Norfolk Agricultural Hall of Fame continues to grow

Norfolk County’s rich agricultural heritage was celebrated Sunday afternoon at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum.

Irene Anderson, the Hon. John S. Martin, and Kernal Peanuts Ltd. (Nancy and Ernie Racz) were inducted into the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame during a gala ceremony.

“This is our eighth installment of the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame since being created in 2014,” said curator James Christison. “Today we pay tribute to, celebrate, and honor two individuals and one farming business.”

The agricultural hall of fame honors those who significantly contributed to rural development and the agricultural sector that Norfolk was built upon, said Melissa Collver, Norfolk’s manager of Heritage and Culture.

“The achievements and innovations contributed by this year’s induced, each in their own unique way, have been felt within Norfolk County and also far beyond its borders,” said Collver.

Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin pointed out the contribution the inducements have made to the county.

“Growing up here in Norfolk County, and traveling across the county, we’ve all certainly seen firsthand the impacts of the individuals that are being celebrated here today, as well as the local agricultural community in general and the contributions that it has made to all of Norfolk County,” said Martin.

“It is folks like Ernie, Nancy, Irene and John that help make Norfolk County what it is today. Through Ernie and Nancy’s innovations and ability to pivot, Irene’s humor and artistic talent, and John’s advocacy and political aspirations, the recipients have had very different agricultural based roles in our community, yet they have all worked together to cultivate their passion, plant seeds, develop deep roots, and no matter the weather, they continue to grow and prosper.”

Without them, said Martin, Norfolk County would not be as vibrant, nor fruitful, beautiful, nor as delicious as it is.

“These three wonderful stories highlight the great talent that this county of Norfolk produces,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis.

Norfolk is blessed with a quality agricultural community, said Haldimand Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady. Past inductees, including two in attendance Sunday, and the 2023 inductees have been innovative, creative, and they have always had a broader connection to their community apart from rural and agriculture, she said.

“We have a proud, rich culture here in Norfolk, unique to our soil, to our people, and their strong work ethic, and I believe it makes this area the very best in Ontario,” said Brady.

Following her family’s purchase of a tobacco farm near Langton, Irene (Nemeth) Anderson’s artistic skills were nurtured in a rural, agricultural environment, leading to a four-decade long career with the Delhi News Record and Canadian Tobacco Grower Magazine.

“We’re all really proud of what she did and her artwork,” said Lisa Girard, Irene’s granddaughter.

“All that we learned about Irene when we were doing this was just so fascinating,” said Sharon Petherman, hall of fame committee member, who was awarding certificates and medallions to induce family and representatives.

MPP John Strickler Martin (1875-1931), born near Cheapside, Haldimand County, began raising his own chickens after moving to the Port Dover area as a youngster. At 48, he entered politics and represented Norfolk South, then Norfolk government as a Conservative in the Ontario, and was Minister of Agriculture from 1923-1930.

Reading from a 1912 publication, Toby Barrett, who nominated Martin, said the inductee was known for breeding white Wyandotte chickens and described the poultry farmer as a “most charming personality,” noting he was “not only respected but deeply loved by those who came in contact with him.”

Another 100-year-old publication said, “It is doubtful if any breeder has such a worldwide reputation.”

“And that’s our own John. S. Martin,” Barrett concluded.

Kernal Peanuts Ltd. was established by Ernie and Nancy Racz on the family farm near Vittoria in 1979. The former tobacco growers saw an opportunity to start fresh, transforming their farm into a successful peanut farming operation. Today, it is the largest producer of peanuts in Canada.

“We feel very privileged and honored to receive this award for our past efforts,” said Nancy Racz. “We are grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey. The collection, team effort, has really resulted in our success.”

The transition from tobacco farm to peanut farm was unique in Ontario, Ernie Racz noted.

His father experimented planting the first peanut seeds in 1976, and after another successful crop, “one thing led to another,” said Ernie.

“All of a sudden we were employing one hell of a lot of people,” he laughed. “It was basically the nuttiest job I ever had.”

It led to processing, roasting, making peanut butter and chocolate coating peanuts.

“It was just one thing after the other. So it was never dull because we always had to come up with something new.”

“We also want to honor your resiliency,” said committee member Rob Adlam, presenting an award to Nancy and Ernie. “Starting over isn’t the easiest thing and your innovation with machinery and your foresight, these are the best qualities that represent the farming community and Norfolk agriculture.”

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