FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2021 Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) Leadership Award Presented to Christine (Chris) Fulkerth

Purpose of the AFIN Leadership Award: To recognize and acknowledge leadership in Alberta’s diverse Forage and Grasslands Sector, by individuals who have provided initiative and direction in the areas of management practices, research, extension or promotion of the economic and/or environmental benefits of the forage industry (native rangeland, seeded pasture or hayland) in the province of Alberta. The award recognizes individual(s) that exemplify or enhance the goals of AFIN and whose leadership has impact of provincial and/or national significance.

The recipient of the 2021 AFIN Leadership Award, Christine Fulkerth is the past Chair of the AFIN Board and her  leadership and influence on the forage industry is felt locally, provincially and nationally!  

Christine, a Professional Agrologist, is a Plant Science Instructor at Olds College since 2001. Christine has gained respect from all AFIN members for her leadership style and was selected unanimously for the award by the Board members. She is held in high esteem by her students and has been a mentor to many over the years. 

Christine holds a B.Sc. Degree in Biology from Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta,  a Master’s Degree in Plant Science from the University of Alberta and a Diploma in Integrated Pest Management from Olds College. With these credentials, Chris is a very competent and multi skilled agrologist, serving as an excellent mentor to her students. 

Prior to her teaching appointment at OIds College,  Christine  worked on a number of research projects.  with Alberta Research Council, Forestry Canada, Canola Council of Canada, West Central Forage Association and Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre. 

Christine is well connected in the agricultural field and is a member of a number of professional agricultural related associations and societies. She grew up on a mixed farm between Edson and Whitecourt, Alberta. Her family still operates the farm, allowing Chris to return to her grassroots often.. Christine and her husband, Ben reside in Olds. They love travelling and spending as much time  outdoors as possible. Chris says she “is passionate about agriculture and passing on that enthusiasm to future leaders in Agriculture especially in the Forages and Grasslands sector”! 

This award winner epitomizes the essence of the AFIN Leadership Award as an industry leader at a multitude of levels. She joined AFIN soon after its establishment in 2010 and served on the AFIN Board ever since. In spite of her busy schedule as an instructor she effectively chaired the AFIN Board for four years and continues on the board as past chair and representative to the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association. 

Please join us in congratulating Christine for this award.