The inductees will receive their honours on Aug. 26
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A beef producer and former president of the Peterborough Agricultural Exhibition are among this year’s five inductees to the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame.
The class of 2018 will receive their honours during the fourth annual induction ceremony on Aug. 26. The celebration will take place in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lange Pioneer Village.
The Wall of Fame recognizes those who have made great contributions to the local agricultural industry.
Edgar Cornish, a purebred Hereford breeder from Otonabee Township, headlines the group of recipients.
During his 48-year career in agriculture, Cornish has held many roles including as a 4-H beef club leader and as a lobbyist convincing the provincial government to develop a risk management programs for non supply managed commodities.
Receiving a spot on the wall of fame is humbling and represents a team achievement, Cornish said.
“I have been on the farm ever since I could walk,” he told Farms.com today. “I could’ve never imagined this and I’m very honoured by the recognition. But a lot of family and friends helped me along the way.”
“I used to be gone a lot and people would help keep things going on the farm while I was away. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to have the experiences I’ve had.”
Now 73, Cornish reflected on the changes he’s noticed in the beef industry.
“Today’s cattle are probably half as heavy as what they used to be 50 years ago,” he said. “At that time, most of the cattle were British breeds. But when the exotic breeds came in, the British breeders had to change to keep pace with the other breeds.”
“And it can take generations to change the genetics in an animal. It’s not like a car where you just come out with a new concept and have it come down the assembly line.”
The remaining inductees will be honoured posthumously.
Isaac Garbutt (1807-1899)
Garbutt moved from England to Canada with his wife in 1832 and settled on a 50-acre farm in 1835. He acted as president of the Peterborough Agricultural Exhibition in 1871-1872 and promoted purchasing large quantities of seed with other producers. He was also involved in the construction of the floating bridge across Chemong Lake and the canal from Lakefield to Peterborough.
Clarence Glenn (1922-1979) and Elizabeth (Betty) Glenn (1926-1999)
The couple establishes Glen Isle Farms Ltd. in 1956. The farm became a well-known Holstein breeder and received two Master Breeder shields from Holstein Canada. Clarence purchased the first bulk milk tank in Peterborough, a June 20 release says.
Julian Suurd (1950-2015)
Suurd farmed the same location in Cavan for 50 years and spent 40 years in sales promoting farm equipment and products. He was often invited to speak at meetings to discuss better land use, farm practices and soil health.
Farms.com extends its congratulations to all of the nominees and their families.