Juanita Lester

Newfoundland & Labrador

Juanita Lester (nee Hobbs) was born and raised in Elliston, Bonavista Bay. She married James Lester, after graduating from Secretarial School in St. John's. They have six children - 3 boys and 3 girls, and celebrated their 43rd anniversary in April of this year.

Juanita and her family have operated a large dairy and root crop farm on Brookfield Road near St. John's for more than forty years.

She has been an active promoter of farm and community organizations; was a member of the founding committee and past president of the Avalon Farm Women's Association. She was a charter member and vice-president of the Provincial Farm Women's Association. Presently she is a director and vice-president of the Canadian Farm Women's Network. She is conference chair of the host committee for the 1995 National Farm Women's Conference.

She was an active supporter of the revitalization of the Federation of Agriculture in the mid 80's and is a past president. She also represents the Province on the Atlantic Farmers' Council.

Juanita is active in non-farm organizations such as the Girl Guides, Women's Institute, and frequently volunteers at the Grace General Hospital and St. Luke's Seniors Home. Juanita and Jim continue to contribute to the manning of their farm business along with their three sons, Colin, John and Tommy.

Nominated by the Provincial Farm Women's Association and supported by the Newfoundland Federation of Agriculture, for her many years of dedication to the agricultural industry and to local community groups, we are proud to induct Juanita Lester in the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.