Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame inductees

After a two-year hiatus, the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee has announced it will be hosting its 2022 induction ceremony on Sunday, August 28 at 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village and Museum, Keene. The Wall of Fame recognizes those who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry in the region. 

Dr. Bill Belch (1927-2022) and Mary Belch (1934-)
Dr. Bill and Mary Belch founded the Peterborough Buffalo Farm, which at its peak had 350 head on 1000 acres. They were known internationally for their breeding stock and developed a market for federally inspected bison meat, selling directly to consumers and local restaurants. Mary sold bison meat at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market for over 20 years. Dr. Belch was a founder of the Canadian Bison Association and became national president in 1991. He was named the Grand Bisoneer of America and they received international recognition for their lifetime dedication and service to the bison industry.

G. Peter English (1943-2019)
Peter English was raised on his family farm, Enghill Holsteins, a Master Breeder herd, near Hastings and was an outstanding Peterborough 4-H member. In 1967, he graduated with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture from the Ontario Agricultural College. After graduation, Peter joined the Holstein Journal as associate editor. In 1987, he became partner in the Holstein Journal and in 1991 became sole owner and publisher, along with serving as livestock advertising manager. Peter was a long-time member of Holstein Canada, receiving its Certificate of Recognition and the Supreme Dairy Show’s International Friend Award. 

David P. Nelson (1944-2020)
David Nelson farmed his entire life near Keene in Otonabee Township, first on his family’s dairy farm and later on his own adjoining farm. David was a member of the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough Soil and Crop Association. In addition to careers in farming and drafting at General Electric, David served in local politics for 44 consecutive years. He was a Township Councilor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve. He sat on County Council and served two terms as Peterborough County Warden. His political activities allowed him to provide a farm-informed perspective to federal and provincial ministers on a wide range of issues and concerns.  

Roy Sanderson (1904-1981) and Christina Sanderson (1904-2002)
Roy and Christina (Bulmer) Sanderson were raised on farms in Smith Township and married in 1924. They joined the Sanderson family dairy farm on Chemong Road where Portage Place Mall is now located. Roy delivered milk and eggs by horse and buggy or cutter to customers around Peterborough. When the farm was expropriated in 1951, they purchased a farm in Bailieboro, South Monaghan Township. The farm was unproductive, had been impacted by soil erosion and extensive work was required on outbuildings. Roy had a vision for the property, including contours on the slopes and strip farming the land. The Sanderson’s transformed their farm of “bog and bulrushes” into a beautiful and productive property. They hosted many tours showcasing new practices. Their contour farming practices with crop rotation were featured in several agriculture publications and textbooks.