Frank Woodworth Saunders

Nova Scotia

Frank W. Saunders, Weston, Kings County, has made a lifelong commitment to the agricultural industry and the farm community. In 1925 a partnership was formed with his father and together they operated Park View Farm. Then, in 1934, Frank Saunders formed Valley View Farm which he operated until his retirement in 1975.

Under his expertise Valley View Farm developed into one of the most respected purebred Guernsey farms in the Atlantic region and, over time, Valley View Guernseys became the genetic base of cow lines in the Maritimes, Ontario and Manitoba. Housed in an Ontario A.I. unit, the bull Valley View Billy was used by Guernsey Breeders throughout Canada. Realizing the genetic improvements that could be gained through A. I., he was instrumental in establishing a sub-unit of the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders' Cooperative in Kings County and was very active on the Young Sire Selection Committee at the Provincial level.

Throughout his career Frank Saunders was, and continues to be, a familiar face seen at exhibitions. As an exhibitor he was often the recipient of Premier Breeder awards. He has also served as judge at many shows including the Canadian National Exhibition and the Royal Winter Fair.

An active participant in farm organizations, he has been an executive member of the Nova Scotia Guernsey Breeders' Association, the Canadian Guernsey Breeders' Association, the Joint Dairy Breeds' Association, the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders' Cooperative, the Wolfville Fruit Company and the Federation of Agriculture.

Always interested in young people and being a strong supporter of the 4-H program, Frank Saunders, for several years, donated a purebred Guernsey calf to a deserving member of the local 4-H club.

Married to the former Adelia Palmer they have four children.

Today the Saunders' farm is a third generation family enterprise operating under the Valley Side prefix, raising purebred Holstein cattle. Nominated by the Nova Scotia Guernsey Breeders' Association, the contributions of Frank Woodworth Saunders to agriculture and to the farm community merit recognition in the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.