Martin Hamming grew up on a family farm in Pitt Meadows and was a 4-H member during his youth. Martin married Ann in 1967, they later purchased a farm in Delta in 1974. Martin joined the Richmond-Delta Holstein Club and served as secretary and president of the club in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

As the next generation of Hammings grew, Martin joined 4-H again. He was a club leader for most of the years between 1980-2000, but was always a major supporter, regularly teaching animal husbandry and judging. In addition to hauling calves for the whole club, Martin and family hosted many club events at their farm.

In 1987 Martin became a director on the BC Holstein Branch serving 4 years until 1990. He was vice-president when he stepped down to become more involved in his church. He later became a director again in 1996 and served 15 more years. He was Branch president for 2 years from 2008-2009. This included a busy year during 2009 when the Holstein Canada National Convention was held in BC.

While on the Branch, Martin’s contribution included a long tenure as chair of the Judging committee. As well, for many years, Martin regularly drove to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to pick up and drop off the Vancouver Island directors as board meetings were held at the Delta Town and Country Inn.

In 1999, Martin became a second generation director on the Westgen board serving 9 years until 2007, as this progressive genetics company began their expansion into the prairies. Today, Martin remains involved in his local community including serving on the board of the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust.

Over the years, Martiann Holsteins has grown to over 200 milking cows. This was accomplished while launching Martin Jr and his family onto a dairy operation in Manitoba. Despite having a large herd, it was always important for Martin to participate in all breed improvement programs. Martiann Holsteins have won many production awards and have bred many Very Good and Excellent cows. A current herd favourite is second generation homebred Excellent, Martiann Samuelo Klass 1101 EX-92-2E.

Today, Martin and Ann take a few more days away from the farm as Perry and Angela have taken over much of the farm management. Martin still enjoys working hard during the busiest times of the year and has been pleased to see granddaughter Lorna become more involved in the farm over the last while.

Martin provided a solid style of leadership at several levels and his contributions to the BC Holstein community are greatly appreciated. It is with sincere gratitude and respect that the BC Holstein Branch grants the title of Honorary Member to Martin Hamming.