Press Release – For Immediate Release

OUTSTANDING LEADERS TO BE INDUCTED INTO
PETERBOROUGH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL WALL OF FAME

The Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce the selection of their 2025 Wall of Fame Inductees:

Jim & Barb Buck of Norwood
John & Cynthia Crowley of Hastings
Wilbert (Wib) Donaldson (posthumously)

The Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Sunday, August 24^th, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village and Museum, Keene.  

This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the Wall of Fame is to recognize farm and rural leaders in Peterborough County who have made significant contributions to the agriculture and agri-food industry at the local, regional, provincial and/or national levels.   Nominations may be made by organizations or interested individuals.  The application deadline is May 1^st of each year. 

Barb & Jim Buck
Jim Buck was raised and has farmed his entire life on the Centre Line of Township of Asphodel- Norwood. Barb was raised on a farm near Baileboro. Barb and Jim purchased their 190 acre farm from his parents in 1990. They operated Buckhaven Holsteins for 35 years with their four daughters.  In 2016, the Buck’s won Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year. Barb and Jim are active volunteers with leadership roles in many organizations including the Norwood Fair. Jim has been a Director of the Norwood Agricultural Society for 46 years and for the past 30 years has been Secretary/Treasurer of Peterborough County Soil and Crop Association. Jim plans yearly bus tours for farmers and 4-H members to see diverse farm operations. Jim and Barb have been supporters of Peterborough County 4-H as leaders and hosting countless meetings. 

Cynthia & John Crowley
Cynthia and John Crowley operate Crovalley Holsteins, a multi-generational family farm in the Township of Asphodel-Norwood. They are committed to family values and producing quality milk and livestock. They are two-time Holstein Canada Master Breeder Shield Award winners. In 2025, they were recognized by Holstein Canada for breeding 171 Excellent cows. They have sold genetics and embryos worldwide and hosted countless events for students, international visitors and elected officials at their farm. Cynthia and John are active volunteers. John serves as a Holstein Canada judge. He has judged shows across North and South America, Europe, and South Korea. The Crowley’s have hosted County Twilight meetings and countless farm events for students, international visitors and elected officials. The Crowley’s were Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year in 2003 and received the Ontario Farm Family Award at the 2017 International Plowing Match. 

Wilbert Donaldson
Wib Donaldson had a clear understanding of the link between commercial and purebred cattle. In both the Shorthorn and Hereford breeds he was renowned for his ability to assess animals for their suitability in improving genetics. As a judge, he gained a global reputation advancing both breeds for the changing beef industry. Wib was born near Pakenham and by the time he graduated from Kemptville Agricultural College, was an excellent cattle judge. He worked at herds in the United States, Greens’ renowned Shorthorn farm at Penetang and became the herdsman of Louada Manor Shorthorn farm near Lakehurst. In the 1960’s he went on to establish his own Hereford herd on a farm in Smith Township and became a leading breeder and consultant. He earned his Master Breeder recognition in the Hereford Association and was inducted into its Honour Roll. His annual Hereford production sale was attended by many. 

For further information, please contact:
Carolyn Doris
Chair – Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee
cpdoris@nexicom.net
(705) 295-2755

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