Three Northern Ontario beef cattle operations and a Manitoulin Island craft brewery were recognized by the Ontario government through its annual Excellence in Agriculture Awards.
Rainy River’s Bujold Farms, a family operated breeder of Herefords and commercial angus received the Northern Business Excellence award.
Honourable mention went to Mattagami Heights Farms of Timmins, who raise a herd of grass-fed Limousin cattle on Sandy Falls Road.
According to a Nov. 2 provincial government news release, these businesses, individuals and organizations have “raised the bar” when it comes to excellence in the agriculture and food sectors and in providing leadership in their field. Details on why these operations received these awards were not included in the government release.
The announcement was made during the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which is running in Toronto from November 1 to 10.
The Farm Family Excellence for the North region went to ELD Farm of Minnitaki, west of Dryden on Highway 17. The family-run operation prides itself on being a sustainable beef operation.
Split Rail Brewing Company, a small batch brewer in Gore Bay, received an honourable mention in the Women’s Excellence category.
These operations were among 13 winners and 16 honourable mentions across 11 categories.
“This year’s Excellence in Agriculture Award winners inspire me and demonstrate the extent of the passion and talent that sets Ontario agri-food apart in a competitive global market,” said Rob Flack, minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. “My ministry and our government will continue working with leaders across the sector to reinforce the right conditions for long-term growth and dynamism.”
