Cape Bretoner, Dr. Herbert Farquhar MacRae, recognized as a distinguished agrologist, has provided leadership and valued contributions in agricultural education, research, animal science, biochemistry and the co-ordination of programs and services. He is a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ College, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and the Macdonald College of McGill University receiving his Ph.D. in 1960.
After working briefly for the Food and Drug Directorate of Health and Welfare Canada, Dr. MacRae returned to Macdonald College as assistant professor in Animal Science and later became chairman of the department. He then was selected as principal of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. During 17 years as principal, Herb MacRae guided his alma mater, the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, through growth and development of student services, educational programs and research. Dr. MacRae was instrumental in developing an academic agreement with Dalhousie University for granting the BSc (Agr) degree to graduates of NSAC. This enabled agricultural gradates to enter the profession of Agrology directly. Modernization and expansion of the Technical Diploma program at NSAC also occurred under his leadership.
Dr. MacRae was chair of the Atlantic Provinces Agricultural Services co-ordinating committee and twice president of the Association of Faculties of Agriculture in Canada. He also served as executive director of the Confederation of Canadian Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, retiring in 1993. Dr. MacRae was a charter member of the Canadian Agricultural Research Council, serving as a member for 20 years and chair from 1987-94, during which time he gave strong leadership to the development of a strategy for agricultural research and technology transfer in Canada. From 1989 to 1991 he served as a member of the task force to study agriculture in Newfoundland.
The Canadian Society of Animal Science awarded Herb MacRae the Certificate of Merit and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal. McGill University honoured him with the Degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. In 1988 Herb was made Honourary Associate of Nova Scotia Teachers’ College and was elected Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. The Alumni Association of NSAC granted him the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991. Dr. MacRae was named to the Order of Canada in 1992.
