Robert R. Acton
Robert Acton鈥檚 leadership and longstanding service have contributed significantly to the betterment of the Atlantic agricultural industry. Born March 1st, 1938 in Midgic, NB, Robert completed his early education in Sackville schools. In 1955 he went on to graduate from the NB Agricultural School in Fredericton. Robert鈥檚 love of farming and aptitude for business, led him to return to the family farm in Cookville. There he was involved in the management of one of the largest beef cattle operations in the Maritimes.
In 1957 Robert married Alma Fury, of Pte de Bute NB. Robert and Alma established RA Farms Ltd, a modern progressive cattle feedlot operation based in Cookville. Together they and daughters Debbie, Donna and Darlene formed a dynamic farm family, fully engaged in all aspects of community life and industry development. Despite the stresses and time demands of his own farm business, Robert鈥檚 contributions to the well being of his industry and his community can best be described as generous and unwavering. His knowledge of the industry and his expertise as a stockman, livestock judge and cattle buyer have made him a valuable resource person in animal industry circles both near and far. His leadership and wise counsel have helped influence the farming industry in a positive way at all levels ranging from his local community to the national level.
During his career Robert has been President of the NB Federation of Agriculture and the NB Cattle Producers Association. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Cattleman鈥檚 Association. He has been actively involved in development of national standards and policies on issues ranging from carcass grading to income stabilization to animal research. He was a founding member and chair of the Maritime Beef Marketing & Development Group, responsible for creation of the award winning 鈥淎tlantic Tender Beef Classic鈥� beef brand. Robert has also been a founding member of the Atlantic Beef Producers Co-op, the body representing producer-owners of the Atlantic Beef Products Inc processing facility
Robert's service has been widely recognized by his peers. He was the 1995 recipient of the 鈥淟ouis Hebert Award鈥� by the NB Institute of Agrologists in recognition of his outstanding achievement as a farmer. In 1983 he received 鈥淧erson of the Year鈥� award from the Farm & Forest Magazine for his achievement and dedication to agriculture in Atlantic Canada. He and Alma have also been recognized for their many years of voluntary service to the 4-H movement. Young people who have worked for Robert on the farm speak positively about the valuable skills they learned and how they were strongly influenced by his enthusiasm.
Nominated by the New Brunswick Cattle Producers Association in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service to the agriculture industry, Robert Acton is a worthy candidate for induction into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.