Agribition's longest serving agricultural news reporter recognized
On Friday, Canadian Western Agribition recognized its longest serving farm news reporter, Jim Smalley.
Smalley, who plans to retire next year, has been covering Agribition since 1975. The show has its newsroom facility in its honour.
“I never expected them to change the name of the newsroom to the Jim Smalley newsroom,” he said.
Smalley was also named an Agribition shareholder for his 40 years of farm news coverage on CKRM, which makes him an official member of the Agribition family.
“And they always felt he was part of the family because he was always there, I mean every Agribition since ‘75, Jim Smalley’s been there,” said Andrew Dawson, CKRM’s news director.
Jim Smalley first covered Agribition for CKCK Radio and television in the 1970s before moving to CKRM. His loyal following includes the province’s agriculture minister.
“I had the privilege of being interviewed by Jim many times and very professional and obviously agriculture is very near and dear to his heart,” said David Marit, minister of agriculture.
Those closely involved with Agribition say Jim Smalley knows the industry well.
“He had that passion and dedication for agriculture. He understood what was going in at Agribition,” said Art Unsworth, stock dog competition announcer.
Smalley was deeply moved by all the recognition.
“It’s an incredible honour,” he said “I am just so honoured to be here. It was just beyond description.”
This was Jim Smalley’s final Agribition as a reporter but he will stay on the air for a few months longer. He plans to retire next year, his 50th anniversary in broadcasting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.