Glenn S. Ells
For Glenn Ells, farming is in his blood, as the seventh generation to work the family’s land in Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia.Ìý
The Ells’ agricultural ties date back to 1760, when the original woodlot owner Joshua Ells arrived with the New England Planters. Glenn himself would farm that same land for 50 years.
Born in 1934, Glenn knew early on that he would follow the family tradition. To broaden his knowledge of the industry, he attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, graduating with a diploma in 1953, and completed a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1955 from Macdonald College at McGill. Glenn returned to the farm, where he worked alongside his father and grandfather at Ells Bros Ltd. until 1986, when the farm divided and incorporated as Ellslea Farms Ltd. In 2011, Glenn’s son Stephen and wife Karen took over operation of the farm, and in 2022 the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists honoured Ellslea Farms with a Distinguished Farm Award in recognition of significant contributions to the industry.
Glenn was known as a steadfast advocate for agriculture. He provided leadership to a wide range of industry organizations, including Sheep Producers of Nova Scotia, NS 4H Council, national and provincial Cattleman’s Associations, Potato Growers Association, and Nova Scotia and Kings County Federations of Agriculture. Glenn also represented his community’s interests in the political sphere. From 1974 to 1978 he was the MLA for Kings North and Chair of the Agriculture Committee. In 1978 he served as Minister of Environment and Status of Women, with the Human Rights and Emergency Measures portfolios as well.
Beyond the farm, Glenn’s agricultural business interests were varied. Farm Feed Supply operations began in 1980, selling railcars of barley from Manitoba to local farmers milling their own feed. In 1994, he participated in a Cuban Trade Mission, and was serving as company President during the incorporation of AgroKings Canada Ltd in 1995.
Agriculture in the Annapolis Valley has been well chronicled by Glenn. For 29 years, he recounted stories from his own land and community through his newspaper column, On the Farm. Glenn has also shared stories of his ancestors and the history of Nova Scotia in two published novels, and was a regular contributor to the community paper, The Millstone.
Growing up, Glenn developed a strong sense of church and community, and has been a leader in both. He was a founding member, elder, and steward of the Canard United Church, and was also involved with Sheffield Mills Community Association.
Glenn’s appreciation for agriculture is shared by his wife Leta and four children, who are actively involved in the industry in their own ways. The Ells’ land continues to be operated, now in its 8th generation of farming.
Farmer, advocate, politician, and author, Glenn has supported agriculture in myriad ways. Nominated by Dawn MacKay, Glenn Ells is a deserving inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.
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