Names added to Agricultural Wall of Fame at Lang Pioneer Village
County recognizes people who made a difference in local farming
Peterborough County is made up of mostly rural towns and villages and it owes a great deal of its creation to its farmers for “putting the county on the map,” so to speak.
A few years ago the idea of creating a place where the county could properly recognize the work and accomplishments of its past and present agriculturalists was put forward and the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame was formed as a result. Since the first induction ceremony held in 2015 there has been 21 individuals or couples inducted, including four new citations for this year.
The ceremony was held on Aug, 26 at Lang Pioneer Village just outside of Keene.
This year four more worthy names (including one couple) were added to the wall of honour:
Edgar Cornish (1945 - ) is a purebred Hereford breeder in Otonabee Township. He has been actively involved in many agricultural organizations and committees. Edgar was a 4-H beef club leader. He has held executive positions in the county organizations of Cattlemen’s, Soil and Crop and also on regional and provincial organizations for the Hereford breed association and the Federation of Agriculture. He has participated in hearings for the Farm Practice Act, the Walkerton Inquiry, Nutrient Management Act and the Clean Water Act. Edgar has received several county awards for agricultural leadership including a longtime service award and the Farm Family of the Year.
Isaac Garbutt (1807-1899) moved from England to Canada with his bride in 1832 and settled in Smith Township, on fifty acres with two small children, a cow and a pig. By 1875 he had 800 acres and a family of eight. Isaac was president of the Peterborough Agricultural Exhibition in 1871-1872. In 1840, Isaac was a founding member of the Line Church (The Gilmour Memorial Baptist Church). Isaac Garbutt’s political career spanned many years including serving as deputy reeve and reeve many times and as a member of the first Smith Township council. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1850 and Warden in 1874.
Clarence Glenn (1922-1979) and Elizabeth (Betty) Glenn (1926-1999) developed a highly regarded registered Holstein herd and a very successful farming operation while contributing to the agricultural industry and their local community. Glen Isle Farms Ltd. was established in 1956 and became well-known locally, regionally, nationally and internationally for superior Holstein genetics through shows and breeding stock sales. Glen Isle received two Master Breeder shields awarded by Holstein Canada. Clarence and Betty were both active in many agricultural organizations, 4-H, Women’s Institute, church, Lions club, and community volunteering and fund raising events.
Julian Suurd (1950-2015) was never happier than speaking with other farmers and agricultural leaders on farming, growing crops, researching new ideas and spending time with family and friends. He farmed at the same Cavan location for 50 years and spent 40 years in sales, promoting equipment and products which would help improve the farm profits of his customers. Julian was invited to be guest speaker at many meetings and clubs throughout North America, Ontario and for local organizations providing input on land use, better farm practices, and soil health. He was a proud supporter of local and regional events, always contributing auction items and door prizes. Farming, family and agricultural service were his life.