The Rural Voice, 2005-09, Page 34ALL IN THE FAMILY
The Carson family plays tribute to
Albert Carson's work at previous matches
bg hosting the 2005 International Plowing
Match
Story and photo by Janice Becker
David Carson poses beside a photo of his parents,
Albert and Elaine Carson. The elder Carsons played a
key role in earlier Perth County IPMs.
t is a legacy whose climax has been ? long time in
coming, but in September, David Carson of Listowel
will host the 2005 International Plowing Match and
Rural Expo in honour of his parents and in particular, his
late father, Albert Carson.
"I wanted to do. this for Dad," says Carson, as he
explains how he became involved in the hunt for a host
farm for Perth County's bid for the match.
"My mother (Elaine) and dad were always associated
with plowing matches and Dad was a big influence in
bringing the 1972 match to the county."
Albert Carson was also president of the Plowmen's
Association in 1987.
Though this is the first time the IPM will be held in
northern Perth County, the Carson farm was one of the
sites considered for the 1988 match, which eventually went
to the Stratford region.
Carson did not actively seek to host the match, but when
30 THE RURAL VOICE
asked by good friend Doug Aitchison to consider the
possibility. "I didn't say no," Carson smiles.
With that. the executive of the Plowmen's Association
came to look at the farm business site, which is located just
east of Listowel on Hwy. 86. It is well known throughout
the region and to the far reaches of the province, country
and continent. through involvement in both the cattle and
horse sectors. David Carson Farm and Auction Services
celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2002.
The site was then selected as the base for the 2005 IPM
bid.
Selected four years ago as the host county and farm.
Carson says that was at a time when things (in the cattle
business) were good. Then the BSE scare hit the market.
Like many farmers and those secondary industries
impacted by that case. the Carsons were hit hard by the
crisis.
While IPM 2004 was a seen by hosts Tracy and Scott
Davison, Meaford, as an opponunity for farmers to forget
about the difficult times for a few days, a time to meet with
friends and neighbours. Carson sees the industry finally
picking up. The opening of the border in mid-July is sure to
add enthusiasm to the event.
"We are looking forward to it," says Carson. "The staff
has been working tremendously long, hard hours —
especially since BSE hit the industry so hard. We are now
in a position again to host the match."
"We will hold our last regular sale on September 17
then shut down for the week of the match (September 20 to
24)." he says. The farm and auction business will "be back
to full bore" immediately following the conclusion of the
IPM.
In preparation for the match, Carson says they had to get
their cattle numbers down so there was more room and
there were fewer on pasture. The entire place was house-
cleaned and August was devoted to preparations. Aside
from the 675 acres of land contributed by the Carsons, the
IPM will also make use of the arena and horse barn.
Carson's staff, and children Brad and Lori, will join him
in welcoming visitors to the site in September.
"We want time to talk to people, to meet customers we
don't have time to visit with during the year," says Carson.
The business has more than 23,500 buyers and sellers
associated with the company from across Canada and the
United States.
Another welcoming element of this year's event will be
the garden with the waterfall centerpiece featured
prominently at the front of the Carson property.
As a memorial to his parents and with the help of his
staff, the area has taken on a park -like setting. With the
sound of flowing water and a few newly planted trees to
adorn the location, Carson also hopes to have a gazebo and
seating area for everyone to stop by and enjoy the setting.
"1 am really looking forward to it," Carson says. "1 hope
it is really good for the community. When this is over, I
want to give something back to this community that has
been good to us."
"This is not David and Brad Carson, it is about the
community. Volunteers have been going to meetings for
three years. Our contribution is small when compared to
theirs. This is a community show and we are just fortunate
enough that we have the place for them to do it."0