Burton Somerville to be inducted to ag hall of fame

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Burton Somerville will be inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to agriculture, having been nominated by the Simcoe County Holstein Club and Simcoe Dairy Producers.

“Burton would be so pleased if he knew this was all in his honour,” said his wife Fran Somerville.

The late farmer and founder of Waynan Dairy Farm in Stayner, had a long and successful career. Somerville ran his family’s farm as a teenager after his father’s illness forced him into the management role, learning as he went from mentors and the 4H Club.

Burton received many accolades for his agricultural work, receiving a master breeder award from Holstein Canada, winning several county shows including premier breeder and exhibitor, a centennial award from the Ministry of Agriculture and was recognized by the province for building an energy efficient dairy barn and hay storage.

Burton was an innovative farmer and in some ways was ahead of his time. He once worked with the University of Guelph on an agricultural study to use leaf cutter bees to pollinate alfalfa seed. He also had an interest in alternative energy and exposed dozens of young people to farming through a summer employment program.

He is also recognized for his agriculture related economic development efforts in Collingwood, growing for Nacan starch, working with Canadian Mist and Miss Vickie’s Chips, formerly of New Lowell.

Through his church, Centennial United Church, Burton helped organize a two-day event to harvest 40 acres of barley for the Food Grains Bank.

Burton was also very involved in family life, local politics, youth activities and the Great Northern Exhibition.

A portrait of Burton is being done for the induction. The ceremony and unveiling of the portrait will be held at the Simcoe County Museum at 2 p.m. on Oct. 1.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP before Sept. 26 to Fran Somerville at 705-428-2510 or Wayne Somerville at 705-795-2921.

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