Stephen Moffett
Stephen Moffett has spent his career as not only an outstanding pork producer himself, but as a tireless advocate for his fellow producers. It is his ability to see opportunity and encourage potential that has contributed to his great impact.
Born in 1952 in Sussex, New Brunswick, Stephen had an early introduction to agricultural life. His father raised a few pigs in the backyard, which inspired Stephen’s interest in pork production. His older brother Doug had a dairy farm just outside Sussex, and it was here that Stephen learned the dairy business. Wanting to further his agricultural knowledge, Stephen attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) to study business and graduated in 1972.
Stephen enjoyed the dairy business, but soon found that pork production was his true calling. After graduation, Stephen and his wife Marlene rented a barn in the Sussex area and began raising feeder pigs. Moffett Farms was established, and Stephen soon saw an opportunity to expand. He purchased a barn in nearby Penobsquis, where he started a 75 sow farrow to finish operation. Some of his sows were raised for market and others were sold as purebred breeding stock. Stephen expanded again when he recognized the potential of whey from the local cheese plant, and built the first computerized liquid feeding system in Canada.
Moffett Farms soon became a leader in pork production through modern technology, a commitment to food safety, and the production of a high quality product. The farm grew to 4,500 sows, 90 milking cows, and a few beef cows, complete with its own feed mill. The operation employed over 60 people, and Stephen was committed to encouraging the growth and development of his staff, even if that meant leaving the farm.
Stephen has been motivated to develop a sustainable and prosperous hog industry. He has served as Chair of the NB Swine Breeding Stock, NB Pork Producers, NB Hog Marketing Board, and NB Pork. He has also served as vice chair of the Canadian Pork Council. While serving as Chair of the Council’s Business Rick Management committee from 2008 to 2010, Stephen advocated for producer aid when the industry was struggling. This $3 million loan package was designed to alleviate the financial burden of rising feed and fuel costs, the dropping Canadian dollar, and falling pork prices. Thanks to Stephen’s determination, the program enabled countless farmers to continue operation. He also served on the committee to establish electronic grading, which brought great improvement to the industry.
In 1985, Stephen sat on the committee tasked with developing the Pig Code, its purpose being to establish Canadian industry standards. Stephen provided key leadership in engaging with fellow producers and representing them at the national level. He sat on the code committee again during revisions in 1993 and 2013, advocating for the betterment of the industry. In recognition of his great efforts to improve the industry, Stephen was named Pork Producer of the year by the New Brunswick Hog Marketing Board.
Stephen has been and continues to be an involved member of his community. He actively supports his church and volunteer fire department. He is also a member of the gospel quartet Reflections, which has produced three albums.
While his career has kept him busy, Stephen’s greatest passion has always been his family. Stephen and Marlene have seven children, Michael, Frances, Peter, Paul, Dawn, Krista, and Wendy, and 24 grandchildren. Stephen is an avid skier, and has served as Chairman and Director on the Poley Mountain Board, and volunteered with its race club. He is most proud of his involvement with the mountain’s rescue in 1999, and the invaluable support he has provided in rebuilding the lodge after a devastating fire in late 2014.
Nominated by NB Pork for his steadfast commitment to the growth of the pork industry and his passionate representation of producers, Stephen Moffett is indeed a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.