The Farmers’ Association was formed in 1944 with the help of Mr. Knight, the county representative, for the purpose of representing the New Ross District at the provincial association level.
The two most important objectives at the time was to obtain the services of a county veterinary and to organize a farm market for farm products. The first organization was known as the Farmers’ co-operative Union and then became the New Ross district Federation of Agriculture until 1970. At this point the Farmers’ association came into existence. At one time membership peaked at 205 members.
The Farmers Association was made up of members from the village of Charing Cross and surrounding settlements which comprised the community of New Ross. Over time the Farmers’ association evolved to dealing with more than just agricultural issues. It also dealt with problems faced by the whole community by acting as a single voice. The Association included business and community members concerned with the welfare of the whole district.
The Farmers’ Association tackled issues such as good roads, electricity to rural residents, and purchases the first fire fighting equipment for New Ross. Arrangement were made for a resident doctor, the services of a veterinary doctor were acquired and land was purchased for the development for a local Fair. The association also established the New Ross Credit Union. Many lasting benefits are still seen from the work of the New Ross Farmers’ Association.
The annual Fair is ongoing and has many of the earmarks of the early fairs. The fairgrounds and or buildings are available to Christmas tree companies and community groups to use for meetings and events. The fair offers volunteer organizations the opportunity for fundraising by operating booths and splitting profits.
The Farmers’ Association also makes charitable contributions to special groups, ie watering the hanging baskets in the village, the soccer program, sponsoring 4-H, etc. Any remaining profits of the Fair are used for maintaining the grounds and building of the Fairgrounds.
The Farmers’ Association is a member of the South Shore Tourism Association and the Exhibition Association of Nova Scotia.
Monthly meeting are the first Wednesday of each month, March through November
Main fundraisers: The New Ross Fair held the 3rd Friday and Saturday of August.
