Five individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture in Chatham-Kent and beyond will be inducted into the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame this fall.
The Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame Committee announced that Janet Campbell, Barry Robert Kearney, Edward J. Tomecek, and Edgar and Patricia VanRabaeys will be honoured during an induction ceremony on Nov. 17 at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club in Oungah.
The event will begin with a meet-and-greet at 11 a.m., followed by presentations on the inductees’ biographies, lunch and additional presentations throughout the day.
Janet Campbell, of the former Township of Harwich, is being recognized for her longstanding commitment to youth development through 4-H programs. The Hall of Fame committee described Campbell as the “Heart of 4H” in Chatham-Kent, citing her work mentoring young people, supporting volunteers and strengthening agricultural education programs.
Barry Robert Kearney, of the former Township of Howard, is being honoured for a career spanning 48 years in the planting equipment industry. According to the committee, Kearney specialized in adapting mass-produced planting equipment to better meet the needs of local farmers.
Edward J. (Ed) Tomecek, of the former Township of Chatham, is being recognized for his contributions to Ontario’s processing vegetable sector. The committee said Tomecek played a significant role in maintaining the viability and future of the industry.
Edgar and Patricia VanRabaeys, of the Thamesville area, are being honoured for their advocacy on behalf of agricultural producers and their efforts to promote fairness within the industry. The committee said the couple’s mentorship, kindness and work ethic had a lasting impact on local youth they guided through what became known as the “University of Thames Sales Yard.”
Tickets for the induction event are available through Kathy Vanek at 519-683-2929.
