Edgar Cornish, a purebred Hereford breeder in Otonabee township has been actively involved in many local, regional and provincial organizations and committees. Edgar was a 4-H member and beef club leader.   In the 1990’s Edgar chaired the school agriculture awareness committee which organized “Farm Comes to Town” that educated school children about agriculture. This committee was recognized provincially by Ontario Agri-Food Education.  He was a member of the township nutrient management committee that implemented planning by-laws.

Edgar served in director and in executive positions with county, regional and provincial organizations for the Hereford breed association, for Cattlemen, for Soil and Crop, for the Federation of Agriculture and for East Central Soil and Crop. He was agricultural representative for source water protection.  Edgar chaired the county committee that lobbied government officials to develop a risk management program for non-supply management commodities.  He has participated in hearings for Farm Practice Act, Walkerton Inquiry, Nutrient Management Act and Clean Water Act.

In 2005, Edgar was a member of the committee that published the book “Ontario Hereford Memoirs”.  As a promoter of the Hereford industry, he received the Canadian Mark of Excellence honour at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2008.

Edgar achieved county awards for agricultural leadership and longtime service. In 2001, Edgar and his wife Marie, along with their sons were recognized as Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year. Their farm has been hosts to many county agricultural events, school and farm tours.

Nominated by Peterborough County Cattlemen, 2018