An innovative and dedicated agriculturist, Joseph Gjesdal was born in the Birch Hills district on January 4, 1922. Since 1963, he has worked as a select seed grower and has served as director of both the Saskatchewan Seed Growers and Canadian Seed Growers Association. Gjesdal has also contributed to prairie agriculture methods by improving, designing, and building over twenty farm implements. His most notable inventions include a rotary snowplow, rotary mower, seed cleaner, and tillage cultivator. His knowledge regarding farm policy matters has been sought by agricultural and governmental organizations, and he has provided leadership to community associations such as 4-H. A recipient of the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967, Gjesdal was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 1993.
Canadian Plains Research Center