Ontario’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Grant Howes was a visionary leader in apple growing and specifically cider production, pioneering innovative practices and technologies in developing cider orchards that enhanced productivity and sustainability within the industry. Grant was a vocal advocate for Ontario apple growing at the local and provincial levels. As the craft cider sector grew in Ontario, Grant was a mentor to many always willing to share ideas and work with new cideries. His initiatives also helped Ontario cider apple farmers adopt more environmentally friendly farming techniques. His commitment to collaboration was also a driver for the establishment of the Ontario Craft Cider Association of which he was a founding member. Grant was also a founding member of Fruit Wines of Ontario, and Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association. Grant Howes is nominated by Jenifer Dean, The County Cider Company. Verner Toews was a lifelong vegetable farmer who was involved in the initial efforts of crafting and participating in pricing negotiations with processors. Additionally, he was one of the first greenhouse growers in Ontario, paving the way for a sector which has grown and developed greatly over the past 60 years. As chair of the Essex County Associated Growers, Vern travelled the province promoting the benefits of greenhouse-grown produce. The result of his efforts was the establishment of what is now called Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG). His tenure also included multi-term positions as director on the OGVG and with Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers. Throughout the industry, Verner is recognized for his contributions made to negotiating fair prices with processors, developing Ontario’s greenhouse marketing board to protect pricing for producers, his work in advocating and developing federal initiatives such as the Temporary Foreign Worker program and tax incentives for donated foods. Verner Toews is nominated by the OGVG. Dr. Tina Widowski is one of the world’s foremost experts in the housing and management of farm animals and has been described as a pioneer in poultry behaviour and welfare research in Canada and globally. As a professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, with training in animal behaviour and physiology, she has studied such diverse topics as the endocrinology of nest building in sows, the behavioural responses of hens to different lighting systems, the development of feeding and drinking in piglets and motivation for dust bathing and nesting in laying hens. Her research has also tackled the transport and handling of market pigs, and methods for euthanasia for piglets and poultry. Tina has also played a significant role working with National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and producer groups in the development of several new Codes of Practice. Over the years, Tina’s research has improved animal welfare in Ontario and Canada, being cited in numerous NFACC Scientific Committee Reviews, including those for pigs, laying hens and meat birds. She has mentored hundreds of students and inspired many more. Dr. Tina Widowski is nominated by the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare. GRANT HOWES (1956 – 2017) VERNER TOEWS (1937 – 2023) DR. TINA WIDOWSKI (1958 – ) The 2024 induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 9 at the Grand Way Event Centre, Elora. Registration is available at a cost of $40 (for in-person attendance) or $20 (virtual attendance) on the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association’s website at www.oahf.on.ca. It is the mission of the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association to acknowledge, record, and preserve the contributions made by leaders to the growth and development of Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry. To date, 256 worthy candidates have been inducted into the Hall of Fame gallery. www.oahf.on.ca. 60 Promotional Supplement Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame | April 2024
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