Winter 2013

$3.5 Million Student Service and Alumni Centre to Open this Fall Government, Agribusiness and Alumni Make Project A Reality

Key supporters to date include:

Government Leadership Partners

Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU)

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Private Leadership Partners (contributing over $10,000)

Don Pestell ’62

Farm Credit Canada

Greenfield Ethanol

Maizex

Pride Seeds

Ridgetown Alumni Annual Campaign

Southwest Agricultural Conference

Thompsons

The Ridgetown Campus Agri-Food Foundation will continue working with the campus to raise the final funds for the centre’s construction.

In early May 2012 construction began on the new D. J. Pestell Student Service and Alumni Centre. “This is an investment that will have a resounding impact,” said U of G president Alastair Summerlee. “Ridgetown Campus is an innovation hub and a driving force in the regional economy.”

Enrolment at Ridgetown Campus is up 25 per cent in the past few years. Enrolment in the agriculture diploma program is up 50 per cent. “Ridgetown is proving to be an attractive option for students across Ontario,” Summerlee said. “Our goal is providing our students with the best possible teaching and learning environment.”

“This new facility will allow us to further enhance the quality of the educational experience that we deliver to our students and also support the greater demands for classroom space and services on the campus,” said Rob Gordon, OAC Dean. The building will double as a careers centre and as a welcome venue for prospective students and their parents.

The new 13,000 square foot facility is being built by local contractor, Westoek Construction Ltd., and was designed by Jorden and Cook Architects of Chatham.

The project also has additional benefits including a customer service counter, two new classrooms, professional office space, two small study/boardrooms and a community executive boardroom.

issue highlightsMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

New Post-Diploma Programs . . . . 3

Alumnus Honoured for Humanitarian Service . . . . . . . . . . 4

Mark Your Calendar – Jeans and Jackets Reunion . . . . . 5

Grad Students On Campus . . . . . 6

Renewable Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Industry Partners and Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Alumni Bonspiel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The ROOTS newsletter is published by Communications, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. Its mission is to enhance the relationship between alumni and community friends and promote success and opportunities within our campus community.

To view on-line, visit: www.ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca/alumni/alumni_roots.cfm

To update your mailing address or send comments to Communications: Email rcroots@uoguelph.ca or call Liz at 519-674-1500 ext. 63587.

Comments can also be mailed to: Communications, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, 120 Main Street East, Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0

ROOTS is paid for by Ridgetown Campus.

Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40028856

Campus Director’s Message It’s been my honour to serve Ridgetown Campus as Interim Director since January 1, 2012. In the last year I’ve had

the opportunity to see many good things happening at this campus and within our broader community.

I’m excited to have a new scientist on our team: Dr. Brandon Gilroyed. I’m delighted to see continued strong enrolment figures so we can continue to help youth prepare for their careers. I’ve had the pleasure to watch (and listen), as the old Reek Gymnasium crumbled down, and watch the construction of improved new facilities. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate our 60th anniversary milestone in the delivery of diploma education. And most importantly, I’ve had the chance to get to know our alumni, community stakeholders, staff and students from new and different perspectives.

I try to offer an open door and a listening ear, and I welcome your comments, thoughts or ideas for the continued growth and development of our campus programs and services.

Kindest Regards,

Ken McEwan, Interim Director, Ridgetown Campus

Foundation Chairs’ Message This year the Ridgetown Campus Agri-Food Foundation has had the privilege to engage community leaders in positive campus change and talk about the priority needs of the campus. We’d be delighted to talk about the priority needs of the campus with any of you at your convenience, and we invite you to consider getting involved to make a difference.

In the last few months we’ve had the opportunity to meet current students excited about the future, welcome new Foundation Board members Larry Pajot and Stacey Devolder, and celebrate with this year’s Foundation and FCC Alumnus of Honour for Lifetime Achievement, Class of 1962 Alumnus Don Pestell. We’re excited about the future and I challenge you to consider how you can give back to the campus. Feel free to contact me by email at dave@maizex.com or call me at 519-809-0269.

