Dr. J. Clare (James Clarence) Rennie

An inductee in the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, Dr. James Clarence Rennie always saw the possibilities in new ideas. Born near Blackwater in 1926, he left home at the age of 16 to study at the Ontario Agricultural College, later completing post-graduate studies in livestock genetics at lowa State College. He taught for 22 years at the University of Guelph and authored over 75 academic publications related to the methodology of improving the quality of dairy herds.

In 1974 he became the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

After “retiring”, Clarence in collaboration with the Canadian International Development Agency and Semex helped the Chinese successfully expand and improve their dairy industry. For this work, he was honoured with the “Friend of China” Award from the People’s Republic of China. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions by foreigners to economic and social progress in China.

Through his work with the Rotary Club, Rennie spearheaded a project designed to improve the quality of water in and the forested area around Guelph Lake. The popular Guelph conservation area known as Rotary Forest resulted.