The Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) selected Dr. Dengjin (DJ) Bing, who continues to produce strong field pea varieties with traits desired by farmers, as the winner of the tenth annual Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator Award.
“Each year, APG recognizes a person or organization whose progressive thinking and tireless efforts helped build Alberta’s pulse industry into the flourishing sector that it is today,” said APG Chair Shane Strydhorst. “Farmers recognize Dr. Bing’s research contributions that have demonstrated success and advanced the growth of pulses in their businesses. The strength, consistency and performance of the field pea varieties released from Dr. Bing’s program have regularly provided, and continue to provide, excellent returns to the farm gate.”
Alberta pulse farmers and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate Bing and his achievements at an award luncheon during recent APG Joint Director-Advisor meetings in Lethbridge.
Strydhorst noted that the strength, consistency and performance of the field pea varieties released from Bing’s program, have made them a popular choice on Alberta farms.
“Dr. Bing’s traditional scientific breeding techniques and strong attention to traits addressing increased protein levels, standability and disease tolerance have elevated adoption of his varieties,” he said. “I think that most, if not all, growers in this room have benefitted from Dr. Bing’s varieties over the years on their farms. I know from my experience, we’ve grown Canstar peas back in the day, Thunderbird peas, and more recently AAC Lacombe peas with good results.”
Bing’s colleagues celebrated his accomplishments in a video that was shown during the ceremony and is available on the APG Youtube channel.
“This is a really a great honour,” said Bing, who is based at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lacombe Research and Development Centre. “I want to thank the Alberta Pulse Growers. It gives me profound pleasure and responsibility because you have supported the program by investing in the program. I always feel I am responsible for producing the products and returning your investment. I appreciate this working relationship and your unwavering support for the program. This award is also recognition for my team and all the people who have worked together and been involved.”
The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. Their vision is to have pulses on every farm, on every plate.
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