The Whale family of Clovermead Farms here is one of 35 Ontario families recognized by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) and BMO Bank of Montreal for their outstanding contributions to the Ontario agricultural sector.
Clovermead Farms, run by Bruce and Deborah Whale and their son Korb, is a 475-acre dairy and cropping operation.
In 2012, the Whales added an anaerobic digester to turn methane produced by manure into biogas to generate energy. Deborah says the farm has been in the Whale family for generations, dating back to the early 1800s.
The Farm Family Awards program was created to promote a renewed urban-rural relationship and to recognize outstanding Ontario farm families who best typify the value of the family farmer to society. The program specifically focuses on recognizing the contribution these families make to the enhancement of quality of life in their agricultural communities.
The importance of Ontario’s agricultural sector has been a constant theme of the OPA and an important component of BMO Bank of Montreal’s commercial banking business in the province. The awards focus attention on the “importance of farming as a diverse and compelling business sector, the unique ideals and opportunities of rural living and the manner in which farm families are actively involved in their community,” the sponsors stated in a press release.
Each local OPA branch had the opportunity to select a BMO Farm Family Award recipient from their area based on their contribution to the community and their own farming expertise.
The awards recognize families who take an innovative approach to growing their business in the agriculture industry, and at the same time demonstrate a commitment to traditional values.
Up to 10 of these families, as chosen by the OPA Farm Family Provincial Committee, will be honoured at the 2013 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Mitchell. Honourees will be hosted at a recognition program on Sept. 21, and will enjoy a day-long itinerary of plowing match events, including lunch and a family photograph session.
“The recipients of the 2013 Local BMO Farm Family Awards each demonstrate the critical role they play in furthering Ontario agriculture,” said Sousada Souksombath, commercial account manager at BMO Bank of Montreal in Guelph. “We are proud to recognize families who uphold the traditions of the past while helping the province’s ongoing economic growth.”
George Robinson, advisory councillor for the OPA, Wellington County, said, “The Wellington Plowmen’s Association is proud to recognize the Whale Family as our 2013 Farm Family honouree.
“We believe that through these awards we will be able to showcase how the values and hard work of the farm family enhance our quality of life.”
The Whale Family will receive special recognition at the Wellington Plowing Match on Aug. 17 on the Goodwin Farm.
The OPA is the parent host of the International Plowing Match. Each year the OPA partners with a local plowing association to organize and host the international event.
