Ray Robertson, the OFC’s recently-retired manager, garnered the honour at a ceremony on March 10 at the GrandWay Events Centre in Elora.

“The wall of fame celebrates the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and vision have shaped the growth and impact of the organization,” said the OFC website. “These honourees represent the passion and commitment that have advanced forage production, strengthened Ontario’s agricultural community, and supported the success of producers across the province.”

OFC member Chris Martin presented the award. Martin recalled seeking insight from Robertson — insight that eventually helped him build a career as a hay producer, exporter/marketer, as well as an entrepreneur running the Chinook Hay Dryer company. He said the legacy of Robertson, who also served several years as the chair of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association, is to give farmers across the country confidence that hay production can be a viable path.

WHY IT MATTERS: Ray Robertson built the profile of the hay-producing sector and developed opportunities for hay to be integrated into profitable cropping operations.

Robertson, who began managing Markdale’s Grey County Agricultural Services Centre in 2000, was recruited shortly thereafter by hay producers to take over as the lead staff person for their organization — a position that had been held by the University of Guelph’s Stan Young. In Robertson’s acceptance speech, he recalled having met Young years earlier during a Junior Farmer “soil and land use” tour and thought of him as “a really dynamic guy.

“I told the (hay producers) that I really didn’t think I was qualified for the job,” Robertson said. “But I had always had a keen interest in forages.”

He agreed to take the position, on the condition that he be allowed to bring on Joan McKinley, who had recently lost her Grey County crop advisor post due to Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff cutbacks, as communications lead.

Forage sector faced big challenges

Speaking to Farmtario after the award presentation, Robertson said he soon found out “there was a lot more that needed to be done than just keep the organization running.”

There was no funding, government extension work in forages had been decimated by provincial government cutbacks, and the council’s governance and membership structures needed overhauling. Robertson brought to the table his previous experience with Gay Lea Foods and Co-operators Insurance, and set about transforming the OFC into a strong voice for hay production in Ontario.

But Robertson couldn’t have done it, he stressed, without McKinley and later Patricia Ellingwood, who succeeded Robertson in both the Ag Services Centre and OFC roles upon his retirement in 2023.

“I had a tremendous team,” he said. “And a good board. They gave me a lot of latitude in what I could do.”

OFC past chair Terry Nuhn provided a message of congratulations for the March 10 presentation.

“Ray has been the greatest ambassador for the forage industry in Ontario. He helped raise Ontario’s profile as a forage exporter throughout all of Canada and to international markets,” Nuhn said. “He set the standard that other provincial organizations strive to meet. Future generations will reap the rewards of Ray’s tireless forage promotion and how he helped establish Ontario as a major player in the industry.”

Robertson was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame and the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2023, and also received a CFGA leadership award among numerous other accolades. He continues to help with the annual Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week events — which were initiated by the Agricultural Services Centre under his leadership — but noted that “my wife has taught me how to say ‘no’,” when asked if he plans to take on other ag-related roles in his retirement.

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Their influences range from agronomy and crop consulting, soil health and water quality advancements, pesticide and crop research, the development of farm shows and farm co-operatives and leadership in the sectors of horticulture, dairy, forages, eggs and pullets.

All have been selected by the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association as worthy candidates based on their life-long commitments to Ontario agriculture. The inductees will be recognized in a ceremony on June 11, bringing the total number of inductees recognized since 1980 to 256.

To qualify for this prestigious recognition, inductees must have shown visionary leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“Our Board of Directors was overwhelmed by the number of nomination packages received for consideration last year,” said Nick Whyte, president of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association.

“This level of interest really shows the importance that the agricultural industry places on recognizing its leaders – both past and present.”

Inductees for 2023 and their nominators include:

David Biesenthal (1943 – ) is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. He is a veterinarian and progressive beef and crop farmer. During the 2000 Walkerton water crisis, David’s family was the focus of much unwanted media attention and intense scrutiny due to accusations against him and his cattle. His record keeping and early adoption of the Environmental Farm Plan and the Nutrient Management Plan programs eventually exonerated him. This resulted in him being recognized as a leader and requested public speaker, committed to advocating and doing what is right. He has had a profound impact on the future of agriculture due to his work in advocating agriculture’s role in water quality. David Biesenthal was nominated by inductee Stan Eby, Colin Reesor, Joe Dietrich, Trillium Mutual Insurance Company, and Bruce County Beef Farmers.

