The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame welcomed three new members over the weekend.

The inductees included the late James Bartlett, who was an agribusiness pioneer in Ontario, Saskatchewan Angus breed champion Robert Switzer and Saskatchewan industry leader John Willmott who worked with Canadian Western Agribition and Canada's Farm Progress Show.

The three were formally inducted into the National Hall of Fame at a ceremony Sunday at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Inductee Backgrounds (courtesy Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame):

An agribusiness pioneer, the late James Bartlett made tremendous gains for the Canadian horticultural industry through his leadership and vision. Born into the family business, N.M. Bartlett Inc., James led the Ontario-based company to become the only national horticulture crop protection distributor. James advocated for policies affecting importation of U.S. crop protection products. He helped create, and later chair, the precursor organization to CropLife Canada. And he championed the minor use registration of pesticides for small, specialty markets to keep Canadian horticultural growers competitive. James Bartlett was from Beamsville, ON and was nominated by Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc.

Angus breed champion Robert (Bob) Switzer helped create several strong brands for the industry that is keeping Angus the number one breed in Canada. From his Sandy Bar Ranch in southern Saskatchewan, Bob was instrumental in introducing the Certified Angus Beef brand to the entire value chain, from the cattle industry, Canadian hotel and restaurant trade, and ultimately consumers. His vision for a sustainable cattle business led to the creation of Red Coat Cattle Feeders – a community-based feedlot project. Bob is a distinguished Angus breeder, promoter, mentor and judge, and continues to advocate for the cattle industry within Saskatchewan and across Canada. Bob Switzer lives in Aneroid, SK and was nominated by the Canadian Angus Association.

Industry leader John Willmott has served Canadian agriculture for decades to bring about changes and advances for countless organizations. His big dreams helped the Canadian Western Agribition grow into the best beef show on the continent. John was integral to establishing Canada’s Farm Progress Show as a premier event for crop and livestock innovations. He served as president of both shows, as well as the Canadian Angus Association. An international cattle judge and Angus breeder, John helped create the first regulations affecting artificial insemination and a standard Record of Performance (ROP) program for the Canadian beef industry. John Willmott lives in Pense, SK and was nominated by Canadian Western Agribition.