John J. MacDonald
John J MacDonald’s youth spent in rural Prince Edward Island would lay the foundation for his commitment to agriculture and community leadership. Born in 1946, John grew up on a mixed farm in Sherbrooke. When not involved with the family’s dairy, beef, potatoes, and hogs, John participated in 4-H. His membership as a young man would evolve into a life-long passion and dedication to the organization.
Looking beyond his island home, John attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to study Animal Science, graduating as Class of 1971. A return to PEI followed, and eventually John purchased his own farm in St. Nicholas in 1979. What started as a hog farrowing and cow-calf production eventually became what it remains today, a successful cow-calf operation.
Off the farm, John worked with Agricultural Employment Services in Prince County as Manager from 1984 to 1995. Following this, John joined the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, where he was Manager until 2011. In these roles John was able to make a significant impact on the people and organizations in rural PEI. John’s commitment to service is clear from his involvement with farm organizations. He has served as President of the PEI Federation of Agriculture, Atlantic Farmers Council, PEI 4-H Council, Canada Young Speakers for Agriculture, and the PEI United Way. He has also served as Director, Chair or Executive with organizations like the PEI Cattlemen’s Association, St. Nicholas Community Council, Summerside Co-Op, National Agriculture Environment Commitee and St. John the Baptist Church. John’s leadership extends beyond his local community to the national stage, where he has been a Director and Executive member of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, and a Trustee of the Canadian 4-H Council.
It could be argued that John’s greatest contribution is to the youth of PEI. As a 4-H leader he has long advocated for youth involvement in agriculture. John’s involvement in 4-H has spanned more than 50 years, touching the lives of countless rural youth who have been enriched by the values taught by this organization. John’s leadership has been instrumental at the local, regional, and national levels. In recognition of his 4-H involvement, John was named as an honourary member of the Canadian 4-H Council, as bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated a positive impact through their work, commitment, and leadership.
The selfless spirit that drives individuals like John does not seek recognition, but in many instances this is a community’s way to express thanks. The PEI Institute of Agrologists recognized John as Agrologist of the Year, and in 2002 he received the Queens Jubilee Medal. While never a Rotary member, John was recognized by the PEI Rotary in 2011 with their highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow. This speaks volumes of the regard in which he is held, as the award honours a person whose life demonstrates an objective to build world understanding and peace.
John lives on his St. Nicholas farm with his wife Cynthia. While his children and step-children, Christine, Carla, Cheri, Colin, Howard and Dylan, are now grown, John can indulge his many grandchildren. He continues to contribute time to many committees, among them the Advisory Council for the Centre for Life Long Learning at the UPEI School of Business.
Nominated by the PEI Federation of Agriculture for his dedication to advancing agricultural organizations and his five decades of leadership to PEI youth, John J MacDonald is certainly a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.