Newly inducted hall of famer Ray Robertson has been recognized by Grey County council.
Robertson, a resident of Markdale, was recently inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. County council paid tribute to Robertson at its meeting on Nov. 23.
Robertson, a former dairy farmer, is a world-renowned agricultural expert and was instrumental in the creation of Grey County Agriculture Services in 2000 when the provincial government shut down its agriculture offices across the province.
Robertson was inducted into the Ontario hall of fame earlier this year and, in a speech to county council, he thanked the county for all of its support over the years and expressed his appreciation for the team he worked with at the local office.
“We have met the challenge and serve the broad range of the industry from the smallest to the largest producers and a whole bunch in between,” said Robertson. “We have been able to serve and deliver beneficial services to farmers and the general public.”
During his speech, Robertson said retirement is on the horizon for him and he is proud that Grey County Agriculture Services will continue doing great work for years to come.
“Being told the initiatives I started and the leadership provided will be a major benefit to farmers and the agriculture industry across Canada for decades in the future made me realize our efforts were truly worthwhile,” he said. “For that, I pay tribute to so many people who I have worked with and who deserve more recognition than I can possibly do justice in just a few words today.”
Prior to Robertson’s speech, the county played his hall of fame induction video, which can be found here.
In the video, Robertson's work in the area of forage crops for soil health is highlighted, as he helped bring value and representation to forage crops. He is credited with helping start the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association in 2010 and he was known as a national voice representing the diverse needs of the forage industry and building a stronger market for Canadian hay.
“It’s fantastic news. He’s been invaluable in driving the importance of agriculture in Grey County,” said Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen.
McQueen praised Robertson for his commitment to the forage market and said Robertson’s efforts had raised the profile of that aspect of farming.
“There is a world market for forage. Hay is a commodity itself and that helped a lot of farmers,” he said.
Warden Brian Milne said Robertson is a tremendous representative for the county and the agricultural community.
“I don’t know a more distinguished voice in Grey County agriculture today,” said Milne.
