A southwestern Ontario cattleman with a long resume of service in ag organizations and municipal government has been named to the board of Canada’s federal farm lender.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz on Monday named Carl Spencer to a three-year term, effective immediately, on the board of directors for Farm Credit Canada.
“With more than four decades in farming as well as experience in feeder cattle financing, farm organizations and public service, Mr. Spencer will no doubt help farmers remain profitable and competitive in today’s market,” Ritz said in a release.
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Spencer farms 1,800 acres at Tara, Ont., about 25 km southwest of Owen Sound, with 300 beef cow and calf pairs and 550 head of stocker cattle. He also taps about 1,500 maple trees.
Spencer has previously chaired the Ontario Association of Feeder Finance Clubs. the Twin County Feeder Finance Co-operative and the Ontario Beginning Farmer Assistance Program Appeal Board.
He has also served on the Ontario Nutrient Management Advisory Board, Ontario Beef Producers for Change, the Grey County Farm Safety Association and the Canadian Farm Survival Association, and has held memberships in the Grey County Cattlemen’s Association and Grey County Federation of Agriculture since 1972.
In municipal politics, Spencer served Derby Township, and, after amalgamation, Georgian Bluffs, in council posts including those of finance chairman, deputy mayor and mayor.
