Gilbert Robison operated Campburn Farm in Harvey Station, New Brunswick, which became widely recognized as one of the leading Jersey breeding establishments in Canada, producing 10 superior sires, more than 50 excellent cows, four new superior sires and one century sire.
In addition to his interests in Jersey cattle, he was a lover and breeder of Clydesdale horses and was often called upon to judge major Jersey shows and Draft Horse exhibitions in Eastern Canada and the U.S.A.
Always interested in young people, Gilbert Robison gave counsel and leadership to 4-H work, pony club activities and other youth projects in the Harvey Station community throughout his life.
He was a founding father of the Harvey Jersey Club, a Director of the Harvey Parish Show and a member of the Harvey Benefit Day Committee. He was an active Harvey United Church supporter and participant in the local Lodge of the Masonic Order.
Mr. Robison helped to re-establish the Maritime Winter Fair. He was a founding member of the New Brunswick Draft Horse Association and served as its first President. As a Director of the Fredericton Exhibition, he played an active role in re-establishing the associated Provincial Livestock Show. For many years he served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Jersey Cattle Club as well as being a Director of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada.
Gilbert Robison received the Master Breeder Award from the Canadian Jersey Cattle Club in 1969. In 1981 he was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Jersey breed in the Maritimes and Canada. He was named “Stock Breeder of the Year” by the Maritime Stock
Breeders Association in 1978 and was made a life member of the Clydesdale Horse Association in 1973, as well as receiving an Outstanding Service Award from the New Brunswick Draft Horse Association in 1981. In 1980 his name appeared in the 7th Edition of `’Men of Achievement” published by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England.
Nominated by the New Brunswick Livestock Council, Gilbert Graham Robison’s contributions merit recognition in the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Source: The Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame 1986
Reproduced with permission.
