Davis family is Peel’s Farm Family of the year for 2013

November 21, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The Davis family, of Davis Feed and Farm Supply near Caledon East, have been named Peel Region’s Farm Family of the Year.
The recognition was presented Saturday night at a banquet in Caledon East hosted by the Peel Federation of Agriculture.
John Davis said he found out about the award approximately three weeks ago.
“It was quite a surprise,” he said. “We did not expect anything like that.”
Long-time customer Doug Apped commented that the Davises have been in the area to see many changes in the area.
He said the family saw a long-term vision in the 1950s, starting with a few cows and some chickens, and eventually forming the business.
Since then, they have been active in their support of local sports, 4-H, the annual plowing matches, etc.
It’s a very special night for us tonight,” Davis said.
“We do our jobs and we do our jobs as best we can,” he observed, adding the family works at it every day.
He had some special words for his wife Joanne, commenting they met in university. “So far, it’s going pretty good,” he remarked, adding she’s active with the Sweet Adelines in Orangeville.
He also commented that his son Sean brought flowers into the business. He said it was something different, but it caught on.
Davis also said they have tried to get local people involved in the business, pointing out the younger people need to know where things like food come from, and in many cases, they don’t.
“We’re going to be around for a while,” he concluded. “We’re not going anywhere.”
There were other tributes for the Davis Family and for the local agricultural industry.
Tav Schembri of Remax Realty Specialists was representing the Caledon Chamber of Commerce.
“What I see in this room is a very close-knit community,” he remarked, adding when he thinks of farmers, he thinks of such things as sincerity, honesty, respect and sacrifice. “I think of someone who is always there to lend a helping hand.”
“You provide a very valuable service within our community,” Mayor Marolyn Morrison remarked, as she thanked the family for all their hard work and staying in the community.
“Thank you for everything you do,” commented Councillor Allan Thompson, who was representing Peel Region.
He too stressed the importance of agriculture, pointing out it’s the biggest industry and revenue generator in Peel.
Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones said she mentioned the Davis family in an address in the legislature the day of the government’s Economic Statement, when all MPPs would be in their seats. She commented on how happy she was to help recognize them, and their support of programs like 4-H.
“It’s about giving back,” she said. “It’s about understanding the value of community.”

The Davis family of Davis Feed and Farm Supply are this year’s Peel Farm Family of the Year. Harry Davis is seen here at Saturday’s recognition ceremony flanked by son John and his wife Joanne, grandson Sean and his wife Amy, daughter Debbie and grandson Peter.