It was a night for the best and brightest in Chatham-Kent’s agriculture sector to shine.
The 79th annual Rural Urban Awards were handed out by the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus Thursday night.
Agriculturist of the Year went to Brad Snobelen, who said after years of advocating for the local ag sector, helping to lead events like Canada Ag Day in Chatham-Kent show how connected the sector is to the community.
“We raised funds and try and support our local food banks. Last year, we put together about $10,000 between donations, donations-in-kind, and cash. That’s really what shows the support to the community.”
Sarah Graham of Sarah’s Farm Markets won the Woman in Agriculture honour. She said it is important to showcase successful women in a male-dominated industry.
“Mainly, it’s to recognize all the women out there who have ever contributed to agriculture, there’s so many. The behind-the-scenes effort that goes for women, even if their husband is a farmer, is such a huge contribution. It’s such an amazing honour.”
The night’s other winners included Country Market Garden with the Business Agriculture Innovator award. Jay Cunningham took home the Individual Agriculture Innovator honour, Friend of Agriculture went to John Zandstra, and Kane Brown McKerral was named Future Leader.