William D. Murray
Mr. Bill Murray, North River, Colchester County, Nova Scotia has earned the respect and admiration of the agricultural industry throughout Nova Scotia. He has often been referred to as Mr. A. I. by the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders. He will long be remembered for his lifetime of service to farm organizations, and in particular for his role in the growth, development and management of the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders' Co-operative.
Bill Murray is one of those rare individuals who has a great appreciation and understanding of history, a complete awareness of the present and a plan of action for the future. His role with the N .S. Animal Breeders' Unit started as a charter member in 1945. He was elected President in 1959 and Manager in 1960.
He guided the Co-operative through many changes and amalgamations before his retirement in 1975, during which time the organization effectively expanded both its quality and scope of service for the benefit of the industry. He gave wise support and direction in the formation of Semex, an organization to promote the world wide sale of semen from Canadian bulls, thus ensuring Canada a share of the world markets.
As an agricultural developer he was helpful in the organization of Farm Forum, the Colchester County Federation of Agriculture, the Nova Scotia Milk Producers Association and he served as Director of Twin Cities Co-operative Dairy Limited.
Since his retirement in 1975, he continues an active management role on his own dairy farm. He has recently developed a small fox ranch as well.
Bill Murray is honoured as a successful farmer, a wise manager, a valued member of his community, and as an effective contributor to farm organizations and programs.