Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame to add five new members

A lifelong cattle breeder is among this year’s list of inductees into the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame.

The fourth annual induction ceremony is set for Sunday, Aug. 26 at Lang Pioneer Village. The Wall of Fame recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry in the Peterborough area.

Leading the inductees is Edgar Cornish, a purebred Hereford breeder in Otonabee Township. He’s held numerous executive positions on agricultural organizations such as being a 4-H beef club leader, as well as holding positions on the Peterborough County Cattlemen’s, Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Peterborough Federation of Agriculture.

The 73-year-old from Indian River, east of Peterborough, has 48 years of experience in farm management, crop production and animal husbandry, and has long focused on source water protection.

“He has participated in hearings for the Farm Practice Act, the Walkerton Inquiry, Nutrient Management Act and the Clean Water Act,” a County release stated. “Edgar received county awards for agricultural leadership, longtime service and Farm Family of the Year.”

To be inducted posthumously:

Isaac Garbutt (1807-1899):  Garbutt moved from England to Canada with his bride in 1832 and in 1835 they settled in Smith Township, on 50 acres with two small children, a cow and a pig. By 1875 he had 800 acres and a family of eight. Garbutt was president of the Peterborough Agricultural Exhibition in 1871-1872, judged plowing matches and promoted buying seeds in volume with other farmers. He was involved in the construction of the floating bridge across Chemong Lake and the canal from Lakefield to Peterborough.

In 1840, Isaac was a founding member of the Line Church (Gilmour Memorial Baptist Church). Garbutt’s political career spanned many years including serving as Deputy Reeve 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)

The couple launched Glen Isle Farms Ltd. in Keene in 1956, which became a well-known Holstein breeder on the local, national and international markets. The company received two Master Breeder shields awarded by Holstein Canada.

Clarence was known as an innovator and early adapter of farm production technology. He purchased a forage harvester for corn silage custom work and delivered hay and straw to customers.

The County release says he also purchased the first bulk milk tank in Peterborough County to supply bagged milk street sales for Lifloc Dairy. Glen Isle hosted Japanese trainees through a successful international program.

“Clarence and Betty were both active in many agricultural organizations, 4-H, Women’s Institute, church, Lions club, and community volunteering and fundraising events,” a release states.

Julian Suurd (1950-2015)

Suured, who farmed at the same site in Cavan for 50 years, spent 40 years in sales, promoting equipment and products to improve profits for area farmers.

“Suurd 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,” a release states.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Suurd 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," a release states.

“His thirst for knowledge meant that he was always learning, reading, researching and travelling in his quest for newer and better methods, whether it was in farm equipment, soil testing and additives or farming costs.”

Suurd was often invited to be guest speaker at many meetings and clubs locally, provincially and worldwide to discuss land use, better farm practices and soil health.

“Farming, family and agricultural service were his life,” the release states.

The induction ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene.