Ron Taylor
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Dr. Ron Taylor’s notable veterinary career and steadfast commitment to the well-being of animals and producers alike has contributed to the positive growth of the dairy industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ron was born in 1951 in Wingham, Ontario. His lessons in agriculture began early, as he worked on the family dairy farm. After secondary school, Ron began his formal agricultural education, attending the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph from 1969-1971. He continued on at the University, furthering his studies at the Ontario Veterinary College. Upon graduation in 1975, Ron began work as Regional Veterinarian with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a position he held for 32 years.
While assigned to the St. John’s area, Ron had occasion during his career to provide service to communities throughout the province. Ron’s approach to his practice was equal parts treatment, education, and program development. Diagnostics, medical interventions, and surgical services were an integral part of his practice. However, his tireless commitment to education and the development of health programs has had far-reaching benefits for generations of producers. It is this dedicated service that has left a lasting impression on the dairy industry.
Ron formed partnerships with producers, recognizing the importance of open communication and together establishing a proactive approach to herd health. He considers the exchange of information between veterinarians and the industry to be one of his greatest contributions to the livestock industry. Ron made it a priority to not only look after the animals themselves, but also the financial well-being of the farmers who depended on healthy animals for their livelihoods. By maintaining the health of the livestock, and educating producers on proper management, Ron impacted the economic survival of dairy farms across the province.
Alongside his colleagues, Ron contributed to the development of Herd Health or Preventive Medicine Programs. These novel programs aided the growth and success of the animal agriculture sector. Increased breeding efficiencies, better mastitis prevention, control, and treatment, improved disease control and vaccination programs, and better nutrition allowed the dairy industry, among others, to flourish.
The dairy industry experienced incredible growth during Ron’s three-decade career. Once providing only 50-60% of the fluid milk consumed in the province, the industry grew to become self-sufficient, with the capacity to export industrial milk. While many factors influenced this turnaround, undoubtedly health programs and mentorship developed by Ron helped with profitability and sustainability of the industry.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the agriculture industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ron was awarded the Public Service Award of Excellence in 2002. This same year he was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of NL in recognition of his advocacy work with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on behalf of farm animals. Ron provided leadership during the three terms he served as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association, and during his term as President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Nominated by the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador for his legacy of health management programming and mentorship, Dr. Ron Taylor is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.