Grenville Cattlemen's Assoc.:Awards

The 2005 recipients of the Grenville Cattlemen's Award of Merit are Don and Christine Bennett of Manesail Farm. The award was presented August 7 at the Cattlemen's farm tour and picnic on the farm of Charlie and Kim Sytsma in Athens.

Don and Christine are relatively new producers in the beef industry. They started with a small crossbred herd and have made tremendous strides to expand their numbers and expertise each year. Working hard and smart they researched many aspects of the industry to put themselves in a position which allowed them to capitalize on herd health including vaccination, marketing options, production practices that work for them, program and information days that enhance their management plan. They purchased a handling system that grew with the herd and can handle cattle with ease and safety in mind

Both Don and Christine have contributed to the beef industry, attending and helping with many functions of the Grenville Cattlemen's Association. They were interviewed and featured in the Ottawa Sun in July of 2003 and gave an excellent picture of how the BSE Crisis was affecting local beef producers and rural Canada. We are very proud to have them as producers in our area and congratulate them on their achievements.

In communication with Alec MacGregor, he described the award as follows: Each year the Grenville Cattlemen's Association calls for nominations from county producers, so the recipients are selected by their peers. When calling for nominations, the GCA suggests that it be someone who is deserving and fits into any or all of the following categories:

* Is doing a good job with their operation;
* Is using technology to their best advantage;
* Is willing to work with youth and help those interested in agriculture
* Is willing to jump in and lend a hand with projects;
* Is looking towards the future of the industry and is helping us get there
* Is looking for new and innovative ideas
* Is looking at market options
* Is putting the whole package together

Grenville Cattlemen's Association Award of Merit