News release

Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame Inducts New Members

Agriculture

Frank Berkelaar of Harmony, Colchester Co., was inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame today, Oct. 23, at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Bible Hill.

Mr. Berkelaar immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1953. At 19, he started working at the Truro Livestock Auction at the Truro Exhibition Grounds, which later became the Maritime Cattle Market.

In 1974, Mr. Berkelaar purchased the Maritime Cattle Market, and expanded services to include sales of all farm animals, machinery, hay and milk quota.

"Mr. Berkelaar is known and respected throughout North America as a businessman who built a successful market," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture. "He believes that everyone involved in a sale must have a fair return, and worked hard to ensure this objective."

Mr. Berkelaar was also involved in other businesses, including operating a farm with his brother that produced cattle and crops, and he provided auctioneering services to a number of organizations, such as the 4H program. In April 2001, he became an honourary member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists for his commitment to the agriculture industry.

"Mr. Berkelaar is a well-respected voice for the livestock industry and has readily shared his knowledge with others," said Mr. Taylor. "He also served on the ministerial task force for the beef industry in the mid-1990s and helped with policy development."

Through the Maritime Cattle Market, Mr. Berkelaar provided credit to buyers during the BSE, also known as mad cow, situation so markets and prices were maintained for local farmers selling cattle.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture nominated Mr. Berkelaar for his lifelong commitment to the agricultural industry.

Other Atlantic provinces' inductees are Ronald Piper of New Brunswick; Eugene Legge of Newfoundland and Labrador; and Donald MacKenzie of Prince Edward Island.

The Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame honours members of the agricultural community for outstanding contributions to the industry, community and farm organizations.