News from our rich agriculture history

William Johnston was a hugely significant figure in the history of agricultural education in Canada. He was the unofficial founder and first principal of the Ontario Agricultural College, the predecessor of the University of Guelph.

Johnston was born in Lockerbie, Scotland on July 24, 1848, the son of David Johnston. His family emigrated to Canada when he was but three years old, settling in Cobourg, Canada West. His passion and dedication for teaching began very early in his life and is demonstrated by the fact that he taught school in Northumberland County at only 15 years of

Auctioneer; retired farmer; founding member of the Bluewater Angus Club. Born June 1, 1927; died Jan. 6, 2018, age 91.

Gordon Ribey, a long-time Bruce County auctioneer, “was a landmark,” according to Garry Kuhl, Keady Livestock Market manager.

Ribey died suddenly in early January of an apparent heart attack, his younger brother Rodney Ribey said.

Until Gordon retired from farming and moved to Port Elgin, he maintained his purebred Ryebee Angus herd on 145 acres near Tiverton. Rodney’s Angus Knoll Farm herd still has animals he