Hans Bouma
In 1938, Hans Bouma was born in Amersfoot, the Netherlands, where his family ran a successful dairy cattle export business. The family made the decision in 1954 to immigrate to New Brunswick. Hans began a career in geophysical and geochemical work, and his interests in mining exploration led him to the Engineering program at University of New Brunswick. During his studies he joined Brunswick Mining Corp., where he stayed for nine years. This was followed by positions at Gaspe Copper Mines and Nigadoo Mines. During his career in mining, Hans established a part-time abattoir.
In 1978, at the closure of Nigadoo Mines, Hans converted his operation to Grant鈥檚 Brook Farms, a full-time dairy farm. It began as a 32 cow tie-stall farm, and is presently a 120 cow robot milking operation. Hans dedicated himself to improving the quality of land and cattle operations as the farm grew from 150 acres to over 1,100 acres. Hans鈥� son Michael, and his wife Gina and grandson Kyle are now operating the farm, which has expanded to include a commercial greenhouse operation.
Hans became a leader in the agricultural community, advocating for dairy farmers and all producers. He served on the Board of the Dairy Farmers of New Brunswick for 14 years, and as President of the local milk committee. In 2000, the Agricultural Coalition was formed to represent the interests of producers to government, and Hans was heavily involved. When the Agricultural Producers Association (APA) was established in 2002, he served as Director until it merged in 2006 with Federation des agriculteurs et agricultrices francophones du Nouveau Brunswick to form the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, which acts as a strong voice united in improving the prosperity of NB farmers. Hans remained on the Board until 2013. His extensive knowledge and experience in the agricultural community was welcome on the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame Board of Directors, where he served until 2019.
Hans鈥� leadership in agricultural circles is well-respected. He was elected to the Board of the Agricultural Council, and sat on the Boards of Milk Maritime and the NB Cattle Agency. Hans鈥� commitment to economic growth in his community is illustrated with his work on the Board of the Chaleur Region Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development, the Northshore Forestry Marketing Board, and his work in the development stage of the Beresford Farmers Market. A founding member and investor in Chaleur Green Energy Co-Op Ltd., he served as its first President until 2015. Hans also represented the interests of wood lot owners as a Commissioner of the NB Forest Products Commission.
Hans is still actively representing producers as President of the Bathurst Agricultural Society, an organization he has served for over 40 years. His steadfast service was recognized by the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists in 2015 when he was awarded the Louis Hebert Trophy for Agricultural Leadership. Throughout his career, Hans received support and encouragement from his wife Betty and children Michael, Andrea, and Jason.
Nominated by Michael Bouma for his dedicated leadership and steadfast representations of producers, Hans Bouma is a deserving inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.