PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

OUTSTANDING LEADERS TO BE INDUCTED INTO

PETERBOROUGH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL WALL OF FAME

The 2nd annual induction ceremony for the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame is being held at Lang Pioneer Village on Sunday, August 28th, 2016 at 2 p.m. The purpose of the Agricultural Wall of Fame is to recognize those who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry. Five individuals and one couple will be inducted who have excelled in the agriculture/agri-food industry, who span from 1898 and continue to the present. Inductees are: Francis Crowley, Kevin Leahy, Clarance and Helen Mann, Vivian Milburn, Dick Stewart and Morris Telford.

J. Francis Crowley (1951-)

Francis Crowley, Norwood began dairy farming in 1977 on the family farm under the Taraley prefix. As sole owner/operator he developed many superior type Holsteins; some achieving All-Canadian and All-American recognition. He is a Holstein Canada official judge and been a 4-H club leader for 35 years in which capacity he has mentored, guided, taught and helped many area youth. He has volunteered over 40 years with Norwood Fair and served in executive positions with several agricultural organizations. His nomination is sponsored by the Norwood Agricultural Society.

Kevin Leahy (1923-)

Kevin Leahy has been involved with the agricultural community of Peterborough County for most of his life, including the local Federation of Agriculture, County Cattlemens’ Association, Farm Safety, Farm Stewardship, Belgian Horse Association, local fair committees and a high school farm mentoring program. His Merrylynd Farm in Douro Township developed organic grains and his purebred Belgian horses have been exported to many countries around the world. His musical talents are well-known and he shared that with many children and the community during his 26 years as principal at St. Joseph’s School, Douro. Nominated by the Leahy Family.

W. Clarance Mann (1907-1992) and Helen A. Mann (nee Garbutt) (1907-1999)

Clarence Mann and his wife, Helen were both involved in community life and many aspects of agricultural development. They established Garmandale Farm breeding a quality herd of Ayrshires. They exhibited at local fairs and provincial, national and international exhibitions winning many Grand Champion, Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor banners. All-Canadian recognition and sales of breeding stock internationally were also achieved. In the 1940’s Clarance purchased the first grain combine harvester in the county and set up a seed cleaning plant on the farm. Clarance and Helen, a 1928 Home Economist graduate from MacDonald Institute, Guelph were both active in many agricultural organizations, 4-H, Women’s Institute, church, school and service clubs. Both held executive positions in local, provincial and national organizations. Nominated by Elizabeth Glover, Barbara Nichols and Ailene Henry.

Vivian S. Milburn (1898-1980)

Vivian Milburn was the first Peterborough president of what is now Junior Farmers, and later was the Managing Director of the Peterborough Exhibition. He was also a member of Smith Township council for five years. In the 1920’s he held executive position with the Ontario Whole Milk League, Ontario Cream Patrons Association and Canadian Dairy Farmers Federation. His greatest contribution to agriculture however was with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, beginning as the founding Vice-Chairman in 1936 and then as senior staff person from 1941 to 1956. When he retired from the OFA he was appointed to the Ontario Municipal Board, serving there for several years. Nominated by Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture.

Richard Ross “Dick” Stewart (1899-1977)

An Otonabee township farmer for 70 years, Dick Stewart was an outstanding example of a rural leader who took an active leadership role in many groups and organizations. With the support of his wife, Daisy and his family he operated Woodview Farm as a mixed farm which consisted of beef cattle, chickens, horses, sheep and grain. For several years during winter months the farm hosted Farm Forum meetings for aspiring, young farmers. Dick was manager of the Peterborough Agricultural Society (1956-1970); Peterborough County Warden 1952; director of the Ontario Wheat Board and a board member of the Agricultural Societies of Canada. He served on many local agricultural organizations, community groups, service clubs, church, municipal and county councils. Nominated by R. Gary Stewart.

Morris Telford (1925-2014)

Morris Telford spent his farming years in Smith Township and was known as one of the first farmers to purchase a tractor. This purchase was only the beginning of many first in Morris’ farming career. He was a director and supporter of the Beef Improvement Association and one of the first cattle producers to join the Weaning Weight Program in Peterborough County. Morris Telford was a leader in his community as a school board trustee, his church, a choir member and the Rotary Club. Nominated by Marg Telford, DonWay Farm.

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For more information contact:

Wayne Warner, Chair  705-696-2354                   or                 or Getha Sherry, Sec/Treas  705-745-9748