Dale Cowan (1953 – ) is a widely respected leader in Ontario agriculture with a career of over 40 years. A Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) since 1997, he has advised growers of numerous crops, has mentored many new CCAs and has reviewed crop recommendations spanning 275,000 acres. Through his extensive volunteer activities, Dale has become the “go to” person when it comes to associations and government looking for an agronomist to provide balanced, science-based and practical input. He is known for his exploration of the newest technology and has also been instrumental in the development and promotion of sustainable agronomy and precision farming practices through Ontario. Dale Cowan was nominated by the Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association.

Carleton Mackinnon (Mack) Emiry (1940 – ) is a dairy farmer who has dedicated his life to the advancement of agriculture in Ontario and his contributions are far reaching. His greatest passion in agriculture is soil health and his objective has always been to leave the soil in an improved condition for following generations. His work as chair of the Land Stewardship Committee evolved into work that led to the development of the Environmental Farm Plan. He has also provided a much-needed voice, to many agricultural discussions on behalf of Northern Ontario. Organizations benefiting from his commitment include the Manitoulin West Sudbury Milk Producers’ Association, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the provincial Nutrient Management Advisory Committee. Mack Emiry was nominated by the Manitoulin North Shore Federation of Agriculture.

Dr. Richard Frank (1928 – 2021) will be forever associated with sound pesticide use. He co-created and was director of the first pesticide testing lab in Ontario. Beginning in the mid-1960s and until his retirement from government, Dr. Frank authored more than 100 scientific papers, providing valuable scientific data and understanding on the occurrence, fate and risks of pesticide residues in Ontario agriculture. He worked to both study and improve access to pesticides while ensuring that his priorities related to protecting the environment as well as producer and crop safety were considered before any recommendations were made. In the 1970s, when Ontario’s horticultural producers were faced with pest control problems, Dr. Frank’s lab provided critical pesticide residue data that allowed federal authorities to grant uses. The Minor Use Program later grew into the world-recognized entity that it is today. Dr. Frank was nominated by the Frank family.

Brian Gilroy (1956 – ) an apple grower near Georgian Bay, has a career marked by a lifelong passion for the apple sector and a love of agriculture, people and learning. Brian’s years of determined consensus building are a fundamental cornerstone of today’s Ontario and Canadian apple industries. His work has left long-lasting impacts on the edible horticulture sector nationwide, as well as public trust and outreach efforts in Ontario that benefit not just fruit and vegetable growers but farmers from all sectors. He has been an active and involved member and leader of many organizations including the Georgian Bay Fruit Growers’ Association, Ontario Apple Growers, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Farm & Food Care Ontario, the Fruit & Vegetable Growers of Canada and the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair, among others. Brian Gilroy was nominated by the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.

Peter Gould (1951 –) had a 36-year career with the Ontario Milk Marketing Board (now Dairy Farmers of Ontario). Peter’s name was synonymous with ensuring high standards for milk quality and food safety. Known as a visionary, Peter always recognized the milk industry’s need to continue to evolve to remain relevant. He was instrumental in the establishment of a single quota system, implementing a raw milk quality program and taking responsibility for the administration and enforcement of Ontario raw milk quality regulations. A strong supporter of supply management, Peter played an active role in numerous international trade negotiations and was also a leader in raising funds to build the world class dairy research barn at the University of Guelph. Peter Gould was nominated by Murray Sherk and Albert Fledderus, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO).

Carolynne Griffith (1942 –) has a long history of making significant contributions to improve Ontario’s egg and pullet farming sectors. She has dedicated years to advancing the interest of Ontario’s egg and pullet farmers locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. As chair of Egg Farmers of Ontario, Carolynne was an effective advocate in defending the interest of Canadian egg farmers, the broader industry, and supply management during historic trade negotiations. In this capacity, Carolynne ensured the perspective of Canadian egg farmers was heard by international trade negotiators, government representatives, and other stakeholders. These efforts will have an impact for generations. A strong supporter for building meaningful connections with consumers, she has answered thousands of questions about eggs and egg farming at the Canadian National Exhibition, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Western Fair, local events and schools. Carolynne Griffith was nominated by Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO).

Ray Robertson (1943 – ) has demonstrated great leadership within the agricultural community to help it adapt to changing economic, environmental, and political realities and needs. He has helped to grow an appreciation for the role of forage crops on farms to promote soil health and conservation, was instrumental in forming the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association and served with the Ontario Forage Council and the Ontario Hay and Forage Cooperative. His contributions have left a permanent impression on the industry. He is committed to working on behalf of farmers and the industry, to maintain and build upon programs that are essential for their adoption and continuing success. He has served in leadership roles in programs such as Land Stewardship and the Environmental Farm Plan and even developed and sourced funding for programs in Grey County to help farmers adopt conservation methods. Ray Robertson was nominated by the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).

