The Connell family of the Palmerston area was among 10 farm families honored by BMO Bank of Montreal and the Ontario Plowmen’s Association at the annual BMO Ontario Farm Family Awards.
The event was held on Sept. 24 during the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Minto.
The BMO Ontario Farm Family Awards recognize the outstanding contributions made by farmers across the province by bringing the community together to celebrate both these exceptional families and the vital urban-rural relationship.
The winning families were treated to a day of plowing match events, a plaque presentation, luncheon and family photograph session.
The Connells operate a generational and extended family farm bought from the Crown in 1854 at the Minto Land Sale. The original deed is in possession of the family and clearly shows it was purchased for $300 by great grandfather James Connell, who came from Cumnock, Scotland.
He and his wife Janet Peden came to Canada in 1851, landing in Hamilton, and then moving on to Guelph Township where he worked for the Cleghorn family until the land sale in 1854.
Today, the operation focuses on growing and selling pedigreed seed and finishing beef cattle.
The family was recognized for its employment of progressive farm management practices, land stewardship and rural citizenship.
Jim Connell served on Minto Township council for 28 years, including 10 as reeve and county councillor. After amalgamation he served seven years as Wellington County councillor for Ward 1, representing the Town of Minto. Connell served as Wellington County warden in 1995.
