The Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame (KAHF) held its annual induction ceremony, introducing the five 2025 inductees.
The event, held on Tuesday at the Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club, pulled in a healthy crowd, including Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, KAHF appointee and Councillor John Wright, Councillor Anthony Ceccacci, and Councillor Michael Bondy.
The event started with a brief introduction from Canniff, in which he highlighted the importance of agriculture in the municipality.
“Agriculture is the heart of Chatham Kent, not just an economic driver, but a way of life that connects generations,” said Canniff. “To our inductees and their families, thank you for your contributions, your sacrifices, and your leadership. You've earned your place in history, and we are proud to celebrate you.”
The inductees include John A. Jaques, Bryan and Shannon Prince, and the late William (Bill) and Jean Sloan.
Bryan and Shannon Prince, who are Black farmers in the Buxton Settlement, were the first to be inducted.
“I'm just very proud that we can still farm the land that my family found in 1855, and to me it's an honor and privilege as a sixth generation to add that next chapter and to keep my family legacy alive,” said Shannon.
Bryan said he has fond memories of the induction ceremony, adding that both his grandfather, Stanley Prince, and his grandfather's brother, Archibald Clarence Prince, are both inductees of the KAHF.
“I was so lucky to work with my grandfather and my father. My grandfather lived to be 96, so he certainly had a great influence on my life, and it's kind of nice to be in the hall with him,” said Bryan.
John A. Jaques was inducted next. He has been an industry and sector leader in both technological and policy advancements.
Jaques has been an asparagus farmer for over 40 years, and the KAHF adds that his “influence and notoriety in the CK area are widely felt.”
The last inductees of the day were the late Bill and Jean Sloan, who were represented by family members.
The pair were honoured for their significant contributions to the economy in East Kent, where they started with a 15 acre farm just outside of Bothwell.
Bill planted trees on the lot, and the business grew from there.
“The wholesale Christmas tree and nursery farm now has a wealth of energy, wisdom, and friendships,” said their son, Bill Sloan Jr. “They showed us the value of a hard day’s work, while Mom shared the beauty of God’s Earth with us through her love of painting it.”
This was the 35th annual induction ceremony, and to date, there are over 200 KAHF inductees.
