The Rural Voice, 1998-12, Page 70People
Tony Morris honoured twice at Bruce Federation's annual meeting
It had been almost a year since he
lost his bid to remain as president of
the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
but Bruce County was out to show
Tony Morris his efforts were
appreciated when they presented him
with no Tess than two awards at the
Federation's annual meeting in
Ripley, November 6.
Highlight of the evening came
when Brian and Gisele Ireland
presented the annual Award of Merit
to Tony and his wife Judy for their
contribution to agriculture. Earlier in
the evening Federation President
Gerry Poechman and incoming
president Murray Clark presented a
special award, a plaque and an OFA
mailbox, to the Morrises.
Tony Morris paid tribute to his
family saying unlike other OFA
presidents his family's farming
operation not only didn't suffer, but
their sheep flock doubled in size
Gisele Ireland (far left) and husband Brian (far right) present their Award of
Merit to Tony and Judy Morris at the annual meeting of the Bruce County
Federation of Agriculture, November 6.
during his presidency. "It takes a lot
of commitment from the family," he
said. "Somebody's got to do the work
at home.
Morris urged farmers to continue to
work together and said groups like
the county federation and OFA are
needed now more than ever.0
1998 Huron Federation Award given to Bill Wallace
Story and photo by Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot
Bill Wallace says he "cannot bear it" when people
degrade farmers and don't give them their due. He got his
"due" on October 23 when he was presented with the annual
Bill Wallace is surrounded by his family as he holds the
Award for Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture. On
hand for the presentation are (left to right) his parents
Robert and Anne, son Ethan and wife Rowena.
Huron County award for his outstanding contribution to
agriculture and community.
"He's my age and when I look at all the things he's done,
I wonder why I can't do as much as this guy did," joked
HCFA Past President Steve Thompson, before presenting
the huge trophy to Wallace.
Wallace graduated from the University of Guelph,
worked in Toronto for an agricultural business, graduated
from the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, served
with the Seaforth Farmers' Co-operative, the Seaforth
Agricultural Society, the Hensall District Co-op and the
Huron County Milk Committee. He was president of some
of those as was he president of the Huron County Federation
of Agriculture in the early 1990s during which time he was
also an active campaigner for stable funding.
He, along with wife Rowena, are dairy farmers near
Seaforth. They recently made a bold move when they
switched all their Holsteins for Jerseys. The move coincided
with his involvement in the Quality Jersey Products
company in Seaforth which markets "Jersey Tradition"
cheeses. Wallace serves on the business management team.
Wallace said, "I am very proud to have my parents and
my wife and son here to share this award." His daughter,
Melissa, was unable to attend because of university
commitments. He was quick to point out that without the
support of his wife and family, he couldn't do all he has
done.
Wallace added that he is "very proud of his occupation
and proud that my family chose to be farmers."0