Leo Cormier, one of the first Dairy Farmers on the West Coast of Newfoundland, grew up on a small mixed farming operation in Codroy Valley. The farm was handed down to him in 1958. For the following 35 years he ventured into many areas of farming, the most significant of which were his poultry and dairy farms which grew to 15,000 hens and 500 cows.
Leo has had a hand in all realms of farming. He began with vegetables, beef and sheep in 1958 and proceeded to begin a hog operation. With dropping pork prices, Leo knew it was time to explore other options. He then discontinued the hog operation and bought 12 dairy cows and 100 hens. Leo recalls November 2, 1963 when the first two milk cans were sent to Grand Falls, one was sour when it arrived and he received $6.00 for the second one. Over the following years he continued to expand his dairy and poultry operations, along with a few vegetables and strawberries which were sold throughout Western Newfoundland as well.
Leo is well known in the surrounding community as a man always ready to lend a helping hand in providing employment and guidance. In the agricultural community, he is very well known on the West coast as a pioneer in Dairy farming and ready to assist others in beginning and operating their agricultural businesses. Leo has grown up with and passed on a philosophy of helping others whenever he was able.
Leo was a shareholder and sat on the board of Wesco, a very important addition to the West coast of Newfoundland, allowing the farmers to send their milk to a local area and control costs more effectively. As well, he was one of the initial directors and part owners of Western Farm Feeds in Stephenville, known as Shur Gain. These two companies were essential to the Dairy farmers of the West coast of Newfoundland in providing two important services to run their operations.
All of Leo's hard work continues to provide employment to residents of the community. Towerview Dairy provides annual employment for up to twenty people allowing a number of Leo's family members, including sons, in-laws, and grandchildren, as well as a number of other members of the community to remain in the Codroy Valley with employment. Towerview Dairy has continued to grow and prosper as one of Newfoundland's largest dairy producers, all thanks to Leo Cormier's idea to bring in 12 milking cows to Newfoundland in November of 1963.
Leo Cormier remains a pillar of his community, is always ready to lend a helping hand and pass on his tremendous experience to others. Leo and his wife Margaret, have nine children, six sons and three daughters. Nominated by the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Leo Cormier is worthy of the honour of being inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.
