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In 1988, the Kent Agricultural Hall of Fame was created to honour those that demonstrated unselfish achievement within the realm of agriculture and service to the rural community.

Cooper, Kim

- 2022
1954 - present


Inducted: November 22, 2022​

Kim Cooper's history in the local agricultural industry also includes field and foreign diplomacy affairs and is known as an excellent ambassador.  Known as the "AgGuy," he has produced a wealth of agricultural information and guidance for many groups, organizations and committees, and has assisted local businesses to grow and expand into the global marketplace.  He has educated and informed the public through columns in newspapers, farm magazines and radio programs.

Kim Cooper was born in Chatham in 1954 to Jack Cooper and Betty Coutts. 

He graduated from the Ridgetown College of Agriculture in 1975 with Honours in Agricultural Production and Management and received the Kent County Scholarship in Communications and an award in Plant Protection. He furthered his studies at the University of Guelph for two more years.

He received a Certificate of Recognition from the Christian Farmers Federation of Chatham-Kent.  Kim is also an ordained minister.

Kim married Jill Waggott on August 21st, 1976, and they have four children – Andrea (Dan Stronks), Lindsay (Graham Kivell), Darren (Rachel), and Tim (Heidi).  They also have six grandchildren – Callahan, Lyla, Elliott, Audrey, Judah and Camille.

Kim began working at M.J. Smith in Chatham, followed by King Grain, Thompsons, Ontario Soybean Growers and Southwest Ag Partners before working at the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as their Agricultural Specialist.

During Kim's time with King Grain, Thompsons, the Ontario Soybean Growers, and Southwest Ag Partners, he helped develop new contracts with growers and customers and travelled extensively overseas to promote Ontario soybeans.

From Chatham-Kent Agri Development: Kim Cooper has been an excellent supporter since its inception with the organization, serving on committees, helping with the "We Grow The World" website, and providing current news and information updates.  He has a rich history in the agricultural industry in Chatham-Kent, the provinces, Canada and world matters from field to foreign diplomacy affairs.  He carries the title "AgGuy" as he has produced and served a wealth of information for many groups including farm organizations.  He has helped organize and lead an agricultural tour of Israel.

Kim has been involved in agriculture for over 40 years.  During that time, local and regional partners have called upon Kim for his wide range of knowledge and expertise.  He has demonstrated his passion for agriculture at agricultural functions in Canada and around the world as he travelled to over 30 countries promoting Canada's agriculture sector.

During his many years promoting local agriculture, Kim has provided editorials and articles for farm magazines, newspapers, export newsletters and radio programs with the intent of informing and educating on the subject of the importance of agriculture.

He has supported the Kent Federation of Agriculture, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, and the National Farmers Union.

Kim is the former Chair of the Lambton-Kent Agriculture in the Classroom committee and is presently Chair of the Ridgetown Campus Chaplaincy Program.

Says Jacque Tetreault: "Kim is a good listener and is very humble.  He has a rich knowledge of the local industry including cash crops, vegetable and orchard products and husbandry that he draws on to present in person, on air or in his writing.   He is very committed and has a positive attitude in real life, and agriculture and has served as an ambassador to all."

Zeb Talach says of Kim, "What struck me was that he would constantly go out of his way to advise the local farmers on their options in their farming operations."

Paul Roy says, "Kim is never negative….is a dedicated family man and a good friend of many Chatham-Kent agriculturalists."

James Snyder reports that Kim was instrumental in assisting with many expansion plans and funding opportunities for both producers and agribusinesses. He assisted in the development of a business plan for the Dresden Agricultural Society, the development of the "Chatham-Kent We Grow for the World" logo and the development and update to the CK Greenhouse Development strategy.

Kim Cooper is known both locally and far and wide and has earned the respect of the farming community both locally, provincially, nationally and abroad.