The annual induction dinner for the Glengarry Agricultural Wall of Fame takes place on Friday, April 26, at the Metcalfe Centre in Maxville, Ontario. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and presentations at 7:30 p.m. This year’s inductees are Benoît Duchesne, Carmin Howes, Brian MacNaughton and Carman Rowe. Today, we introduce inductee Carmin Howes.
Carmin Howes was born on May 17, 1937. Carmin’s interest in agriculture began very early on. His first purebred Holstein arrived when Carmin was just 12 years old. He joined 4-H as soon as he could, and as a new member, placed 1st at 4-H judging day. Soon after that, he earned “Best All Around 4-H Member”. Carmin enjoyed it so much he would go on to lead 4-H for 10 years. These early events set the tone for his life in agriculture. After graduating from high school, he became interested in Junior Farmers. He was instrumental in reviving the dormant Lochiel Junior Farmers and served as its first president. With the local club up and running, Carmin became the club’s provincial representative.
Carmin married Doreen MacLeod on November 5, 1966. He worked on the family farm, building a purebred herd until 1969, when he purchased the farm across the road and began Lochill Holsteins. With Lochill established, he was becoming a regular in the show ring and his presence continued until the 1990’s.
Carmin has always been a promoter of rural life and put ideas into action as a director on the Vankleek Hill Agricultureal Society, serving as President in 1972-73 as well as during his time on the Cattle Committee of the Kenyon Agricultural Society. In the 1980’s Carmin was named an official judge for Holstein Canada and judged at many fairs throughout Eastern Ontario and the Maritimes. In 1985, Carmin was President of the Glengarry Holstein Association. In the spring of 1986, Carmin, Doreen and their two daughters, Mitzi and Melissa, proudly accepted the highly esteemed Holstein Canada Master Breeders Shield.
Carmin has many interests and approaches all endeavours leading by example. His church life has always been important, serving for many years as People’s Warden at St. John’s Anglican Church in Vankleek Hill. Carmin also volunteered for the Glengarry Chapter of the Heart and Stroke Society for 10 years. Since selling the farm in 1996, he can be found in his garden, curling, golfing or spending time with his family.
Tickets for the Wall of Fame dinner are $35 per person. Admission for children costs $15. Members of the Agricultural Wall of Fame who will have tickets to sell are: Robert D. MacDonald (613-525-3471); Dougall MacLeod (613-525-2327); Warren MacIntosh (613-527-5355); Jack Fraser (613-527-2572); Ray Howes (613-528-4320); Clark McCuaig (613-347-2653); Walter McIntosh (613-528-4694); Carolyn McRae (613-347-2698) and Sharon McDonell (613-347-3981).
