The establishment of the Institute did not come easy for its promoters. They had to overcome resistance to the provision of compulsory membership to the national Institute (AIC); the qualifying of many Agriculturists who did not have "sufficient credentials" to belong to a professional institute; the fact that scientific and generalist professionals would belong to the same organization; etc.

A positive vote was finally recorded and the Act to incorporate the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists was assented on April 4, 1960. The first president was J.C. (Bill) Bennett, then director of the Livestock Branch with the NB Dept. of Agriculture. Dr. Camille Chiasson was the first registrar and also a senior official within the NB Dept. of Agriculture.

The principle activities of the early years were focused on enhancing communications among members in order to exchange experiences and to build esprit de corps. Seminars, information sessions, debates on timely issues, newsletters, and "escape weekends", were arranged and well attended. For some time there was also a series of "Maritime Conventions", whereby provinces would take turn in hosting the annual event.