Ira C. Lewis

Prince Edward Island

Ira Lewis is recognized as one of the first farmers who realized the need of the family farm becoming a large economic, viable unit. He is a man who believes that profitability and good management are necessary to maintain the family farm as the ideal agricultural production unit.

Born in Freetown, P.E.I., on a small family farm, he received his early education at the Freetown School, then went on to attend the Prince of Wales College and later graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro in 1940.

In 1939 Ira Lewis launched his own successful career with the purchase of a farm on the Yorke Road. In 1942 he and his brother Claude formed a partnership, joining their two original farms. This expansion developed into their present holding of 2400 acres on which are grown 750 acres of potatoes, 750 acres of grain, in addition to their 250 head of purebred Holstein cattle; one of the major agricultural enterprises in the province.

He is recognized internationally as a livestock breeder of purebred Holsteins and has won awards at Charlottetown, the Maritime Winter Fair, the Royal Winter Fair and the Atlantic Winter Fair, carrying such honours as Premier Exhibitor.

Ira has made tremendous contributions to the agricultural community through farm organizations. He recognizes the need for superior sires, and artificial insemination has made it possible for them to obtain semen from the best bulls in North America.

Ira Lewis has dedicated a large amount of time to the development of the agricultural industry as a whole. He is a strong supporter of the Federation of Agriculture and Director of the P.E.I. Fluid Milk Association, where he held such posts as the Executive Director and Provincial President. He has also been active in national organizations and Director of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, during which time he gained respect from farm leaders and Departments of Agriculture from coast to coast.

Ira Lewis is known for his full support to programs that would be of assistance in helping the small family farm. He was noted for taking the lead when agriculture policy presentations were made to Government.

Ira Lewis never avoided difficult and controversial issues. He has been foremost in potato marketing and has worked with the Potato Marketing Board at a crucial time in its history. He provided strong, effective leadership when the Eastern Canadian Potato Marketing Agency was being considered.

Ira Lewis plays an important part in the community, being active in church activities, involved in Boy Scouts, and as a devoted husband and father. His two children, Scott and Heather, have joined the Lewisdale farm insuring that the family farm tradition will be carried on.

Mr. Lewis' dedication, leadership and his genuine concern for the well-being of the family farm and the agricultural sector in general continues to earn Ira the admiration and respect of his contemporaries throughout North America.