Jerome Deslippe
The winner of the 2017 Conservation Farm Award was announced at the Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2017. The award is presented each year to the farming operation which best display’s conservation minded farming practices from those nominated. The farms are graded on tillage practices, crop rotation, chemical use and storage, knowledge of fertility programs, Best Management Practices and overall farm maintenance. The winner is determined by a committee of Directors from the Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association.
This year, the award was presented posthumously to Jerome Deslippe of Amherstburg. His daughter, Rochelle Deslippe, accepted the award on Jerome’s behalf. Jerome Deslippe passed away on August 16, 2017.
Jerome was a past President of the Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association and was a director of the ESCIA for over 30 years. Jerome was a proud supporter of his community through many agricultural community projects, including the Essex County Plowing Match and the Ontario Plowman’s Association. He was actively involved with the Essex County Steam and Gas Association, was a past Leader of the local 4H and was a past President of the Essex Conservation Club. Jerome was inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1997.
Jerome was instrumental in the establishment of e Essex County Demonstration Farm at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in 1996. He participated in its management, assisting with the planting and harvesting of demonstration and research field plots.
Jerome Deslippe’s dedication and passion for both agriculture and his community in Essex County, as well as his conservation practices on his own farm, made him a deserving recipient of the Essex County Conservation Farm Award for 2017. His passion and dedication is an inspirational legacy.