For over 150 years, graduates of the University of Guelph have helped establish Ontario’s agri-food sector as one of the best in the world. That legacy is reflected in the five outstanding individuals being inducted into this year’s Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame. Through groundbreaking research, advocacy, and industry advancements, these visionary leaders have shaped the future of agriculture—driving sustainability, improving animal health, and strengthening agricultural practices.
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, 262 worthy candidates have been inducted into the Hall of Fame gallery, many of whom are faculty or alumni of U of G. www.oahf.on.ca [1].
Congratulations to this year’s inductees:
Dr. Edward Blair (Ted) Burnside
Dr. Ted Burnside is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the evolution and development of animal improvement in Canada. His transformative work at the University of Guelph's Department of Animal Science has elevated Canadian livestock genetics internationally. His leadership in co-founding the Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock and advising global breeding programs underscores his legacy in the field. Dr. Burnside is a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College.
Kenneth Elgin Forth
Ken Forth’s advocacy for agricultural labor rights and leadership in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) has been instrumental in sustaining Ontario's horticulture industry. His unwavering commitment to farm safety and worker welfare sets a standard for sustainable farming practices. His leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where, as president of the Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.), he ensured essential workers could cross borders and work on Ontario farms. Forth was bestowed an Honourary Degree of Doctor of Laws by U of G in 2019.
Donald Wallace Hart
Don Hart’s leadership in conservation tillage systems have significantly enhanced the sustainability of Ontario’s farmlands. His innovative approach to soil health continues to shape modern farming practices, inspiring generations of farmers to prioritize environmental stewardship. In the 1960s, Don observed soil degradation caused by monoculture corn crops and moldboard plow tillage. Driven by this concern, he sought out like-minded individuals to find solutions. This group, informally known as the Oxford Group, became leaders in soil conservation in Oxford County and across the province. Donald was a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College.
Craig Hunter
Craig Hunter’s dedication to poultry welfare and biosecurity innovations at Burnbrae Farms has reshaped Canada’s egg production standards. His advocacy for transparent farming practices and consumer education exemplifies his profound impact on the agricultural community. Nationally, Craig provided counsel and leadership in developing three iterations of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens, which guides farmers across Canada. Craig was a graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College.
Dr. Ken Leslie
An innovator in bovine veterinary medicine, Dr. Ken Leslie’s leadership at the University of Guelph has advanced dairy health management and veterinary education. His collaborative research and mentorship have fostered critical advancements in dairy farming practices nationwide. A founding force behind the Department of Population Medicine, one of the first of its kind in a veterinary medicine faculty, One of Ken’s greatest accomplishments is the creation of the Dairy Health Management Certificate program. Recognizing the need for advanced veterinary training, he founded this two-year, modular, interactive program for dairy veterinarians.