Robert James Scott (1900 – 1946) was one of Ontario’s greatest and most influential farm activists and was one of the most prominent men in Canadian agriculture during the 1930s and 1940s. He passionately worked to organize farmers into cooperatives where farmers would pool their resources. By organizing farmers, they were then able to be more competitive, were no longer taken advantage of and had a strong, united voice to influence change. He led the United Farmers’ Co-operative of Ontario, advocated for many farm-related matters such as for fixed prices of commodities during the Second World War to guarantee an adequate food supply. He spoke up for fair railway freight rates for crops and was called upon for advice by Ontario Premiers and Prime Minister MacKenzie King. At the time of his premature death, he was a director for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Ontario Stockyards Board and the Ontario Beef Cattle Producers’ Association. Robert James Scott was nominated by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture.

Tarlok Singh Sahota (1953 –) has made great contributions in his work managing and sustaining the privately-run Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station and its successful transition to Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station. The research station, under the leadership of Dr. Sahota, has always focussed on development-oriented agricultural research which found an easy application on farms, due to vigorous extension efforts of Dr. Sahota and receptive farmers. Until 2004, Thunder Bay producers grew only a few crops that were needed for cattle. Dr. Sahota’s research and extension helped area growers to diversify their cropping systems by adding numerous crops to their mix. He has authored hundreds of publications, extension articles and participated in media reports. Thunder Bay farmers rely on research conducted by Dr. Sahota to make their businesses more profitable and environmentally sustainable. Tarlok Singh Sahota was nominated by the Thunder Bay Federation of Agriculture.

Doug Wagner (1953 –) has contributed to Ontario’s agriculture and food industry through his work with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ontario Seed Growers’ Association, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. These organizations have endured for many years and continue to grow in strength. Through a number of organizations, he has developed numerous young agricultural leaders, established new programs for educational and networking venues for farmers, and advanced opportunities to showcase innovative technologies to producers, businesspeople and government decision makers. Described as an “effective people person”, his successful leadership is grounded in his ability to work with staff, volunteers, government bureaucrats, politicians, and clients. Doug Wagner was nominated by inductee Kenneth Knox.

The 2023 induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the Grand Way Event Centre, Elora. Tickets are available at a cost of $40 (for in person attendance) or $20 (virtual attendance) on the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame’s website at www.oahf.on.ca.

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Paul Kelly, Patrick Lynch, Patricia Mighton, James Rickard, and Dr. Patricia Shewen have been selected by the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association as worthy candidates based on their life-long commitments to Ontario’s agriculture. 

The five will be recognized in an induction ceremony on June 12, bringing the total number of inductees to 245. 

To qualify for this prestigious recognition, inductees must have shown visionary leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

“Our Board of Directors was delighted by the caliber of the nominees and the number of nomination packages received for consideration this year,” said Kelly Daynard, president of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association. “It’s always a humbling experience to review the nomination packages and make the final selections, and this year was no different. It’s never an easy decision to choose, but we are confident that these five inductees have all left a lasting legacy on Ontario agriculture.” 

The 2022 inductees are:

Paul Kelly (1958 – ) 

Paul Kelly is an outstanding contributor to the Ontario bee industry and consequently to Ontario agriculture. He has managed the Honey Bee Research Centre (HBRC) at the University of Guelph since 1987. This includes managing over 300 bee colonies. He also sells his personal bee stock to new and experienced beekeepers across Ontario. This is important work as so much of our food depends on pollinators to sustain crop quality and yields, worth at least $400 million annually to Ontario agriculture. Paul has developed methods and innovations to counteract some complex stresses, diseases and pests, and is an internationally acclaimed bee expert known for his abilities as a gifted speaker, teacher and extensionist. Paul is effectively educating the world as a global thought leader in pollinator education and research. Paul currently serves on the Pollination and Apiculture Advisory Committee of Ontario and on the Ontario Animal Health Network Apiculture Committee along with involvement and membership in several additional bee and honey related organizations. 

Paul Kelly was nominated by Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. 

Patrick Lynch (1946 – ) 

Pat Lynch began his career as an agronomy professional in 1973, working as a soils and crops specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. There, he introduced new crop production techniques, initiating soybean production in new regions, promoting direct cut solid seeded white beans, co-launching a pesticide course (the current Grower Pesticide Safety Course), and starting county newsletters. He was a senior agronomist with Cyanamid Canada, where he significantly initiated a crop consulting service in Ontario. In 2008, he became an independent consultant directly consulting with growers. He co-authors a weekly agronomy newsletter and has been writing a regular column in other magazines and newspapers for 40 years. Pat has a passion for extension work and is known as an excellent presenter and debater. Pat helped to introduce the Certified Crop Advisor Program to Ontario through development of performance objectives and the CCA examination. This certification program now includes over 650 professional crop advisors. 

