Honouring a legacy
Hall of Fame inductee’s profound influence on agriculture
Renowned educator, researcher, and extension agronomist, Dr. Peter Sikkema, can add another accolade to his long list of career achievements: induction into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Sikkema, who retired in 2024 after more than 30 years as a researcher and professor at the University of Guelph, was nominated by Grain Farmers of Ontario. His contributions to field crop and agronomy research, particularly in weed science, have had an immeasurable impact in Canada and globally. His legacy of dedicated service to the agricultural community is profound and enduring, says Crosby Devitt, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s CEO.
“A world leader in weed science, he has dedicated his career to developing weed management solutions that are profitable and environmentally responsible,” says Devitt. “His impact extends beyond Ontario and Canada, influencing farming practices globally, and his legacy will continue to shape agricultural practices for decades.”
Devitt’s comments were echoed throughout the numerous letters of support that accompanied his nomination from industry, the University of Guelph, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and international colleagues from the Universities of Illinois, Mississippi, and Texas A&M.
“In my opinion, there is no one more qualified nor more deserving of this nomination than Dr. Sikkema; he has been at the forefront of weed resistance research in Canada for more than 40 years and is a global leader in this critical area of research,” writes Dr. Dean Riechers, professor of weed physiology at University of Illinois-Urbana. “I believe Peter’s publication record and research awards exemplify his unique combination of productivity, applied management insights, and scientific creativity while serving as a key asset to growers and researchers in North America.”
STUDENT IMPACT
Sikkema’s impact has been amplified through his dedicated career as an educator, says Brett Shepherd, director of the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus.
“He has mentored countless graduate students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders within the agricultural industry,” says Shepherd. “His dedication to teaching excellence has been widely acknowledged, earning him multiple awards, including the 2019 Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching.”
“[He’s] an enthusiastic teacher at both the diploma and graduate level,” says Rene Van Acker, president of the University of Guelph. “He has taught thousands of students over the past 30 years, many of whom have gone on to be leaders in the agriculture sector locally and beyond.”
“Peter has had an incredible impact on myself and so many others in agriculture,” says Brendan Metzger, field biologist with BASF and former graduate student. “I owe so much credit to Peter and his passion for teaching and depth of knowledge in weed science for leading me to where I am today.”
RESEARCH IMPACTS
Sikkema ran one of the largest weed management programs in field crops in North America, and focused on weed management in corn, soybeans, dry beans, and small grains to improve the level of weed control, reduce crop injury, increase crop yield, maximize net returns for producers.
“His most significant research contributions are related to glyphosate-resistant weeds in corn, soybeans, and wheat in Ontario,” says Josh Cowan, director of research and innovation at Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Peter and his graduate students have developed management solutions in each of these crops for the financial benefit of Canadian farmers.”
“Peter is a scientist deeply committed to addressing real-world challenges that have a direct, positive impact on growers,” says Nader Soltani, adjunct professor in the Department of Plant Science. “Through one- on-one consultations, presentations, and written resources, he has helped growers improve weed control and maximize their net returns. The practical nature of his advice ensures that his impact will continue to benefit farmers for years to come.”
“He has made me a better farmer and, by extension, a better resource to my neighbours, says Dan Petker, a farmer from Norfolk County. “His positive impact on Ontario agriculture will be measured in decades, and I am grateful to have been here for some of it.” •
