Howard G. Morry

Howard George Morry has been involved with the agricultural industry his entire life, having grown up on a mixed farm in Ferryland, NL. After several years working in Ontario in the early 1950s, Mr. Morry attended Nova Scotia Agricultural College graduating in 1955 with a diploma in Agriculture. He has spent much of his working life with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (1955-1990) where he was entrusted with the care of the Newfoundland Local Sheep Flock at the St. John’s Research Station in addition to his duties in agronomy, soils and entomology. In his 35 year service, he was recognized as a knowledgeable and trusted employee who could be depended on to complete the assigned tasks. He has farmed continuously, returning to full-time farming following retirement in 1990.

Mr. Morry was President of the Sheep Producers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (SPANL) from 1994-2000 and from 2002-2005. Under his leadership the Association developed a sheep strategy for the province to further develop the industry. His countless hours of work on this were done without monetary compensation but with the satisfaction of knowing that the strategy would help all sheep farmers. Mr. Morry has ensured that training has been available for all sheep farmers. He has overseen seminars on lambing, flock health, coyote prevention and control, secondary processing and many other topics with serious implications for the advancement of the industry. In his tenure as President, the Association has achieved financial stability and membership has increased dramatically. Mr. Morry is recognized as the voice of the small farmer and he is constantly battling for the rights of the small producer whether it is sheep or another commodity.

Mr. Morry has worked and continues to work, with industry on the preservation and conservation of Newfoundland Local Sheep. He is asked by industry to work on registration and tattooing of animals and undertakes this work without hesitation or compensation. He has been on the Newfoundland Local Sheep Steering Committee since its inception in 1990. His knowledge of the history of this unique animal is valued by all who are interested in the preservation of Newfoundland heritage.

Howard has worked tirelessly with government to deal with the threat that coyotes pose to the sheep industry. He devotes many hours of volunteer time to the Coyote Control Committee.

Mr. Morry has been a valuable source of information and advice to new farmers, government and industry. He is respected for his tireless work for the sheep industry as well as his honest and straightforward views. His industry presentations at the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture Annual General Meetings are often the highlight for observers. He is known for speaking from the heart and is appreciative of any efforts farmers, government or individuals make to help his industry.

Howard and his wife Mary raised their eight children in Kilbride.

Nominated by the Sheep Producers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador in recognition of his contribution to agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador, Mr. Morry is worthy for induction into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.