Julian Suurd spent his whole life promoting agriculture not only on his own farm with his family but also through his agri-business ventures.  He spent countless hours reading, researching and educating himself on crop production, on drought stricken and flooded lands, on insect damage and on soil conservation.  He realized the many advantages of soil sampling and staying current in an ever changing agricultural market.

Julian was raised on a mixed crop/dairy farm in Cavan township and in his early years spent some time working on tobacco farms.  He suffered a serious injury as a young man which he overcame with his characteristic determination that served him well through his lifetime.

Julian, his wife Hilda and their four children worked hard to manage and promote their successful dairy farm, and their family business, Suurd Agri Sales Inc., including selling silos, unloading conveyors, liquid fertilizers and crop additives.

Julian was a firm believer in sustaining the land and the environment.  He was a guest speaker to many groups worldwide, talking about soil and how to make improvements in farm practices to enhance and sustain crop production.  He spoke to 4-H clubs, to many company dealer meetings, both in Canada and the United States, as well as overseas, and to the Niagara Falls Horticultural College to provide input on land use, better farm practices and soil health.

Julian Suurd worked and studied hard and experimented his whole lifetime to promote agriculture.  He was a proud supporter of local and regional events, and always happy to contribute his time, or a door prize.  Farming, family and agricultural service was Julian Suurd’s life.

Nominated by Bill Adams, 2018