Robert F. Bedggood

(1943- ) Born and raised in the Thorndale area, Bob Bedggood is one of Ontario’s outstanding farm leaders.  His effective and thoughtful approach to leadership has led to several key roles within the industry and with government, finding win-win solutions and practical answers to agri-food and environmental challenges.   As president of the Middlesex Federation of Agriculture and of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, he became a well-informed spokesperson for the industry.  He was a member of the Agricultural Odyssey Group & was instrumental in the development of a strategic, long-term vision for Ontario’s agri-food industry as well as chair of the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Council.  Bob’s long-term leadership and commitment to farm and rural environmental issues has contributed significantly to the betterment of the rural community.

Sir John Carling

(1828-1911)  Born in London Township, Carling succeeded his father as president of Carling Brewing and malting Co. Entering politics as a Conservative, he represented London in the Legislative Assembly of Canada (1857-1867), in the Provincial legislature (1867-1873) and in the House of Commons (1867-74, 1878-91, and 1892-95).  Called to the Senate in 1891, he resigned the following year only to be reappointed in 1896.  He held portfolios in several cabinets but his most significant contributions both provincially and federally were in agriculture.  He was Instrumental in the founding of the Ontario Fruit growers Association, the Ontario Agricultural College and experimental farm and the Federal Agricultural Experimental Farms system.  He was also responsible for the start of the elaborate agricultural drainage system in the vicinity of Chatham

William Saunders

(1836-1914) Born in Crediton, England, Saunders immigrated to Upper Canada in 1848 settling in London where he apprenticed to a local druggist and opened his own pharmacy in 1855.  He sold medicinal extracts made from plants and he studied entomology. William was a botanist and an agriculturalist who collected plant samples.  He helped found and was president of the Entomological Society of Canada, the Canadian Pharmaceutical Society, the American Pharmaceutical Association, the Fruit Growers Association and he also helped establish the Ontario  College of Pharmacy.

Saunders believed that science could improve Canadian agriculture and speed the development & settlement of the northwest.  John Carling agreed and in setting up the Dominion Experimental Farms system in 1886 made Saunders its founding director a position he held until his retirement in 1911.

The induction ceremony will be held in the Carousel Room at Western Fair on Wed. March 7^th beginning at 11:30 a.m.  For tickets or further information please contact Hugh Fletcher at (519) 666-1572.