The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has presented the annual Sukup Global Food Security award to Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.
The award recognizes distinguished contributions to global food security through work and mentoring in grain drying, handling and storage. Dr. Jayas received the award in July at ASABE’s annual international meeting in Spokane, Washington. Jayas, a registered professional engineer and registered professional agrologist, has made important contributions to the area of grain preservation throughout the world.
The Sukup Global Food Security Award was endowed by Sukup Manufacturing Co. and consists of an engraved crystal trophy featuring a globe, and a $1,000 cash prize. The inaugural award was presented in 2016.
“Providing food around the world is critical to both increasing prosperity and also alleviating hunger and suffering among our most vulnerable global citizens” said Charles Sukup, president of Sukup Manufacturing, who presented the award. “Dr. Jayas’ research has led to scientific and humanitarian discoveries to improve the quality of stored grains, reduce grain spoilage, and increase international food security, and we are thrilled to recognize his important work with the 2017 Sukup Global Food Security Award.”
Dr. Jayas has received numerous awards from several organizations in recognition of his research and professional contributions. He is the recipient of the 2008 Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award, as well as the 2008 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
(NSERC) Brockhouse Canada Prize. In 2009, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
A prolific author, Jayas has written or co-written more than 900 peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, book chapters, and other publications. He is listed as the coinventor on two patents. Jayas has been a member of ASABE for 34 years and was made an ASABE Fellow in 2005.
Sukup Manufacturing Co. is the world’s largest family-owned and operated grain storage, drying and handling equipment manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Sheffield, Iowa, and covers 1,000,000 sq. ft. of office, manufacturing and warehouse space. The company employs over 600 people, making it one of the largest employers in North Central Iowa. Three generations of the family are now active in the business.
Sukup’s product line includes on-farm and commercial grain bins, portable and tower dryers, centrifugal and axial fans and heaters, stirring machines, bin unloading equipment and bin floors and supports. Sukup also manufactures a line of material handling equipment that includes bucket elevators, drag conveyors and chain loop conveyors, as well as a line of steel buildings.
Source : Sukup