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Guelph, ON [June 22, 2010] – Influential Canadians Bertram (Bert) Stewart and the Honourable Lyle Vanclief join the ranks of Canada’s most exceptional individuals as the 2010 inductees into the prestigious Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.
The formal induction ceremony will take place later this year at the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame awards banquet on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario.
“This year’s inductees have added significantly to the strength and development of Canada’s agricultural industry,” says Mary Lou McCutcheon, president of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association (CAHFA). “Through leadership and a lifelong commitment to a vibrant agricultural sector, Bert Stewart and Lyle Vanclief continue their work and dedication to Canadian agriculture, and CAHFA proudly recognizes their contributions with this highest honour.”
Bertram Stewart
From his first 4-H club project more than 60 years ago, Bert Stewart has dedicated a lifetime to 4-H, youth and leadership. World renowned as Canada’s pioneer in preparing and exhibiting dairy cattle, Bert’s vision, initiative and commitment to leadership and the national 4-H organization has inspired generations of youth across Canada.
Bert has volunteered his time and expertise as a 4-H leader for 45 years, while developing innovative new initiatives to encourage future leaders. Canadian Junior Dairy 4-H Classic, Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund and the International Judging and Fitting Schools exist today thanks to the tireless contributions of Bert Stewart.
Born in Bolton, Ontario, Bert attended the University of Guelph and received an associate diploma from the Ontario Agricultural College in 1954. Together with his wife Hazel, Bert is proud to boast that their four children and all seven grandchildren have gone through the 4-H program – proof that his commitment to youth and leadership starts at home. Bert’s commitment to leadership and community extends beyond agriculture, with his active contributions to his church, and sports and rural organizations.
Honourable Lyle Vanclief
The Honourable Lyle Vanclief guided Canadian agriculture through some of its toughest challenges, as Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food from 1997 to 2003.
After graduating from the University of Guelph with a BSc (Agr) in 1966, Lyle returned home to farm with his father on their mixed crop and livestock operation near Belleville, Ontario. In 1983 the operation was expanded to include fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds and livestock. That same year Lyle and his wife Sharon were named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
Lyle was first elected as Member of Parliament in 1988, and was re-elected in 1993, 1997 and 2000. In addition to serving as Minister, Lyle also served as the opposition critic for agriculture and as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. During his years as federal agriculture minister, Lyle approached all the challenges and opportunities with a strong commitment and secured vision on the long-term health of the Canadian agriculture industry. From the beginning of the BSE crisis to the development of the Agricultural Policy Framework, Lyle made positive, historic changes in the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
Lyle has been honoured as a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada and the inaugural Canadian Independent Spirit Award by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. He continues his commitment to serving the Canadian industry as an agricultural and food consultant.
The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry. Portraits are on display in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery located at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The CAHFA also publicizes the importance of inductee achievements to Canada. The CAHFA was organized in 1960 and is administered by 12 volunteer Board of Directors located across Canada. www.cahfa.com
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For more information, contact:
Mary Lou McCutcheon
President, CAHFA
Synthesis Agri-food Consulting
Tel: (519) 767-4657
marylou.mccutcheon@synthesis-network.com
Cam Dahl
Vice-President, CAHFA
Canadian Grain Commission
Tel: (204) 983-2732
cdahl@grainscanada.gc.ca
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