Joseph Crowley, a farmer, leader, and businessman, grew up in Norwood, the oldest of six children.  His pursuit of agricultural excellence was sparked early in life.  Joseph embraced working with livestock and showed for years, including at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.  He was an active member of dairy and beef 4-H clubs and Junior Farmers.  He passed these traditions on to his three children.  The Crowleys were awarded Peterborough County’s Farm Family of the Year in 1985. 

Joseph has been a leader with the Norwood Agricultural Society for decades. He was first elected to the board in 1970 and served as President in 1978 and 1979.  He continues as Associate Director, organizing Sunday entertainment. He is also a longstanding exhibitor. In 1992, he received the prestigious Agricultural Service Award. 

Joseph was a Director and President of Peterborough County Cattlemen’s and hosted the 1983 field day. He diversified his farming operation with broiler chickens and established Crowley Farms Norwood Ltd. with his son. The business has transitioned to organic chicken production, meeting changing consumer demands. He has strongly defended the supply-management system for dairy, eggs, and chicken.  

Joseph served on the Lang Pioneer Village Museum Advisory Committee and was part of the Building Committee for the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building. He was also a school board trustee, a member of the Asphodel-Norwood Township Council, and a volunteer with Norwood Minor Hockey, receiving the Honour Award in 2010. He was recognized with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2021. 

Nominated by Norwood Agricultural Society