Every October the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame celebrates the contributions made by four individuals to the agriculture industry in Atlantic Canada.
Producers, innovators, volunteers, scientists, and business professionals are lauded for their role in shaping and influencing agriculture, the impact of their contributions being felt regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The 2023 inductees are John Bragg, Nova Scotia; Brian Connor, New Brunswick; Peter Noer, Newfoundland and Labrador and alumnus David Thompson, Prince Edward Island.
“As leaders in their respective sectors, they have contributed to improving agriculture in their own unique way,” said Dean David Gray. “Whether it is elevating a humble but delicious berry to worldwide acclaim, improving conformation and production genetics in livestock, modernizing and supporting a fledging industry, or advancing a critical crop on the global stage – each inductee has a passion for agriculture that has enhanced the industry for generations to come.”
David Thompson – Prince Edward Island
David Thompson grew up on a small, mixed farm in Dunstaffnage, PEI. As a dedicated agricultural steward, David became a well-known and respected advocate. Among potato and cereal growers, he was seen as a forward thinker, with concern for the environment. In the 25 years he spent on the Atlantic and PEI Pesticides Advisory Committees, David spearheaded many stewardship initiatives, including the Sprayer Calibration Project. These programs aimed to minimize the risk and use of active ingredients on agricultural lands, reducing impacts on nearby streams and watersheds.
In 1993, David became a founding member of the World Potato Congress, where he would serve in various capacities, including as President and CEO, until 2018.
The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame inducted David in 2017 for his valuable service to the industry. In 2016, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by his alma mater, now the Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture.
John Bragg – Nova Scotia
In 1955, John Bragg discovered his love of wild blueberries when he harvested his first crop at the age of 15. In the decades since, he has been a major contributor to building a high-tech, export-oriented, innovative industry in rural Atlantic Canada.
As a true change agent, John has a commitment to improving the industry through research and innovation. For over 30 years, John has funded the Wild Blueberry Research Chair at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. This partnership between business and academia has yielded advancements in precision agriculture, pest management, soil and plant fertility, plant health, and irrigation. His investment in research has led to a greater understanding of this crop, with pure and applied research results shared with the industry for immediate benefit.
The wild blueberry industry has grown tenfold during John’s career, a testament to his dedication and contribution to the industry. One of his significant initiatives has been the development of export markets for North American-grown wild blueberries. Today, John exports about 75 per cent of production to over 30 countries.
Peter Noer – Newfoundland and Labrador
At ten years of age, Peter Noer’s first job experience was helping on his father’s mink farm, a passion that would build through the years and take him across the Atlantic Ocean.
In 2003 Peter and Erik Dalsager purchased an existing mink farm and made the daring move to Cavendish, NL. They arrived on a chartered freight plane, along with 3,500 breeding mink. They brought with them not only new technology, skills, and support, but also a passion for fur production that fueled change in Canada’s fur industry.
Established as Viking Fur Inc., Peter’s farm would reflect the trademark efficiency of Denmark’s industry, and harness decades of knowledge and experience in fur production.
In the following 20 years, Viking Fur Inc. evolved into a 15,000-breeder mink farm, which employs 100 individuals during the peak season. It is a self-sufficient operation, harvesting and processing livestock, and producing feed.
Brian Connor – New Brunswick
As a fourth-generation farmer, Brian W. Connor has spent 82 years on the land his ancestors cleared in Hawkins Corner, NB. As a young man, Brian was an industrious helper on the dairy and potato farm, stepping up after the passing of his father.
Brian returned to his agricultural roots in 1963 when he committed to the family farm full-time. He began building his dairy herd under the prefix BRICON, a reduction of his own name. Brian’s strategic dedication to breeding resulted in one of the outstanding dairy herds in the area, with an impressive number of regional and national awards. His cattle have been named Grand Champion five times during his career, with many more Premier Breeder, Champion, and Reserve Champion honours. When his milking herd was dispersed in 1988, the cattle fetched the highest selling prices in the Maritimes up to that time.
Holstein Canada awarded Brian the Master Breeder Shield, the pinnacle of success for any member, acknowledging high production and outstanding conformation. The New Brunswick Branch of Holstein Canada conferred their silver tray award in appreciation for his contributions and accomplishments. In 2022, Brian earned his 60-year Veteran Breeder Pin from Holstein Canada.
Congratulations to the 2023 inductees.
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