Spotlight on Agriculture Gala
The Spotlight on Agriculture gala event is a collaborative SOCIAL event to celebrate and recognize agricultural excellence and achievements across the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Our goal is to bring all sectors of agriculture in the City of Kawartha Lakes together to enjoy each other’s company at a social gala evening where we will experience a catered meal of local food and engaging entertainment, as well as recognizing and celebrating our local agricultural accomplishments with a small number of awards.
The Spotlight on Agriculture gala event is a collaborative SOCIAL event to celebrate and recognize agricultural excellence and achievements across the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Our goal is to bring all sectors of agriculture in the City of Kawartha Lakes together to enjoy each other’s company at a social gala evening where we will experience a catered meal of local food and engaging entertainment, as well as recognizing and celebrating our local agricultural accomplishments with a small number of awards.
A sincere thanks to Sugar Bug Photography for photographing the event and providing full access to a gorgeous gallery of photos!
Download your favourites by clicking below!
A sincere thanks to Sugar Bug Photography for photographing the event and providing full access to a gorgeous gallery of photos!
Download your favourites by clicking below!
Committee Members
Robin Brown, Chair
Tara MacArthur, Vice Chair
Planning & Promotions:
Michelle Torrey, Planning Chair
Allison Nesbitt, Nadine Hilts, Camille Ryall, Taylor VanSchaik, Kathy Moor, Deb Mulock, Harry Stoddart
Awards:
Kelly Maloney, Awards Chair
Chad Burley, Jack Kyle, Rebecca Parker, Pat O’Reilly
Sponsorship:
Camille Ryall, Sponsorship Chair
Robin Brown, Lynda Hamilton
Secretary:
Jack Kyle
Committee Members
Robin Brown, Chair
Tara MacArthur, Vice Chair
Planning & Promotions:
Michelle Torrey, Planning Chair
Allison Nesbitt, Nadine Hiltz, Camille Ryall, Taylor VanSchaik, Kathy Moor, Deb Mulock, Harry Stoddart
Awards:
Kelly Maloney, Awards Chair
Chad Burley, Jack Kyle, Rebecca Parker, Pat O’Reilly
Sponsorship:
Camille Ryall, Sponsorship Chair
Robin Brown, Lynda Hamilton,
Secretary:
Jack Kyle
Platinum Spotlight on Ag Sponsors
Gold Spotlight on Ag Sponsors
Silver Spotlight on Ag Sponsors
| Richardson’s Pineneedle Farms | Kawartha Region Conservation Authority | |
| Jamie Marquis Trucking Inc. | Thursthill Farms/Pioneer Hybrid | |
| Walker Excavation & Landscaping Inc. | Callaghan Farm Supply | |
| Big Event Floral & Decorating Co. |
2020 Spotlight on Ag Award Winners
The Milestone Awards
The Milestone Awards, new in 2020, recognize the significance of the past nearly 200 years of family farming in Kawartha Lakes by recognizing those farming families that have surpassed the milestones of 175 and 150 years. Those years of joy, hardships, training and growth have shaped our agricultural community of today. Three categories (1) Ontario Farm Family: 175 years – Bruce McKeown; (2) County Farm Family: 150 years – Murray Walden, 175 years – Robert MacEachern; (3) Pioneer Farm Family: 150 years – Randy, Carol & Adam Shea, Ralph Squires, Reid & Mark Torrey, 175 years – Bruce & Tim Webster, Jim & Phil Callaghan, Bob, Pat, Chad & Rachel Burley.
2019 Spotlight on Ag Award Winners
In nominating Carm Hamilton the Victoria Beef Farmers emphasized him as an individual of the highest integrity and an exceptional person of commitment, leadership and mentorship to the advancement and promotion of improved agricultural practices.
For 43 years, Carm served agriculture in many capacities, but he first came to Victoria-Haliburton as Agricultural Representative for the Ministry of Agriculture in 1976 where he worked until his retirement in 1993. Victoria County Community Pasture is a significant venture for which Carm acted as Secretary Treasurer for many years. In his retirement Carm continued to be involved in the community through the Lindsay Farmers Market, Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Corporation and ‘Taste of Kawartha’ a grade 3 ag education program.
Carm encouraged and advocated for all to be involved and to see the big picture; to develop their own talents and skills, and to grow to become better agriculturalists. As Carm’s nominator stated “His greatest successes were not his own, but what he inspired and encouraged others to achieve.
The Fells – David and Darlene, and children Brittany, Holly and Derek, are known for their volunteerism and outstanding leadership in the agriculture community. They give freely of their time, and their nominators, Ken Ingram and M. Rae Junkin, note that their easy going, calm personalities make them valued volunteers, and a pleasure to work with. This is something that comes from the generations before them since Squire Fell settled the land in 1854.
The Fells farm approximately 1000 acres north of Fenelon Falls. Primarily a cow-calf beef farm, they also have several breeds of fancy chickens and other poultry.
The Fells can be found in their volunteering capacities with the Fairs – Fenelon, Kinmount and Bobcaygeon. Specifically at Bobcaygeon Fair, Darlene is 2019 Vice-President and Brittany has been the Fair Ambassador. David is a key volunteer with the Victoria County Community Pasture, the Victoria Beef Farmers and the Feather and Fur Club. Derek is honing his leadership skills in 4-H Beef and Poultry Clubs.
It is a family thing for the Fells to be leaders, volunteers and supporters.
