| JUNE 8, 2010 -- A farmer his whole life, Ned Ellis never expected to be named Citizen of the Year for doing what he loves to do.
But the Marlborough Grange thought Ellis, a lifelong resident of Hebron, deserved the honor for his long-time devotion to farming and open space issues.
Grange member Robert Warner, a former Hebron first selectmen, said he nominated Ellis because of his "compassion and caring for the land. His land is zoned so it cannot be developed - forever.''
A pleasant surprise
Ellis, 66, said he was honored when he recieved the award this month, saying it took him by surprise, but he appreciates the fact that the award puts farming back in the news.
"The biggest thing is open space, it's such a huge issue,'' said Ellis, whose family has lived in Hebron since the early 1700s. "Kids and people come to farms like mine. It's not an education you get in the schools. People today, unfortunately, are removed from the world of farming.''
Ellis, who calls himself a "progressive farmer,'' said he sold 250 acres of his land to the state and the development rights were removed.
He spent the proceeds from the sale on more protected land. "You must be proactive in protecting the land," he said. "Once it is developed, there is no going back.''
In total, Ellis has 450 acres of protected land. Mapleleaf Farms, which he owns, is the largest in Hebron. He has 450 cows and also is part of Farmer's Cow, a group of six regional farmers that supply milk to 10 percent of the state. He also will be selling ice cream this summer.
Ellis is a familiar face in Hartford, where he has often lobbied on issues related to farming.
"I do a lot with the legislature,'' he said. "Of course, we need to set more aside for open space, rather than cutting every year. This is our future and once it is gone you can never replace it.''
For being named Citizen of the Year, Ellis received a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant; a Patrons of Husbandry paperweight and a long-stemmed rose.
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