Jonathan Fox III is often referred to as Canada's Master
Breeder. He has been a dominant force on Canada’s agriculture scene
for most of his life. Known for his "look ahead vision" and innovative
ideas, he has bred prize animals of many breeds, but notably Rolled Herefords,
Percheron and Morgan horses.
Justamere Farms, near Lloydminster, in Saskatchewan is famous
throughout the world. Jonathan's father, Jonathan Fox II founded Justamere in
1919.
Fox II had established a livestock operation (Pleasant Grove
Stock Farm) in 1899 near Rochester, Minnesota, raising registered Shorthorn
cattle, Percheron draft horses and Poland China hogs. On a trip to Western
Canada, the elder Fox, bothered by asthma, felt so much healthier on the trip
that he decided to relocate.
Jonathan Fox Ill was born near Rochester in 1919, and soon after
was brought to Justamere Farms. He grew up helping his father with the
registered Shorthorns, Percherons, Yorkshire hogs and a Cheviot sheep flock.
In
the mid 1930's he bought out the Percheron herd and took over management of the
Shorthorn herd and in 1946 took over the whole operation, except for the hogs,
which were run as a hobby by his dad. In February 1941, Jonathan married Molly
Sutherland, whose parents migrated from Weck, Scotland to Saskatchewan in 1919.
Jonathan started a registered Holstein herd in 1948 and in 1955 he started the Polled Hereford herd which was to become internationally famous. He also imported the first Chianinas to North America, but it was with Polled Herefords that his career has shone the most.
He had been judging both horses and cattle since he was 21, and was a licensed livestock auctioneer, but was too busy improving his herd and judging shows to pursue auctioning as a trade. His judging abilities were always in demand and he has had to turn down many requests. Those he had done covering any continents and include such major events as the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. England and the Chicago International. Ever practical, he was the first judge to perform that task on horseback.
As a breeder, he has sold bulls into all but five states of the
United States and has exported Polled Herefords to Japan, England, Spain, South
Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia,
Mexico, Hungary and Taiwan.
The awards and honours bestowed upon Jonathan Fox III are too numerous to list
here to name but a few, he was named the first Canadian Man of the Year 1982, by
the Record Stockman, Denver based; Saskatchewan Salesman of the Year 1970-71,
Northern International Hall of Fame in 1969. He was inducted into Canada's
Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1973 and the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame the same
year.
Justamere Farms in now managed by son (and right hand man) Lyal. Jonathan and Molly
"retired" to Justamere Morgan Ranch in the
Heffleycreek area of Kamloops, Bntish Columbia. However, they recently returned
to Lloydminster and are enjoying their retirement years here.