Tammy and David Hart
Courtesy Photo
NEWINGTON – On Sept. 19, Tammy and David Hart of South Stormont were presented with the 2021 Farmer of the Year Award by the Stormont Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Barbara-Ann Glaude, secretary/treasurer of the Stormont Federation of Agriculture provided information on the criteria for the award that includes several demonstrated abilities.
The award winner must demonstrate good farming ability, the “ability to give leadership to assist other farmers to improve their farming methods, particularly in soil and crop improvement” and demonstrate a concern for, as well as contributing “to the general welfare of farmers.”
David grew up on his family farm, Hartene Farms, which is now run with wife Tammy, son Michael and daughter-in-law Allie. Hartene Farms is located near Newington in South Stormont and is a 60 Holstein cow dairy operation. He graduated from Kemptville College in Agriculture and was involved in Junior Farmers.
Tammy grew up on her family’s beef farm near Navan, received a diploma in Food and Fashion from Kemptville College, was involved in Junior Farmers and 4-H, served for 12 years as municipal councillor and South Stormont deputy mayor which provided “having a very strong voice for the agriculture community at the township level. She has volunteered at Stormont County Fair in several ways such as working the entrance gates or making announcements and is a strong promotor of the event.
Together David and Tammy have supported 4-H as all three of their children were participants, donated prizes for and supported the Stormont County Fair, hosted the 2013 Holstein Twilight Night, helped “numerous neighbours and farmers in times of need, asking nothing [in] return” and shared their knowledge with the young people as part of their commitment to the future generations of agricultural workers.
In a recent email to the paper, Tammy explained the couple was surprised when Glaude presented them with the award at their home. “Dave and I are very humbled and very appreciative for being selected.
We certainly would like to thank all involved in nominating us and appreciate the hard work that goes along with the selection process and all the time and effort to make this happen; it’s all volunteerism. Thank you.”
