Mount Kolb Farms has Farm Family of the Year

November 25, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The Kolb family has been making considerable contributions over the years to the agricultural scene, and have often been recognized.
More recognition’s come their way, as Paul, Marion and Robert Kolb were named Farm Family of the Year Saturday night by the Peel Federation of Agriculture (PFA).
There were many words of praise for the support the Kolbs have shown for the farming community over the years, and the importance of such support was noted by many of the speakers at Saturday’s event.
“The farm community is very unique here,” Mayor Allan Thompson observed, pointing to the way PFA takes issues and fights for the community.
PFA President Keith Garrett commented on how he enjoys hearing about the accomplishments of farm families that have been recognized, both in the present and past.
“Tonight, we are here to celebrate,” he commented.
“This family have been very active members of the farming community for dacades, commented Dwight Matson, as he introduced the Kolbs.
He said he and Paul go back to Grade 2, while he and Marion go back farther, sharing the same birthday. He also recalled groups like 4-H and Junior Farmers helped bring the couple together. Matson also pointed out Paul was president of the Albion and Bolton Agricultural Society while Marion was secretary.
“I think they both deserve medals for individual performance,” he declared, adding they have both been very active in getting the milk producers’ message out to the public.
Matson also mentioned the Kolbs opened their farm to the public in 2015, and the event drew some 1,500 visitors.
He commented on the family culture.
“It feels like there is always a positive, almost fun atmosphere in the place.” he remarked. “You couldn’t meet better farming people who are always willing to lend a hand.”
Heather French read a statement from Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson, who was unable to attend.
“Thank you for the countless contributions you have made to the farming community,” he wrote.
Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones commented on the work the Kolbs have done to educate their non-farming neighbours.
“It’s a well-deserved honour,” she declared.
Councillor Barb Shaughnessy, representing Peel Regional Chair Frank Dale, praised the Kolbs for their dedication and innovation, as well as thinking about sustainability.
“You’ve done a great job advocating for agriculture,” Mayor Allan Thompson commented.
He pointed out the farm is surrounded by subdivisions and communities.
“We’ve never had a complaint about this farm operation,” he observed. “To me, that’s a model.”
“Job well done,” Thompson added.”

Peel Federation of Agriculture President Keith Garrett congratulated Paul, Marion and Robert Kolb of Mount Kolb Farms as Peel’s Farm Family of the Year.