Hugh Jameson was born and raised on the farm where he and his wife, Martha (Klopan), raised their four sons. Until recently, Hugh, Martha and three sons, Keith, Garth and Robert, ran a 50 cow dairy which was sold in January 2010 after 49 ½ years in operation. They continue to operate a 200 Angus beef herd, a 20,000 laying hen operation and 4,500 acres of grain, hay and pasture. The oldest son, Arnold, and his family operate their own farm at Alexander, MB.
In his youth, Hugh was a very active 4-H member. He won a gold watch on rally day and showed a grand champion steer at the Brandon Winter Fair. He won first place for judging beef at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. He went on to become a 4-H leader in the South Brandon District. Hugh attended Brandon’s School of Agriculture where he completed a diploma course in agriculture.
Hugh served for ten years on the Manitoba Milk Producers Board, acting as Finance Chair for four years during which he was responsible for both budgets and annual financial statements. He also served on the Transportation and Promotion Committees. He represented Manitoba at the Annual Policy Conferences held by the Dairy Farmers of Canada. Hugh was a strong supporter of supply management and attended conferences across Canada representing Manitoba.
Locally, Hugh has actively supported the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba for over 30 years, serving on the Board of Directors for 21 years. He was President from 1984 – 86. He served as Chairman of Manitoba Livestock Expo, the province’s largest livestock show as well as chairing the Livestock Section of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. As chairman of the Heritage Committee his organizational skills brought about the successful celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Provincial Exhibition during the 2006 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. He continues to serve as an Honourary Director of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. As a Director on the Brandon Keystone Centre Board, he was a major influence in the expansion of the Keystone Centre in the early 1990s.
Hugh served as a counsellor on the Farm Debt Review Board for 12 years where his insight, experience and common sense approach benefited many farmers from across Manitoba who were in financial difficulties. He served on the Board of the Manitoba Holstein Association for five years, two years as President. Hugh also chaired the Cornwallis Municipality’s 100th Anniversary Committee in 1984.
Hugh’s vision, his love of agriculture and his dedication to his family, his community and his province have been translated into a lifetime of agricultural service and community betterment.