Bill Duffield

Bill Duffield is a “shepherd extraordinaire.” For many years he raised Suffolk sheep with his wife Lynne. Their business, Codan Suffolks, emphasizes the importance of genetics. They believe that strong genetics provide an excellent base for successful flocks.

Duffield has taken part in cutting edge genetic research. This includes blood testing for a fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system called scrapie, and using a gene-marker test for cold tolerance and footrot. In 2008, Codan Suffolks received the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence for building a better flock using pioneering technology. In 2024, they won the Ontario Sheep Farmers Gen Ovis Recognition Award and the Canadian Sheep Association Award.  

Duffield is an enthusiastic supporter of anything ovine. He has exhibited, showed, and judged sheep at fairs and exhibitions but prefers to promote breeding stock using performance records. This involves collecting data for each sheep about their ancestry, growth, health, reproductive performance, wool production, etc. Because of solid performance records, Codan Suffolk’s breeding stock has been in high demand in Lambton County and beyond.

Lambton County does not have a local sheep-related commodity organization. Duffield has often advocated for Lambton sheep producers. He has travelled across Ontario and around the world to discuss performance records and promote quality breeding stock. Never one to keep knowledge to himself, he has been a mentor to many new sheep farmers. He is a recipient of the Long Service Award from the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.  

Duffield has been a strong supporter of 4-H. He has hosted meetings and farm demonstrations so young people could learn about the sheep industry. With Lynne, he supported Agriculture in the Classroom where young people learned about producing and marketing different agricultural commodities. Lynne demonstrated spinning, weaving, and even taught students how to cook lamb. Together they were involved in Taste of Lambton to encourage people to eat local lamb.

Duffield is the son of Ernest William Duffield and Ellen Margrethe Ulrikke Brinch. He grew up in Sarnia and attended S.C.I.T.S. He was involved with S.C.I.T.S. Cadets Corps. and Scouts. He married Marilynne Audrey Gark (Lynne) in 1963. Lynne, an experienced spinner, weaver, and nurturer of newborn lambs, passed away in 2022.

Community Contributions:

• Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, 2008
• Mayor’s Annual Community Appreciation Award, 2017
• Gen Ovis Recognition Award from Ontario Sheep Farmers, 2024
• Canadian Sheep Association Award, 2024
• Long Service Award, Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (15+ years on the board)
• Established Ontario Suffolk Sire Reference Association
• Recipient of Queen’s Scout Award
• 60 years of service as a Mason
• Member of St. John’s Anglican Church