A Little History
Terri Barr, Barrking Hill Farm, Exeter, On (2008)
Gordon “Crop” Kohl, a lawyer by profession, dedicated almost 30 years to the enhancement and promotion of Highland cattle. He was instrumental in the development of the Society having drafted the current Society Bylaws after serving as Chairman of the Constitution Revision Committee for over 10 years. Our Society Bylaws are recognized by high-level Federal administrators as a model for the industry. He also wrote “Canadian Breeder’s Guide to Highland Cattle”, which he unfortunately did not have time to have translated before his passing in early 2001. During his life, he also produced videos and slide shows, corresponded with breeders from all five continents, organized visits of international breeders to Canada and took part in the International Gathering of the Clans in Montreal, 1992. He may be best known for taking on Agriculture Canada during the Mad Cow Disease crisis, when he fought to save his bull “Gille Buidhe of Benmore” from being destroyed. Unfortunately, the bull died of natural causes before the case could be settled.
The Award
The Gordon Kohl Highland Award of Excellence was conceived by Claude Robitaille and Gil Dupont of Ferme H.R.D. in 2000. Together they have been raising Highlands since 1994 and have had many stories to share since that time. Very active in the Society, they generously sponsored the creation of this award. The presentation of this award is given in memory of the late Gordon “Crop” Kohl, to those members who make an outstanding contribution to the Highland breed and/or the Society.
Nomination forms are sent out with the February newsletter and those that are received back are presented to the Directors at the AGM, so a recipient can be chosen. The nominations are read and deliberated on before a vote is taken to choose the winner. Although candidates can be nominated many times, they can only receive the award once in their lifetime. If you’ve nominated someone before who hasn’t been chosen, try again. Claude and Gil wanted the award presented only when truly merited, so a recipient may not be chosen every year.
The trophy was chosen by former President, Director & Secretary-manager, Lesley Jackson and is a large pewter Quaich with two handles that in Scotland would be used to toast friendship. In 2008, the cup was mounted on a handsome wooden base to accommodate more names, also sponsored by Claude & Gil. The recipient of the trophy retains the cup until the next winner has been chosen and they are also given a smaller Quaich to keep.
Past Recipients
2000 - Don Badger
2001 - David & Nancy Pease
2002 - Rob Lindsay
2003 - Stewart Torrie
2005 - Marion Powling
2006 - Joan Wort
2007 - Reg & Chris Woodworth
2008 - Margaret Badger
2009 - Steve Douglas
2010 - Ghislain Falardeau
2017 - Barbara Proudfoot
2019 - Wayland Read