David and Cora Whittington lead by example as developers of and promoters of leading edge ideas. Both are sought after as speakers and workshop leaders in Ontario and beyond. Both were 4-H leaders and had stellar careers as 4-H members.

They have hosted many tours and farm meetings, demonstrating their efficient and productive beef farm. David has promoted bull performance testing and was an early developer of cow performance testing through weaning weights. This led to the Ontario Red Meat Plan. David was a noted steer exhibitor and was on the winning Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Judging team. He was president of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association in 1990-91.

Cora’s skills includes leadership, economic development, strategic planning and facilitation. She has spoken on these topics to several universities, government departments and provincial organizations.

As a participant in the provincial Advanced Agricultural Leadership program, Cora’s travel study tour took her to western Canada, the USA and China. From this she developed a leadership program tailored for delivery at the county level called 10 Steps to Community Action.  Cora was also a field person with the national Farm Debt Review Board, trainer for Ontario Agricultural Training Institute and WRED – Women and Rural Economic Development. Cora also served on Peterborough Economic Development board and the Community Futures Peterborough Board.

David and Cora were instrumental in organizing and hosting the first Peterborough Cattlemen’s Field Day in 1981. This event, now known as the Cattlemen’s BBQ, has been held each year since bringing the agricultural community and consumers together. They hosted the 30th Anniverary BBQ in 2011.

The Whittingtons have been Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers runner-up and David was declared Ontario Cattleman of the Year in 1987.

Nominated by Helena Whittington, Janette Stewart and Darryl Whittington, 2017