Craig Hunter Inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame
Craig Hunter’s unwavering commitment to the egg and pullet sectors of Ontario has earned him a prestigious spot in the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame. His remarkable career has been marked by innovative contributions, high-level collaboration, and a prominent role in leading the poultry industry, inspiring countless farmers across Canada.
Pioneering Change in Poultry Farming
Throughout his extensive career, Hunter has dedicated himself to enhancing the viability and sustainability of Ontario’s egg and pullet industries. His focus spanned the entire supply chain, including hatcheries, grading facilities, and farming operations, as he sought to improve bird health, welfare, housing, and product development.
Significant Roles and Contributions
Much of Hunter’s career was spent as the Vice President of Grading and Poultry Operations at Burnbrae Farms, where he collaborated closely with the Hudson family. His initiatives led to the implementation of advanced biosecurity measures and improvements in bird health and nutrition. Notably, Hunter was instrumental in the development of popular egg products like Naturegg Omega 3 and Omega Plus, driven by research partnerships with the University of Guelph aimed at boosting the nutritional quality of eggs.
Advocating for Humane Practices
Hunter was a proactive advocate for more humane and sustainable housing systems for poultry. He championed free-run and organic egg production, making these choices more accessible to Canadian consumers and setting new benchmarks for variety in the egg market.
Contribution to Standards and Practices
Beyond his work at Burnbrae, Hunter was a key figure in the development of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pullets and Laying Hens, contributing to its successive editions between the 1980s and 2022. These guidelines play an essential role in shaping auditing and standards protocols throughout Ontario farms. Hunter also participated in various national initiatives aimed at controlling salmonella, contributing his expertise to advisory groups and task forces.
Industry Roles and Recognition
Hunter’s influence extended to the broader agricultural community, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the position of Ontario Poultry Specialist within the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. He was an active member of several industry organizations, including the Egg Farmers of Ontario and the Pullet Growers of Canada. His efforts helped bolster consumer trust in agriculture, exemplified through his service on the board of The Center for Food Integrity in the United States from 2010 to 2016.
A Legacy of Excellence
Hunter’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; he was recognized as Poultry Worker of the Year by the Poultry Industry Council in 2008, received the Get Cracking Award from Egg Farmers of Ontario in 2021, and was honored with the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council in 2022.
Conclusion
Craig Hunter’s induction into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame serves as a formal acknowledgment of his extensive contributions to the poultry industry. His steadfast efforts to enhance animal welfare, bolster food safety, and innovate egg production systems have rightfully earned him a place among Ontario’s most influential agricultural figures.
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