The Shovel of Gratitude

The Shovel of Gratitude was first presented to the Wheat Growers by the Western Barley Growers Association at their 2005 joint convention, at which time the shovel was auctioned off. The highest bidder, at $2,000, was the late Art Walde of Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Art had served as a director of the Wheat Growers and later the Barley Growers. Art subsequently donated the shovel back to the Wheat Growers and ever since the association has been presenting the Shovel annually to someone in the industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the Wheat Growers, or to the cause and objectives of the Wheat Growers.

Recipients