Bertram Graham Hunter Stewart became a member of the Bolton 4-H Dairy Calf Club when he was 13 years old. That, combined with his strong family values and his pride in his rural and agricultural roots, launched him on a brilliant career in the dairy cattle industry and his passionate work for his community, especially its youth.
A world renowned judge of many breeds of dairy cattle, Bert has worked in over 18 countries and has been honoured with many awards during his working years. He has been a showman, farm manager of the famed Agro Bros. herd, breeding consultant to what became some of the best herd in Ontario, Brazil, Mexico and Japan, consultant for over 40 years to the famous Sale of Stars, director and past president of the Halton County Holstein Club and a 50-year active member of Holstein Canada.
Among his impressive list of accomplishments, he is credited with promoting Canada’s world-leading dairy genetics and has been called one of Canada’s pioneer in preparing and exhibiting dairy cattle—a task that became one of Canada’s points of difference over other dairy cattle breeding nations. Back on the home front, in his dedication to youth, every year Bert and his wife Hazel chaperoned Team Ontario to the National Dairy Cattle Judging Competition in Madison, Wisconsin. He has coached all 20 of the 4-H Ontario winning judging teams at the World Dairy Expo.
It would take an entire book to list and describe all of Bert Stewart’s interests and accomplishments. High on that list would be his over 40 years of involvement in 4-H Club, serving as leader and supporter, teaching and touching innumerable young lives. Bert has also served in leadership capacities for his church and in many organizations that reflect his various interests. In 1997, he was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Milton Chamber of Commerce to recognize over three decades of service to the Milton community. Beyond his agricultural contributions, he has been active coaching local ball leagues, winning an amazing seven Ontario Championships, five with the boy’s teams and two with the girl’s teams. For over eight years he was involved with the Milton District Hospital and formerly served as president of the Hospital Foundation.
Never afraid to take on a challenge, Bert Stewart is a tireless champion of all good causes that promote a healthy, good life for his family, his colleagues, his community and his country.