The Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees for 2017 have been announced and one is known to be a "founding father" in the Ridgetown area.
The late John Charles Steckley, also known as J.C. Steckley (1887-1965), is one of four people being recognized.
Steckley was the director of the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus -- then known as the Western Ontario Experimental Farm from 1937-1957.
"Mr. Steckley had a huge impact on our campus and I think it's a great honour for him to be recognized for his contributions to Ontario Agriculture," says Ken McEwan, campus director.
McEwan says Steckly played an instrumental role in bringing diploma education to the region and was able to see the first class graduate back in 1953.
Recognizing the value of applied research, Steckley created a foundation for the school to build on over the years.
"His interest in livestock, poultry, and field crops have really been our foundation and he was one of the founding fathers of that," says McEwan.
Other inductees include: Robert Lang, Arthur Loughton, and John Riddell.
The induction ceremony is slated for June 11, at the Country Heritage Park in Milton.
