Allan MacKay
Born in Heathbell, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Dr. Allan MacKay received his early agricultural experience on the Spruce Grove Farm that had the distinction of having one of the first purebred Guernsey herds in Canada. He was a member of the Scotsburn Junior Dairy Calf Club and represented his province in the National competitions for club members at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1941.
Dr. MacKay received his primary education at Heathbell School and his secondary education at Pictou Academy. He graduated from N.S.A.C. in 1943 and obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1951. That same year he established a veterinary practice in Pictou County and continued his work until his retirement in 1991.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. MacKay maintained an active interest in 4-H Club work and in 1989 he became a member of the 4-H 500 Club. His farm background and veterinary training in animal husbandry made him well qualified to advise farmers on improved feeding, breeding and selection of better quality animals.
Dr. MacKay was always an active supporter of farm organizations and agricultural exhibitions. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Pictou County and North Colchester Exhibition. He has been recognized and honoured by the community of Pictou on several occasions for his services. Dr. MacKay served on the Executive Council of the N.S. Veterinary Medical Association and had a leading role in developing new approaches, to improved quality livestock health care in Nova Scotia.
Dr. MacKay is honoured for his program of animal health care, for his philosophy of preventing disease problems before they occur and his dedication to farm families in the area he served.
Nominated by the Pictou-North Colchester Federation of Agriculture, Dr. MacKay is a worthy nominee for induction into the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame.