About David Bowlby

From Farmer to MLA: A Career Built on Grit, Heart, and a $2 Calf

Endings are a little sad, and beginnings are a little frightening—but it’s what happens in between that truly matters.

My story began at age five, hiding behind my dad’s shoulders at the Lawrencetown cattle sale. Before he could stop me, I threw my hand in the air and bid $2 on a scrawny calf that had to be carried into the ring. That impulsive moment sealed my fate for the next 50 years. (If I ever find that auctioneer again, I’m still deciding whether to shake his hand or rattle his teeth.)

That calf survived—thanks to a week in the wood stove’s warmth and a strict mother armed with a wooden spoon—and became the first stepping stone of my journey. I graduated from NSAC as a proud Aggie in 1985, bought my first farm in 1990, and eventually built a thriving agricultural career.

Yes, I Actually Made Money Farming.

(…Eventually.)

Alongside my incredible wife, Allison Maher, I co-owned Dempsey Corner Orchards, an Agritourism Destination that didn’t just sell food—we sold experiences. From U-Pick strawberries to pumpkin patches, local school tours to international visitors, we taught people where food comes from and gave them a place to reconnect with nature. Our farm became a top-five Nova Scotia attraction on TripAdvisor, drawing travelers from as far as Saudi Arabia.

On our farm lived Relic, the world-famous three-legged dog featured on TV and in magazines. Relic inspired visitors with disabilities and even fetched a very determined offer from a man with a prosthetic leg. Much like our Country, Relic was not for sale.

The Next Chapter: From Fields to Politics

When my sons chose careers with fewer hailstorms and plagues, we knew it was time to pass the farm to new hands, and in 2019, my wife and I sold the Farm. But farming wasn’t done with me yet—I still worked as Farm Manager at the Kentville Research Station. I started there in 2004, before trading my boots for a seat in the Nova Scotia Legislature.

On December 10th, 2024, my birthday, after a nail-biting recount, I became the newest MLA. Call it fate, I now sit beneath the portrait of my 8x-great-grandfather, Prime Minister Sir Charles Tupper, in the chamber. I’m sure my mother is up there with her wooden spoon, ensuring he keeps me in line.

Why I’m Here

This journey wouldn’t be possible without my wife, Kitty Kat, who stamped my pants—and stole my heart—in grade nine. Or without the Premier, who welcomed me into this "motley crew," or the community that rallied behind me.

Life’s twists—from spooning calves in the sunshine to shaking hands on the campaign trail—have taught me the power of resilience, humor, and showing up. Now, I’m honored to serve Annapolis County with the same grit and gratitude that carried me from that $2 calf to this chair.