News
Three new inductees to CAHF
July 21, 2016 - Three visionary agricultural leaders will join the prestigious Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2016. The late James Bartlett, Robert Switzer and John Willmott will be formally inducted into the national Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ont.
An agribusiness pioneer, the late James Bartlett made tremendous gains for the Canadian horticultural industry through his leadership and vision. Born into the family business, N.M. Bartlett Inc., James led the Ontario-based company to become the only national horticulture crop protection distributor. James advocated for policies affecting importation of U.S. crop protection products. He helped create, and later chair, the precursor organization to CropLife Canada. And he championed the minor use registration of pesticides for small, specialty markets to keep Canadian horticultural growers competitive. James Bartlett was from Beamsville, ON and was nominated by Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc.
Angus breed champion Robert (Bob) Switzer helped create several strong brands for the industry that is keeping Angus the number one breed in Canada. From his Sandy Bar Ranch in southern Saskatchewan, Bob was instrumental in introducing the Certified Angus Beef brand to the entire value chain, from the cattle industry, Canadian hotel and restaurant trade, and ultimately consumers. His vision for a sustainable cattle business led to the creation of Red Coat Cattle Feeders – a community-based feedlot project. Bob is a distinguished Angus breeder, promoter, mentor and judge, and continues to advocate for the cattle industry within Saskatchewan and across Canada. Bob Switzer lives in Aneroid, Sask. and was nominated by the Canadian Angus Association.
Industry leader John Willmott has served Canadian agriculture for decades to bring about changes and advances for countless organizations. His big dreams helped the Canadian Western Agribition grow into the best beef show on the continent. John was integral to establishing Canada’s Farm Progress Show as a premier event for crop and livestock innovations. He served as president of both shows, as well as the Canadian Angus Association. An international cattle judge and Angus breeder, John helped create the first regulations affecting artificial insemination and a standard Record of Performance (ROP) program for the Canadian beef industry. John Willmott lives in Pense, Sask., and was nominated by Canadian Western Agribition.
“Canadian agriculture depends on leaders and visionaries to keep pushing our sector forward,” says president Herb McLane, Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association. “This year’s three inductees all channeled their passion, whether for horticulture, beef cattle or industry organizations, into advances and opportunities to make agriculture matter even more. They dreamed big, advocated tirelessly and have left indelible marks on the Canadian agricultural landscape. We are proud to welcome them into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.”
The 2016 induction ceremony will return to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Sunday, November 6 in Toronto, Ont.
July 21, 2016 By Top Crop Manager
