UNews - Danny Le Roy

PUBlic Professor Series talk to focus on the challenges facing modern agri-food business

trevor.kenney — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:30:10 +0000

The business of farming and ranching has never been so complex. Financial pressures, environmental concerns, technological change, shifting consumer preferences, infrastructure limitations and government interventionism are just some of the challenges inherent in today’s agri-food business.

Dr. Danny Le Roy will delve into the role economic science plays in the agri-food business.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dr. Danny Le Roy will delve into the role economic science plays in helping navigate these complexities during his PUBlic Professor Series talk, Cockwombles, Cornucopias and the Curious Task of Economics, on Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre.

“My talk involves the economics of government interference in agriculture and agri-food markets,” says Le Roy, an associate professor of economics. “The first part involves understanding what economic science is really about and the second part involves applying economic principles to better understand government interference in agriculture and agri-food markets — things like tariffs, regulations and other impediments to the creation of wealth in agriculture and agri-food.”

Le Roy says that agri-entrepreneurs and producers operate at an intersection of scarcity, uncertainty, natural resource stewardship and business efficiency — a balance that seems increasingly difficult to maintain or even achieve. By utilizing economic science, a clearer picture can emerge.

“Economic science enables us to better grasp the source, the nature and the consequences of these issues,” he says. “It helps guide decision making and informs what the implications of those choices are, both intended and unintended. Economics is not about money, being able to predict the future, or what the level of something should be. It is about people; it is who we are and the omnipresent trade-offs we each face.”

In addition to his role at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Le Roy is a Senior Fellow with the Fraser Institute. He teaches courses in agricultural systems modeling, commodity marketing, agricultural policy and microeconomics, and has served as the coordinator of the ULethbridge Agricultural Studies Program since 2010. He has received the Agricultural Students’ Association Distinguished Teaching Award on two occasions and was the Prairie Baseball Academy’s Professor of the Year in 2018. He received his BA (Honours) in Economics from Carleton ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and his MSc and PhD in Agricultural Economics and Business from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph.

Le Roy’s research focuses on production, marketing and trade of agricultural commodities. He is particularly interested in the effects of government interventionism.

The 2025-2026 PUBlic Professor Series has been generously supported by Knud Petersen, Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD ’17), Dave and Kathy Greenwood, Dr. Michelle Helstein, Dr. Digvir and Manju Jayas, Deborah Lucas, and Dr. Dena McMartin.

The annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures spark thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge. For a look at the full series, visit ulethbridge.ca/research/public-professor.

2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series (remaining schedule)

Cockwombles, Cornucopias and the Curious Task of Economics — Dr. Danny Le Roy, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 — Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre

Has AI Made Teachers Obsolete? — Dr. Richelle Marynowski — Thursday, November 27, 2025 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Playing Telephone with Eyewitness Evidence — Dr. Jamal Mansour, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 — The Owl Acoustic Lounge

Indigenous Childhood Stories Transform Worlds – Want Some? — Dr. Don McIntyre, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Legalized Gambling in Canada: Winners and Losers — Dr. Robert Williams — Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Faculty expertise showcased in lineup of 2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series speakers

trevor.kenney — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:29:34 +0000

From legalized gambling to AI in the classroom, testing confidence in eye-witness testimony and more, the 2025-26 lineup of PUBlic Professor Series lecture topics have been finalized, with six intriguing and engaging talks planned for the season.

Initiated in 2014 by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Arts & Science, the PUBlic Professor Series lectures have grown to include the breadth of research expertise on campus, including representation from all its Faculties and Schools.

“The PUBlic Professor Series is one of our key opportunities to showcase the excellent work being done by our faculty members to the external community. It’s really an important example of the research activities taking place throughout campus and how impactful that work is on everyone’s daily lives,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge’s vice-president (research).

The 2025-26 season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, when Faculty of Fine Arts professor Dr. Anne Dymond presents, From a Communist Doctor to Madonna’s Cone Bra: Museums and Cultural Diplomacy in Troubled Times. Her presentation will take place in a community location to be finalized as the PUBlic Professor Series continues to visit new venues to connect with more community members.

“We started moving the talks around this past year, using venues that opened the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ up to new audiences, and found it to be very successful,” adds McMartin. “PUBlic Professor is for the public, we want to meet them where they frequent, especially when topics lend themselves to specific locations.”

Ensuing talks will take place in October and November, and then January, February and March 2026 and include speakers from the Faculty of Arts & Science, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health Sciences and Dhillon School of Business. As has always been the case, all PUBlic Professor Series events are free and open to the public and available for viewing on the ULethbridge YouTube channel the following week.

Working with local venues and bringing research activities into the community also creates partnership opportunities. Corporate sponsors and community partners seeking to support creating connections and promoting activities that benefit and inform society are encouraged to connect with External Relations at external.relations@uleth.ca to learn more.

