Howard Fredeen

Fredeen, Howard

Howard Fredeen, agricultural research scientist (b at Macrorie, Sask 10 Dec 1921). He received an MSc from the University of Saskatchewan in 1947 and joined the staff of the Lacombe Research Station in Alberta, subsequently obtaining a PhD in ANIMAL BREEDING and genetics from Iowa State College (1952). Fredeen spent his entire career with Agriculture Canada's Research Branch, retiring 6 July 1984. With the late J.G. Stothart he was the codeveloper of the Lacombe breed of hogs, still renowned for its excellence.

Fredeen played a major role in developing Canadian livestock breeding policies and in introducing innovative breeding practices and new techniques for carcass evaluation. As well as writing more than 300 scientific and technical papers, he has established an international reputation by frequently representing Agriculture Canada abroad. He has received numerous honours, including a fellowship in the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the Public Service of Canada Merit Award and the Genetics Society of Canada Award for excellence. Fredeen has edited a history of Lacombe district and has received a Lacombe Citizen of the Year Award.