The BMO Ontario Farm Family Awards, presented in partnership with the OPA, recognize the outstanding contributions made by farmers across the province. The awards were created to promote renewed rural-urban relationships and to recognize the Ontario farmers who best represent the value of the family farmer. The program's focus recognizes the contributions these families have made to enhance the quality of life in their agricultural communities.
Left to right:
Martin Kloosterhuis, President, Slate River Plowmen's Assoc.
Kevin, Claire & Don Belluz, Belluz Farms
Shirlee Bayda Clace, Senior Manager, BMO Thunder Bay
Martin Kloosterhuis, President, Slate River Plowmen's Assoc.
Kevin, Claire & Don Belluz, Belluz Farms
Shirlee Bayda Clace, Senior Manager, BMO Thunder Bay
Belluz Farms, currently owned and operated by Kevin and Jodi Belluz, was recognized as one of only ten farm families from across Ontario to be honoured at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo held in Minto in Sept., 2016.
Kevin's grandparents, Bernie and Mary Belluz, purchased the farm in 1946 and began cattle farming. Don and Claire operated the farm for about three decades until 2001 when Kevin and Jodi took over. The farm evolved over the years to its current diverse direct marketing operation well known for its strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, peas, beans and so much more. The family has been and continues to be very much involved in the local and provincial agricultural scene. Beyond that, they have reached out to the community in general by helping to start and manage school gardens and by working with organizations such as the Food Action Network.
You can find out more about the process to nominate a local farm family and about other winners by going to www.plowingmatch.org, the OPA website.
Kevin's grandparents, Bernie and Mary Belluz, purchased the farm in 1946 and began cattle farming. Don and Claire operated the farm for about three decades until 2001 when Kevin and Jodi took over. The farm evolved over the years to its current diverse direct marketing operation well known for its strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, peas, beans and so much more. The family has been and continues to be very much involved in the local and provincial agricultural scene. Beyond that, they have reached out to the community in general by helping to start and manage school gardens and by working with organizations such as the Food Action Network.
You can find out more about the process to nominate a local farm family and about other winners by going to www.plowingmatch.org, the OPA website.