The Nixon family of Rockwood and Norval picked up two prestigious awards at the Jersey Canada annual meeting recently in Winnipeg.
John Nixon accepted a Hall of Fame award for lifetime production for one of his cows. A ten-year-old, Rosalea Jed’s Cybil has produced to date 59,266kg of milk, 2,781kg of fat with a 4.77 per cent test and 2,209kg of fat with a 3.79% test.
This cow family has been in the Nixon herd since 1974, showing the productivity and longevity of the Jersey breed, officials say.
An Honourary Lifetime Membership award went to his parents, Bruce and Eileen Nixon of Norval. They were recognized for their contributions to the Jersey breed, dairy industry and local community.
John and his sister, Susan Revie, proudly accepted the award on behalf of their parents. The Rosalea Jersey herd was started by Bruce’s father John in 1928. Originally, a red clover seed business and dairy herd began in Streetsville.
The Norval farm of 200 acres was bought in 1957 and Bruce joined the business. In 2007, the farming operation was moved to new facilities near Rockwood, now under the management of the third and fourth generation, John and Cathy Nixon and family.
Bruce and Eileen were married in 1949 and raised a family of six daughters and one son. They were all very involved in 4-H, Jersey youth rallies and local fairs with the youngest offspring, John taking over the management of the farm.
Bruce was a community leader with the Brampton Fair Board, Halton Federation of Agriculture, Halton Milk Committee, church elder and school board trustee.
Bruce was an active member of the Halton Jersey Club, representing Halton on the board of directors for Ontario Jersey Club, and Provincial President in 1987. Bruce was selected as Halton County Farmer of the Year in 1988. Eileen was always an integral part of the farm, and among other duties, cared for the calves.
They have always been active in the dairy shows at four local shows, the Parish show at Erin Fair, the Richmond Hill Spring show and the Royal Winter Fair. All Canadian awards have been won too, for the excellence of their animals in the show ring.
Bruce and Eileen still live in Norval and recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
submitted by Carol Murphy
