The Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame would like to thank everyone that attending and helped with our annual meeting and induction luncheon. If you would like more information on this event or future events please contact Hugh Fletcher at 519-666-1572.
2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
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Zavitz, Dr. Charles
Charles Zavitz was born in Coldstream. In 1888 he was one of the five first graduates of the new degree program at the Ontario Agricultural College and for 41 years thereafter he was actively engaged in teaching and research on the Guelph campus. In 1904 he was appointed Professor of Field Husbandry and Director of Field experiments, later being named Head of the Field Husbandry Department. Dr. Zavitz is best known for his work in cereal grains including the barley strain OAC 21 and his system of test plots. His early research in the production of potatoes, alfalfa and soybeans led to their being an integral part of Ontario crop production today. He has been honoured as a scientist, teacher and man of peace by his inclusion in both the Canadian and Ontario Agricultural Hall’s of Fame. |
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Prestage, Robert “Bob” A.
Robert “Bob” A. Prestage was born in London Ontario. He began his career with the Angus industry when his 4-H project, an Angus steer, won Reserve Champion in the Queen’s Guinea competition at the RAWF. After graduation from the OAC in 1959, he worked for the livestock branch of the Ontario Department of Agriculture where he developed & encouraged the progeny testing of beef cattle. After moving to Alberta in 1971, he worked for Western Breeders of Balzac, Alberta & the Alberta Angus Association. A founder of Wicklow Exports and a respected judge worldwide, Bob has been responsible for the selection, processing & exporting of thousands of head of cattle to over 20 countries in the past 30 years. Active in his community of Camrose Alberta, Bob has been recognized for his unselfish contributions to youth, community & agriculture on several occasions. |
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Strybosch, John
John Strybosch, a native of Holland, moved to the Strathroy area in 1951 where he succeeded in establishing a farm with his two brothers & one sister. He became a respected voluntary advisor to many Dutch immigrants as they struggled to become established on farms in Ontario. His advice focused on farm finance & the record keeping aspects of farm management. Finance & bookkeeping were his forte. He appreciated the value a locally owned & managed financial institution could be to farmers & this appreciation led John to be instrumental in establishing the Credit Union, Libro Financial Group, as a viable alternative to the banking establishment for farmers in Southwestern Ontario. Over the years he has served as both a director & as a manager. A man of integrity, John has earned the respect & loyalty of staff & members alike. |
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Founded in 2000, the primary objective of the Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have demonstrated unselfish achievements within the realm of agriculture and service to the rural community in Middlesex County and beyond.
Each year inductees are honoured at the Hall of Fame Luncheon at our annual meeting in March during the Western Fair Farm Show. Portraits of all past inductees are on display at our new home in the Agriplex lobby. The Hall Of Fame is sponsored by Libro Financial Group
“History
is made up of People – People who are part
of events – Events that have developed the
Province. Therefore while we are grateful for
the things – the artifacts – in a
museum, it is only right and fitting that we honour
those men and women, who provided the dynamic,
effective leadership which transformed our Province
from forest wilderness to becoming a model of
modern efficiency. Such were the people who did
not live for self alone, but for the betterment
of all mankind. There can be no better objective
and no greater achievement.”
William A. Stewart |
