The Wellington County Cattlemen’s Association (WCCA) held its annual general meeting in grand style on Jan. 20 in Alma.
The well-attended event included dinner and presentations by industry representatives. The guest speaker for the evening was Jim Clark and among the attendees was Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong.
Before conducting the business portion of the meeting, there was an emotional presentation of the first annual Ron Wooddisse Award, a tribute to the legacy of the late WCCA director and former president of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association.
“Ron got us through the difficult time of the BSC scare and he led on from there,” said Rob Unsworth, president and advisory councillor for the WCCA.
The Ron Wooddisse Award honours the most improved member in Wellington County 4-H Beef Clubs.
Three nominees were put forth for the award, including Adam Black of West Luther and Kayla Scott of Guelph-Eramosa. Taking home the honour was Sara Parkinson, of Erin 4-H club number two.
Presenting Parkinson with the honour were members of the Wooddisse family, including Mary Ellen Wooddisse and her daughter, Trish Kelly.
“You are well on your way to success,” said Wooddisse, “And this award is to honour your efforts this year.”
She explained how her late husband’s passion was the beef industry and together with his three children, Ron was a member and supporter of the 4-H clubs.
“It’s a great honour and it’s a great place to be coming from (the WCCA),” said Parkinson, who credits the organization as being very supportive of the efforts of the region’s 4-H clubs. “It’s really nice to be recognized.”
Parkinson was nominated for the award by the Erin 4-H number two club, of which she has been a member since 2004, for her leadership and interest in the cattle community.
This year Parkinson started her own cattle company, Red Ribbon Livestock, with pure bred charolais cattle. She is also past president of her club, is a certified leader and is the club’s secretary this year.
Currently in university, Parkinson has future goals to become a leader in 4-H after completing her final year in the organization next year.
“I think 4-H is a basis for agriculture and learning about your ag-community,” Parkinson said. “It gives you the social connections you need to be successful.”
The WCCA also recognized the efforts of regional 4-H clubs by presenting youths with pails donated by Dreamland Equine of Elora.
