A leader of Manitoba’s cattle industry died in a farm accident Dec. 23.
Major Jay Fox, 32, was a cattle producer from Eddystone, Man. and former president of the Manitoba Beef Producers.
MBP president Ray Armbruster said Fox’s death shocked and saddened members of the association and people from the province’s Westlake region.
“Especially a day and a half before Christmas,” said Armbruster, who lives north of Rossburn, Man.
Fox served as MBP president from December 2009 until the late fall of 2011. During his time as president, Manitoba cattle producers suffered though difficult times as flooding wiped out hay and pasture land throughout the province in 2010 and inundated producers around Lake Manitoba in 2011.
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Despite the environmental challenges, Fox told The Western Producer in November he was proud that the MBP established a stronger relationship with the provincial government during his tenure.
Armbruster will remember Fox for his dedication to the beef industry.
“Jay was a young director and a young producer and he brought that enthusiasm and commitment to the board of directors,” he said. “He brought years of knowledge, beyond his age.”
Fox and his wife, Angela, were named Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2008.
MBP plans to start a trust fund to support Angela and their four young children.
A memorial service to honour Fox’s life will be held this afternoon at the Westlake Community Centre in Eddystone.
