Betty Ann (Fife) Harder

Betty Ann (Fife) Harder was born in Hastings, Ontario into a family with deep farming roots. She was a descendent of David Fife who developed Red Fife Wheat established as a standard in the Canadian milling industry over a century ago.

Her involvement with the Presbyterian church and Junior Farmers led to her 1977 marriage and arrival in Brock Township. She immediately became active with the Wick Presbyterian Church, 4-H and the Sunderland Agricultural Society. As a volunteer, she donated hours of her time to the Fair Ambassador program, the tractor pull and the culinary arts program. Her devotion to the fair saw her serving as its vice-president when she passed away in 2021. A tree is planted on the fairgrounds in her memory as a tribute to Betty Ann’s dedication to the fair.

Betty Ann took an active role with her husband in the operation of Harlaine Farms (dairy) and Harlaine Maple (maple syrup). Undoubtedly, it was her love of farming that prompted her involvement in Harlaine’s Heritage Day where she and her husband hosted hundreds of visitors at their farm in a demonstration of past harvesting practices.

This remarkable woman is recognized as a founding member of the popular and successful Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival.