Awards

Tommy Cooper Award

The Tommy Cooper award is presented annually by Bayshore Broadcasting and The Sun Times to the person making the greatest contribution to agriculture and rural living in Grey and Bruce Counties.

Tommy Cooper was the Grey County agricultural representative from 1920 - 1959 and dedicated his life to agriculture. He played a major role in shaping agriculture in Grey County, and his influence continues today. He had a direct role in establishing the Federation of Agriculture. Tommy used newspapers and the radio to bring his message to the farm community. When Tommy retired in 1959, 700 people attended his retirement party highlighted by Grey County presenting him with a new car.

Current Tommy Cooper Winner

The 2021 Tommy Cooper Award winners are Simon DeBoer and Linda Freiburger

DeBoer has been a member of the Arran Tara Agricultural Society since 1993. He has also been involved in several other agriculture organizations and initiatives, including as a director with the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, Christian Farmers, and the Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week organizing committee.

Freiburger is a long-time farm safety advocate. She’s been involved in Bruce County Farm Safety since 1972, as well as a director on the Ontario Farm Safety Board. She’s been a 4H leader, and serves as executive director of Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village.

Previous Tommy Cooper Winners