The success of the co-operative movement in Saskatchewan is in large part due to the efforts of people like Lorne Dietrick. Born in Saskatoon on November 3, 1915, Dietrick was the first manager of the LeRoy Co-operative Association. Following his service in the Royal Canadian Navy, he received a diploma in agriculture and helped establish the Matador Co-operative Farm, serving as its first chairman. In 1948, Dietrick spearheaded the creation of the Saskatchewan Federation of Production Co-operatives. Dietrick is also recognized for his work on Canada-China relations. Although China was a closed society, he visited the country on four occasions to study co-operatives and advise on farming methods. He also founded the Canada-China farmers’ exchange program, which further strengthened relations between the two nations. Dietrick was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2000.
Canadian Plains Research Center