The nominees have been approved and on Nov. 13 another select group of Chatham-Kent’s most accomplished individuals – both past and present – will be recognized by the agricultural community with their induction into the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame.
The mission of the Hall of Fame is to recognize a person or persons that have demonstrated unselfish achievement within the realm of agriculture and/or service to the rural community of Chatham-Kent and/or beyond. This year’s inductees reflect the diverse industry that agriculture is and the many ways that the rural community can be served.
George and Ruth Bieber (both deceased) were a vital farm couple in the Palmyra area who gave generously of their time and talent to serve their community in civic and community service.
Their efforts were aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of farmers and to promote agriculture in the former Orford Township.
Robert Lawrence Kerr is a forward-thinking pioneer of new agricultural practices to produce healthy food. As well, he is a learner and an innovator of organic crop production methods and has shared his expertise widely.
Dr. Arthur (Art) William Schaafsma who is a cash crop farmer, author, and speaker who has overseen research, teaching, extension, and business development at the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph, and has consulted on insect and disease management strategies provincially, nationally, and globally.
The annual ceremony takes place at Country View Golf Course on Highway 40 north of Chatham beginning with a reception at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available by contacting Kathy Vanek at 519-683-2929. The induction ceremony is open to anyone with agricultural or rural interests.
Since its inception in 1989, the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame has inducted 189 members and has supported another 17 Chatham-Kent agriculturalists into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame. The list of inductees can be viewed in the lobby of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
The Hall of Fame Board of Directors encourages nominations from the public of individuals, living or deceased, whom they feel have had a long term commitment and contribution to agriculture and/or rural living in Chatham-Kent, and are worthy of consideration for the Hall of Fame.