This season’s PUBlic Professor Series talks conclude with Dr. Robin Bright’s presentation, Does Reading even Matter Anymore?, 7 p.m. at the Sandman Signature Lodge.

The PUBlic Professor Series is an example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Strategic Plan in action under the strategic direction to Challenge Boundaries and Inspire Curiosity. We value courageous conversation, learning from each other’s knowledge and experiences, and actively promote the safe, respectful, open and accessible exchange of ideas.

The series lineup is as follows:

2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series

From a Communist Doctor to Madonna’s Cone Bra: Museums and Cultural Diplomacy in Troubled Times — Dr. Anne Dymond, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025

Cockwombles, Cornucopias and the Curious Task of Economics — Dr. Danny Le Roy — Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

Has AI Made Teachers Obsolete? — Dr. Richelle Marynowski (BEd ’94) — Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

Playing Telephone with Eyewitness Evidence — Dr. Jamal Mansour — Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Indigenous Childhood Stories Transform Worlds – Want Some? — Dr. Don McIntyre — Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026

Legalized Gambling in Canada: Winners and Losers — Dr. Rob Williams — Thursday, March 26, 2026

Collaborative effort leads to win in Agribusiness Case Competition

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:51:03 +0000

An interdisciplinary group of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students showcased their problem solving and presentation skills recently, earning first place at the 3rd Annual International Agribusiness Case Competition held at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph.

The team of (L toR) Rebecca Joseph, Phyllis MacCallum, Lara de Moissac and Monica Gorham now sets its sights on Cape Town, South Africa in June.

Monica Gorham (Management, Calgary, Alta.), Rebecca Joseph (Agriculture Studies, Lamont, Alta.), Phyllis MacCallum (Agriculture Studies, Vankleek Hill, Ont.) and Lara de Moissac (Agriculture Studies, Edmonton, Alta.) were presented with a case study that proposed using insects as a fourth protein source for both human consumption and livestock feed given the global issues of population increase combined with declining water and land resources.

“These competitions give students the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world problems facing the agribusiness industry, which spans agricultural input industries to food retailing,” says Dr. Danny Le Roy, coordinator of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Agriculture Studies program and Chair of the Department of Economics. “The competition involves analyzing and presenting a case study which incorporates the complexities of food systems, corporate responsibility and sustainable solutions relevant in the global agribusiness environment. In addition to the competition itself, it is also a great networking opportunity for students and faculty members who have an interest in the business of food."

Students were given five hours to deliberate on and then solve the case for presentation to a panel of judges. They were tasked with analyzing the presented problem and implementing a sustainable plan for the future. Their 15 to 18 minute presentation to judges also included fielding questions from the panel.

The top teams from the preliminary round were then given further information on the case, asked to adjust their proposals and then present for 22-25 minutes to a new set of judges.

“To finish first overall was amazing and it’s given us the opportunity to now travel to Cape Town, South Africa (June 16-19, 2014) for another case competition sponsored by the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association,” says Gorham. “Not only did this case improve my academic knowledge but it has opened up doors for the future.”

It was the first time a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge team had taken an interdisciplinary approach to the competition, sending students from both the Faculties of Management and Arts & Science.

“This competition really showed that when two Faculties at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge work together, not only does this provide a great opportunity for students, it benchmarks success that can be duplicated in many collaborative areas in the future,” says Dan Kazakoff, director of Theory Into Practice Programs and the Chair of the Small Business Institute Advisory Council in the Faculty of Management. “These students were amazing.”

Dow Agrosciences Canada Inc. provided funding support for the team and its journey to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph.

Agri-Scientist in Residence, McGregor, coming to U of L

trevor.kenney — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 18:36:05 +0000

Leading Canadian soil scientist, Dr. Bill McGregor, will bring his knowledge to students and faculty members at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as the inaugural Agri-Scientist in Residence, the week of February 3 to 7, 2014.

Dr. Bill McGregor will lecture to geography and biological science students while at the U of L.

McGregor, who received his PhD in soil biochemistry from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan, has lent his expertise to government committees, industry boards and university researchers and students. His 40-year career includes contributions to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Elanco div. Eli Lilly Canada Inc. and Dow AgroSciences Canada.

“Over the course of his career, Dr. McGregor has distinguished himself by his practical and active role in developing solutions to eliminate or reduce inefficiencies in crop production systems,” says Dr. Danny Le Roy, Chair of the Department of Economics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. “He is well known for integrating fundamental knowledge in crop production science with identifying producer needs and innovations in new research discoveries.”

While on campus, McGregor will lecture to geography and biological science students. He will speak with students about career opportunities and meet with ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ officials about collaborative opportunities. McGregor will conclude his week at the U of L with a free public lecture Friday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. in B660.

The opportunity to host McGregor as the inaugural Agri-Scientist in Residence at the U of L has been made possible by the generous financial support of DOW AgroSciences Canada. In addition, DOW AgroSciences Canada has previously supported the Agriculture Studies program at the U of L. With employees throughout Canada, Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. is an affiliate of DOW AgroSciences LLC, a $6.4 billion global company based in Indianapolis, Ind.

Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Andy Hakin says executive-in-residence opportunities provide multiple benefits for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community.

“Connecting with external expertise allows both our students and faculty members to gain an understanding of some of the challenges industry, governments and society face,” says Hakin. “It also is a tremendous opportunity to promote the U of L’s world-class research and teaching activities, as well as to identify potential collaborations.”

McGregor’s public lecture, entitled Innovation in Canadian Cereal Production: Past, Present and Future, will take place in classroom B660 (��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall) beginning at 2 p.m. This free event is open to the public.

U of L Long Service Awards

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:02:22 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is holding its annual Long Service Awards and Retirement Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. in the Students' Union ballrooms. A total of 116 employees who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service will be honoured, along with 20 retiring employees.

Following is a list of honoured employees.

Retirees

Hart Cantelon, Adrian Cooke, Hank DeRidder, Linda Gray, Rose Helmer, Bill Hennessy, Randy Joseph, Dave Kunimoto, Toni Nelson, Rita Nieuwenhuis, Fran Olivier, Joanne Overn, Frank Perrotta, Ralph Pollock, Kent Rolfson, Gloria Samuels, Jonathan Seldin, Dennis Thompson, Frank VandenHeuvel and Hafizah Yahya

Long Service Recipients

35 Years | Reg Bibby, Merle Christie, Richard Epp, Christina Lastuka, Leroy Little Bear and Ian Wells

30 Years | Lynn Arnold, Leslie Lavers and Timothy Pope

25 Years | Donna Court, Marion Eastman, Rita Law, Jennifer Mather, Ralph Pollock, Leslie Robison-Greene, Pamela Loewen and Charlene Sawatsky

20 Years | Scott Allen, Pat Anderson, Steve Calvert, Garth Copeland, Leslie Dawn, Karen Dow-Cazal, Barbara Dudley, Linda Embury, Kim Fowler, Rumi Graham, Ruth Grant Kalischuk, Linda Gray, Anthony Hall, Wendy Herbers, Pat Hodd, Shelly Hutchinson, Leona Jacobs, Tom Johnston, Cindy Kabelka, Stella Kedoin, Hadi Kharaghani, Al Kizuk, Vern Leckie, Patti Leeb, James McDowell, Ken McInnes, Mike McKenna, Glen Montgomery, Jane O'Dea, Fran Olivier, Joanne Overn, Debbie Payne, Margaret Rodermond, Catherine Ross, David Siminovitch, Jackie Slezina, Dan Sudo, Darlene Sutherland, Julie Tran, Nancy Walker, Wendy Westergreen and Pamela Winsor

15 Years | Nola Aitken, Heather Anderson, Katherine Chiste, Fred Del Cid, Susanne Garner, Linda Gilbert, Al Hill, Rebecca Johnson, Lyn Jose, Catherine Kanashiro, Terry Kirkvold, Marc Roussel,and Lorne Williams

10 Years | Amir Akbary-Majdabadno, Debra Basil, Michael Basil, Jasminn Berteotti, Brian Black, Jodie Black, Bill Cade, Jane Cahoon, Steve Craig, Brian Dobing, Anne Dymond, Richard Feenstra, James Graham, Arlene Grimes, Thelma Gunn, Erika Hasebe-Ludt, David Hay, Lynn Hopkins, Gordon Hunter, Tanya Jacobson-Gundlock, Mary Kavanagh, Dan Kazakoff, Abdie Kazemipur, Stefan Kienzle, Danny Le Roy, Becky Lore, Heidi MacDonald, Kevin Matis, Muriel Mellow, Richard Mueller, Brenda Nixon, Sam Ogita, Gail Postman, Drew Rendall, Kelly Roberts, Gongbing Shan, Kim Skura, Heather Stevens, Trent Takeyasu, Gwen Umeris, Paul Vasey, Cindy Venhuis, Mike Whipple, Ilsa Wong and Wei Xu

Celebrate Long Service Awards

trevor.kenney — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:01:14 +0000

Following is a list of honoured employees.

Retirees

Long Service Recipients

35 Years | Reg Bibby, Merle Christie, Richard Epp, Christina Lastuka, Leroy Little Bear and Ian Wells

30 Years | Lynn Arnold, Leslie Lavers and Timothy Pope

25 Years | Donna Court, Marion Eastman, Rita Law, Jennifer Mather, Ralph Pollock, Leslie Robison-Greene, Pamela Loewen and Charlene Sawatsky

UNews - Danny Le Roy

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