David (Allan) Ling
PEI
(1946-2018)
David (Allan) Ling’s leadership and advocacy for primary producers lay the groundwork for generations of Canadian farmers, and established cooperation between provinces and associations that continues to improve the industry.
Born in 1946, Allan spent his youth farming his uncle’s operation in Wheatley River, which he eventually purchased at the age of 22. In 1973 he co-founded Lingdale Farms with his brother Melvin. Initially a 400-acre farm with hogs, beef cattle, grain, and hay, the Ling brothers would soon expand to include dairy and more acreage. After growing to 1500 acres, Lingdale Farms divested of dairy in 2001, and of pigs in 2005, focusing on soy, grains, and beef cattle. As a creative and innovative thinker, Allan experimented with crops like flax, canola, and buckwheat, and had a sterling reputation for sustainability, record keeping, and livestock management.
Allan joined the National Farmers Union in 1970, where for more than two decades he advocated on behalf of his fellow producers. As President of Local 104, Regional Coordinator, and national board member, he represented the needs of Maritime Farmers and ensured their voice was heard. His calm demeanor and steadfast commitment was well-respected, and he was well known for regarding other points of view.
With a passion for crops and an aptitude for effecting change, Allan dedicated himself to agricultural organizations. In 1990, he served as President for the PEI Grain Elevator Corporation, a position he held for 11 years. As Chair of the Atlantic Grains Council (AGC) from 1998 to 2018, Allan was instrumental in leading cereal and oilseed growers and others to adopt a voluntary levy. The establishment of the levy fund furthered crop research and provided AGC the opportunity to fund producer priorities. AGC’s success is recognized as an example of regional cooperation that provided far-reaching benefits to the industry.
As a well-respected and innovate leader, Allan joined with others to co-found Grain Growers of Canada. He served as an Executive Member from 2000 to 2013, advocating on behalf of independent grain farmers and their associations across Canada.
Allan’s industry expertise and reputation were held in high regard by the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, where he sat on the selection committee from 2013 to 2018. In recognition of his extensive contributions, a two-row barley cultivar called AAC Ling has been named in his honour. Allan’s wisdom and tireless work ethic were admired and sought after by many organizations. In everything he did, Allan dedicated his time and energy to better farm policy, support for research, and innovative ideas for the industry. In these areas, Allan’s legacy will continue.
Allan’s dedication extended to his community. He served his local fire department for over thirty years, provided leadership to the Wheatley River 4-H Club, and coached in the Rustico Minor Hockey organization. Allan was also committed to a number of churches in his community, and for three decades provided drug testing for the Charlottetown Race Park.
Allan enjoyed a fulfilling life with his wife Jan. His brother Melvin continues to operate Lingdale Farm.
Nominated by the PEI Federation of Agriculture for his extraordinary contributions to crops and his advocacy for producers, Allan Ling is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.