Gerard Peter Duivenvoorden
Gerard Duivenvoorden was born and raised on a farm in Rijpwetering, Holland, the third son in a large family. Upon completion of army service, he sought to fulfill his long-term dream of operating a dairy farm. He and his wife Jane chose Canada, and set out in June 1952 with only meagre savings and a strong will to succeed. They settled in Jacquet River, New Brunswick where Gerard was hired by the Salesian Fathers to manage their mixed farm. In 1955 Gerard and Jane purchased the Salesian property, and proceeded to develop it into Shore View Farms. Gerard remained owner and operator until his retirement in 1988.
Throughout his career, Gerard showed a keen interest in the development and prosperity of his industry and community. He joined Holstein Canada, and Shore View Farm was one of the first farms in the region to achieve 100 percent purebred status. He introduced and experimented with ryegrass and forage corn varieties, and was a local pioneer in storing feed as silage. He brought 4-H to Jacquet River, and served as club leader from 1968 to 1975. He became a director of the NB Central Artificial Breeders Co-op, and introduced Al to the northeast. He was involved in initiating bulk milk handling in his area in the late 1960's, and led local producers in supporting the Northumberland Co-operative. In 1976 Gerard became Director of the N.B. Milk Marketing Board for his region, a position he held for 11 years. He was named to the N.B. Agriculture Development Board in 1990. Additionally, Gerard served as a director of the N.B. Federation of Agriculture, School District 42, his Local Service District and St. Gabriel's Parish Council.
Gerard was recognized in 1979 with the N.B. Milk Marketing Board's Award for Excellence in Quality Milk Production. He achieved the top barn score in the province the same year. In 1986 producers in his region nominated him Dairy Farmer of the Year in recognition of community and farm leadership.
Gerard's commitment to agriculture was exceeded only by his commitment to his wife Jane and their children Trudy, Cathy, Nick, Pauline, Carl, Jane, and Yvonne. He was adamant that each be given the opportunity to continue their education as desired, and four have chosen careers in agriculture. Son Nick operates the home farm.
Gerard pursued his objectives with dedication and sincerity. He was never reserved in demonstrating his pride and conviction in his family, community, industry and country, Canada. Nominated by the Agricultural Society (No. 156) of Jacquet River, it is an honour to induct Gerard Duivenvoorden into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.