The Soil Conservation Council of Canada (SCCC) has announced that Minnedosa-native Bob McNabb is the newest inductee into the Canadian Conservation Hall of Fame. He was officially honoured this week at a ceremony at the University of Manitoba – the same institution he graduated from 50 years ago.

McNabb, who's also in the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame, was recognized for his dedication to soil conservation and health in Canada.

He was an early adopter of zero tillage in the 1980s and became a key leader in Manitoba, helping to establish both the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association and the Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association.

"Bob is one of those humble individuals who doesn’t feel he deserves to be recognized for his many achievements, but there isn’t anyone more deserving than him when it comes to his work advocating for conservation and soil health in Canada and around the world,” says SCCC Chair, Tim Nerbas. “Many of us at SCCC have had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with Bob for many years especially as he championed the zero tillage movement in the early days. He is known for his practical, innovative approach to his work and has paved the way for other leaders just like him."

McNabb also extended his zero tillage knowledge to Zimbabwe, where he co-ordinated a program to teach farmers how to improve soil stability and conserve moisture through zero tillage practices.

He has retired from farming and currently resides in the Vancouver area.

In 1990, SCCC established the Canadian Conservation Hall of Fame, which to date, has recognized 31 Canadians who have made a significant contribution through their dedication to soil conservation in Canada.