One of the founders of Farmers Helping Farmers receives top agricultural honour
By Bill McGuire
Editor, Island Farmer
Ken Mellish of New Perth, who spent his career in agriculture -- first as a dairy farmer and then as a world-renowned equestrian horse breeder – while being a driving force with his wife Teresa in Farmers Helping Farmers and other volunteer and community pursuits, is entering the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Mellish is PEI’s nominee for induction ceremonies scheduled for October 17, on the campus of Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture in Truro, NS.
Every October since 1968, the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame celebrates the contributions made by four individuals to the agriculture industry in Atlantic Canada. Producers, innovators, volunteers, scientists, and business professionals are recognized for their role in shaping and influencing agriculture, the impact of their contributions being felt regionally, nationally and internationally.
The other 2024 inductees include Glenn S. Ells of Nova Scotia; the late Stewart King (1964-2024) of Newfoundland and Labrador; and Jacques Laforge of New Brunswick. Last year, David A. Thompson of Dunstaffnage was inducted as PEI’s nominee.
“Congratulations to this year's inductees and their families as they are recognized for their tremendous impact on the agricultural industry in our region and beyond,” said a statement from the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame. “We look forward to celebrating four more deserving individuals this year.”
Mellish was previously recognized by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture with its Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award with his wife Teresa in 2017. They were instrumental in establishing Farmers Helping Farmers over 40 years ago early every year since, Teresa has travelled to East Africa with a group of volunteers to help residents in Kenya and Tanzania. Ken has also participated in many trips where they spend several weeks in the local villages sharing their knowledge and skills.
Ken and Teresa have both spent their careers working in agriculture. In 1980, they purchased land near Poole’s Corner which they named New Perth Farms and established the property as a dairy farm, also producing forages, grains and breeding stock. The farm achieved high levels of production using home grown forages.
In 2002, Ken and Teresa sold their quota and re-purposed their farm. Today, New Perth Farms is a well-respected dressage horse breeding farm using European breeding stock where their daughter, veterinarian Dr. Martha Mellish assists.
Last fall, the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island presented the 2023 Hon. Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award to Ken and Dr. Teresa Mellish, the highest recognition bestowed by AVC.
The Green Hat Award is named for Eugene F. Whelan, Minister of Agriculture for Canada (1972–79 and 1980–84) who played a central role in the development and establishment of the college.
The award acknowledges individuals and organizations who have made a substantial and positive impact on the college where for over two decades, they have opened their horse farm to the AVC, providing students with invaluable real-world clinical experience.
The AVC noted that the couple volunteer with AVC students and faculty to enable Kenyan farmers to improve the health, productivity, and living conditions of dairy cattle. Their work also helps to provide education and best practices to the farming communities in areas of animal health, human health, and nutrition in the context of climate change impacts.
“Ken and Teresa’s work has directly resulted in improved lives and brighter futures for thousands of Kenyan farm families,” said the AVC’s Dr. John VanLeeuwen.