Patrick Lynch was nominated by Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association. 

Patricia L. Mighton (1942 – ) 

Pat Mighton has been a dynamic force in Ontario agriculture through her advocacy, leadership in agricultural education, and fundraising work. Her leadership role began as class secretary for OAC ‘64, a role she has maintained for nearly six decades. Pat was the University of Guelph’s first female president of the OAC Alumni Association, chair of the OAC Alumni Foundation (OACAF), served on the U of G Senate, and a member of the International and Awards Committees. In 1984, Pat joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture as education specialist. She was responsible for coordinating the Agriculture in the Classroom program in its early days. Her efforts were invaluable in creating what is now known as AgScape Ontario. Her life work in agricultural education and organizational development continued as the Rural Organization Specialist for the Region of Waterloo. Pat was the executive director of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (1987-97) where she led this unique, disciplined, leadership opportunity for people working in agriculture and rural Ontario. AALP is now in its 36th year with 480 alumni in many positions of leadership in the agriculture, food, and rural sectors 

Patricia Mighton was nominated by Rural Ontario Institute. 

James G. Rickard (1943 – ) 

James Rickard’s impressive background of business and professional accomplishments have well served many agricultural organizations around Ontario over the past four decades. He is a successful businessman, operating a 1300-acre diversified farm operation in Bowmanville, with his brother. Jim is also a trained facilitator and arbitrator, providing professional consultation for dispute resolution for individuals and grower associations. He is known for his integrity and fairness and his ability to foster unity among diverse interests. Jim has been involved in Ontario Apple Growers Marketing Board; Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association; Farm Products Appeal Tribunal; and Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission (OBHECC). With his efforts, Ontario has set the standard of service of adjudication, ensuring that Ontario agriculture operates on principles of justice and fairness. He helped to resolve many conflicting points of view to enable the agricultural industry in Ontario move forward efficiently and profitably. 

James Rickard was nominated by Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission (OBHECC). 

Dr. Patricia E. Shewen (1949 – ) 

Dr. Patricia Shewen (BSc DVM, MSc, PhD) was a professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph from 1982-2011. She was the first female Assistant Dean of Research and Graduate Affairs, the inaugural chair of the Department of Pathobiology and currently the associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. In 1988, after more than 10 years of research and trials, Pat and colleague Dr. Bruce Wilkie, developed a vaccine to control bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis or ‘shipping fever’. The vaccine addressed shipping losses and led to the substantial reduction in the use of antibiotics in cattle. Dr. Shewen has published or co-published over 100 additional research papers in ruminant immunology. She is well known for her thoughtful mentoring of graduate students, and the young veterinary students at OVC. She taught immunology to DVM students for 25 years and was the principal advisor for over 30 graduate students and post docs. 

Dr. Patricia Shewen was nominated by Dr. Harry Brightwell and the Rotary Club of Stratford. 

The 2022 induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 12, 2022. As long as public policy permits, it will be a hybrid format with the live ceremony held at the GrandWay Events Centre, Grand River Raceway, Elora. There will also be an option for guests to join virtually. Details, when they are available, will be posted on the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame’s website at www.oahf.on.ca. 

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The OAHF gallery has recently been installed at 1 Stone Road West, Guelph on the main floor, near the conference centre. This is the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) building located at the corner of Stone Road and Gordon Street in Guelph. The new gallery wall displays the two most recent years of inductees, along with sponsor and supporter information.

“We’re very excited to have our inductees so prominently displayed in the OMAFRA building,” said Kelly Daynard, current president of the OAHF. “The gallery has increased visibility and easy accessibility which allows us to better profile, and honour past, current and future inductees.”

“It is the mission of (OAHF) to acknowledge, record and preserve the contributions made by leaders to the growth and development of Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry and rural communities across the province,” said Daynard. “There isn’t a better home for the OAHF than the government building, where those who had an impact on Ontario agriculture can be showcased.”

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, an official opening has not been possible.

The OAHF first opened in 1980 with nine inductees, before growing to what it is today. It was previously housed in Guelph at the Ontario AgriCentre since 2016, and in Milton for almost 40 years before that.

The next induction ceremony will take place on June 12, 2022. More information will be made available on the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame’s website at www.oahf.on.ca

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