Heather Wright/The Independent

Henry Peters says he and his wife, Jacoba, live for their family.

Many of their six children, 28 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren were on hand Saturday as the Dutch immigrants who settled in Thedford and became prominent in the pork industry were honoured by the Lambton Agriculture Hall of Fame.

They were among three inductees Saturday at the Wyoming Fairgrounds. Lambton Mutual Insurance which is celebrating 150 years of serving the agricultural community and Bill Duffield of Wyoming who has been active in the sheep industry were also honoured.

Jacoba Peters, like many Dutch immigrants, came to Canada in 1951 after the Second World War. She was seven. At the age of 17, Henry arrived in Canada in 1956. Nine years later, the pair met and married.

They bought their first farm that year, even though they both worked off the farm. When their first child arrived, Jacoba stayed home and raised the family as well as 16 “little weiner” pigs. By 1969, the couple were innovating and the farm and family was growing. They were able to buy their first combine with Henry’s brother.

In the late 70s, the Peters started the practice of early weaning of pigs. It was successful and they started talking to other pork producers about the process.

They became active in the industry and Progressive Pork Producers. The Peters were among a group which bought Conestoga Meat Packers. Today it employs 1,400 people and processes 45,000 head a week.

Hall of Fame committee member Kyle Maw says hard work has always been part of their mantra. And he said, they were risk takers, initiating new marketing plans for producers across the province.

“Henry and Jacoba’s highest priority has always been their family of six children and their many offspring. 

“As a result of the positive family relationships established early, family members have become actively involved in the operation to ensure its future sustainability,” said Maw, calling the couple “trustworthy.

“Henry and Jacoba’s word is their bond.”

At the ceremony, after outlining their life’s work, Henry turned to his wife of nearly 60 years and thanked her, saying, “without you, I wouldn’t be here.”

Also joining the Hall of Fame is Jim Duffield, who is “respected as a shepherd extraordinaire in Lambton County.”

Duffield often spoke on behalf of the industry locally and travelled Ontario and around the world talking about his performance records and promoting quality breeding stock. 

“Wherever there was a sheep related activity in Lambton County, Bill was always willing to get involved in supporting it,” says HOF committee member Ralph Eye. 

Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Gary Atkinson, who is also on the HOF committee added Duffield was “a mentor to many and with a contagious enthusiasm for the sheep industry throughout his entire lifetime.”

Lambton Mutual is the first business to be inducted into the Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame. The company has been serving the farm community for 150 years.

It began as a true mutual company where farmers agreed to be part of the organization, paying a share of any claims from the group out of pocket.

The company’s current President, Deb Van Eyk, says the directors who set up shop in Watford 150 years ago had courage and vision.

“I think back on those early days when directors were putting personal assets on the line, and how difficult those times must have been, starting a company from the ground up. 

“There were times I’m sure they wanted to quit, but they persevered,” she said. 

“They survived the two World Wars, the dirty 30s, the stock market crash of 1929. It’s really a testament to directors … They showed great leadership.”