Farm News and Events

The Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce they will be hosting their 2024 induction ceremony on Sunday, August 25th at 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village and Museum, Keene.  The purpose of the Wall of Fame is to recognize residents of Peterborough County who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry. 

This year’s inductees are:
Joseph Crowly of Norwood, Darrell Drain of Douro-Dummer, Joyce Pimmett-Millar (posthumously), Marg and Wayne Telford of Selwyn, and Carol and Dean Warner of Hastings.

Joseph Crowley

Joseph Crowley, a farmer, leader, and businessman, grew up in Norwood, the oldest of six children.  His pursuit of agricultural excellence was sparked early in life.  Joseph embraced working with livestock and showed for years.  He was an active member of 4-H and Junior Farmers’, and passed these traditions onto his three children.  He has been a leader with the Norwood Agricultural Society for decades.  Joseph served on the Lang Pioneer Village Museum Advisory Committee and was part of the Building Committee for the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building. He was a school board trustee, member of Asphodel-Norwood Township Council, and a volunteer with Norwood Minor Hockey. He diversified his farming operation with broiler chickens and established Crowley Farms Norwood Ltd with his son.  The business has transitioned to organic chicken production meeting changing consumer demands.

Nominated by Norwood Agricultural Society, 2024

Darrell Drain

Darrell Drain was raised in Dummer Township. His agriculture business development contributions are unique. In the early 1970’s, Darrell, and his brother John, started their first gravel pit and limestone quarry. Drain Bros. Excavating Ltd. now employs over 450 staff.  Darrell’s investment in Kawartha Ethanol Inc. has created a new market for corn and provides Peterborough County producers with a transportation advantage. Darrell inspires others to invest in Peterborough County agriculture. His cattle feedlots and other farmers make use of distillers grain, a by-product of ethanol production. His Stoney Lake Belgians have won awards at prestigious events across North America. Darrell’s businesses have expanded to include St. Lawrence Grains and Seeds and Kawartha Premium Alcohols Inc. Darrell, and his wife Susan, are humble, philanthropic, community builders.

Nominated by Peterborough Soil and Crop Improvement Association, 2024

Joyce Pimmett-Millar (1927-2021)

Agricultural pioneer, Joyce Pimmett-Millar, was raised and farmed in Otonabee Township. At age six, she began selling flowers; she continued selling eggs and poultry weekly at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market well into her nineties. She and her husband Jack raised two children. Joyce was a Junior Farmer and member of the Peterborough County judging team. She was a strong supporter of 4-H. She was one of the first female beef order buyers for Canada Packers. In 1967, she established a Scotch Shorthorn herd which received numerous Grand Champion and Premier Exhibitor Awards. Joyce established the first local egg grading station.  She proactively established the facility to supply graded eggs to restaurants, institutions and stores. Her legacy lives on with her family continuing to operate Millar Eggs and Poultry Farms.

Nominated by Gregory, Lisa and Ian Clark, 2024

Marg (Coulter) and Wayne Telford

Marg and Wayne Telford have embodied a commitment to agricultural excellence and community service. Wayne is the fourth generation to farm in Selwyn Township.  They were partners in DonWay Farm and now operate MiWay Farm with their son. Wayne has been a Director of Peterborough Cattlemen's Association for over 40 years. Marg and Wayne were part of a Peterborough producer group that created the calf weaning weight program which improved local cattle genetics. This program led to the creation of Ontario’s Red Meat Plan. For 43 years, Wayne, with Marg’s support, has chaired and coordinated Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes Cattlemen’s Stocker Sales. Wayne was Ontario Cattleman of the Year in 1993. They won the 2013 Peterborough County Agriculture Leadership Award. In 2024, Wayne and Marg were presented the inaugural Long-Standing Commitment to Peterborough County Cattlemen Award.

Nominated by Peterborough County Cattlemen's Association, 2024

Carol (Lacey) and Dean Warner

Dean Warner was raised at Ronbeth Holsteins in Asphodel Township.  He farmed in partnership with his father and brother. Carol joined Dean in dairy farming following their marriage in 1985.  In 2016, they became full owners of Ronbeth with their two daughters. Ronbeth Holsteins is one of only four, four-time Canadian Master Breeder Herds. Dean was President of the Peterborough County 4-H Association and a leader for 43 years. He held leadership roles with Peterborough County Holstein Club, Agricultural Societies, and the Ontario Summer Holstein show. In 2002, Dean was Ontario Holstein Branch President. He was a Holstein Canada judge for 30 years, judging competitions around the world.  Carol was a 4-H leader and organized 4-H Awards Nights. She was Vice Chair of the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building Committee.  Carol’s volunteerism saw her inducted into the Hall of Honour at Adam Scott Collegiate. They were founding members of the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association USA/Canada.

Nominated by Stephanie and Lacey Warner, 2024

For further information, please contact
Carolyn Doris
Chair – Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee
cpdoris@nexicom.net
(705) 295-2755

The Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce they will be hosting their 2024 induction ceremony on Sunday, August 25th at 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village and Museum, Keene.  The purpose of the Wall of Fame is to recognize residents of Peterborough County who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry.  

This year’s inductees are:
Joseph Crowly of Norwood, Darrell Drain of Douro-Dummer, Joyce Pimmett-Millar (posthumously), Marg and Wayne Telford of Selwyn, and Carol and Dean Warner of Hastings.