricultural education excellence. He was previously recognized by the Chamber as Innovator of the Year for his research and efforts in uniquely approaching pre-commercial variety testing and seed corn processing.
“I was very pleased and surprised to have been nominated,” said Baute to the local press. “It’s been a humbling experience.” He said he was accepting the award on behalf of his team and mentors over the years, “This isn’t a one person award. This is 30 years of hard work by a lot of people.”
“We are very proud that Dave has been recognized for his efforts,” notes Stephen Denys, Director of Business Management with Maizex. “Dave is very deserving and I know he shares this award not only with the Maizex team, but also his wife Brenda in particular. Together they have built a lasting legacy in the community not only through the Maizex business, but through their efforts supporting charitable organizations and agricultural education. Few people realize the extended effort he has made to ensure, for example, that Ridgetown College continues to be a Centre of excellence for agricultural education for generations to come.”
Source : Maizex Seeds Inc