Kindest Regards,

Dave Baute Gary Paling Alumnus and Board Chair Alumnus and Board Vice-Chair

Winter 2013 2

(L-R) Gary Paling, Ken McEwan, Dave Baute

3

Check Out These New Post-Diploma Certificate Options

These new academic offerings are focussed on further enhancing your knowledge and employability. We anticipate these courses will have a class size of 20-25 students, allowing for excellent student to instructor ratios. Both programs include industry work experience.

These programs are both open for application. Students can apply at www.ontariocolleges.ca

Ridgetown Campus will be hosting a special open house for applicants and interested students of these new certificate programs on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Register on-line today!

For more information contact: Student Recruitment at 519-674-1500 ext. 63522, or e-mail: rcampus@uoguelph.ca

Check out program details at www.ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca/ future/programs.cfm

Breaking Student Enrolment Records

Advanced Livestock HealthOCAS Code: R106

1 year (2 classroom semesters and two industry placements)

Admission Requirements

Open to graduates of a recognized diploma or degree in the field of Veterinary Technology, Agriculture, Biology or Science.

Some Possible Careers

Quality Assurance Manager, Food Safety Inspector, Animal Nutritionist, Animal Research Technician, Bio-Security Inspector, Food Safety Inspector

Greenhouse Production Management OCAS Code: R107

1.5 years (2 classroom and 2 work semesters)

Admission Requirements

Open to graduates of a recognized diploma or degree in the field of Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology or other related Sciences.

Some Possible Careers

Assistant Greenhouse Grower, Greenhouse Manager, Plant Propagator, Integrated Pest Management Advisor, Vegetable Crop Scout, Plant Research Technician

Overall enrolment at the campus for the last few years has been between 650-700 full-time students annually. The majority of the increase in enrolment at the campus has been in the Agriculture Diploma program and applications for September 2013 look strong once again.

Fall 2012 saw record enrolment in one-year certificate programs in two academic areas:

Performance Horse Handler (delivered by Ridgetown at REACH Huron in Clinton) Veterinary Office Administration (VOA)

Performance Horse Handler student, Kristen Pyatt with her horse outside the REACH Huron training facility in Clinton . Students may be able to board their horses at REACH during their academic program year .

Winter 2013 4

Class of 1957 Alumnus Honoured for Humanitarian Service to Community Ed Molzan has been farming for over 60 years, with early farming experience in beef and dairy production, but Ed is now focussed on the big three: corn, soybeans and wheat. In speaking with someone close to Ed they noted that Ed still enjoys farming, family and going to meetings ... and he’s been to quite a few! When he’s not farming or at a meeting, Ed can be found watching his grandchildren’s sports activities or enjoying a good Blue Jays game.

At one time or another, since his graduation from Ridgetown, Ed has been involved in the following organizations (these are the ones we know about): United Co-operatives of Ontario as a provincial and local director, Ontario Soybean Growers as a provincial director, Lambton County Corn and Wheat Boards, local Ontario Soil and Crop Association, Alvinston Fair Board, local Boy Scouts, National Farmers Union and the local Optimist Club.

Ed has had a keen interest in the Optimist’s “Just Say NO” program – a program that helps youth say NO to drugs. Ed, congratulations on your farming success, and your countless hours of service to Ontario agriculture at the local, regional and provincial level.

Ed Molzan has two grown children, Randy and Diane, six grandchildren, and a long-time partner Joanne.

Congratulations Ed – well done!

(L-R) Celebrating his 55th Anniversary since graduating from Ridgetown, Ed Molzan is congratulated by Interim Campus Director, Ken McEwan at the June 23, 2012 Summer Alumni Reunion Event .

Excellent Career Opportunities in the Agri-Food SectorJess Gaukel is a senior student in the Agriculture Diploma program at Ridgetown. Prior to coming to Ridgetown Jess completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in geography at the Guelph campus.

“My Ridgetown experience has been a great ‘next step’ for developing my agriculture knowledge and my skill sets. I’m very excited about the career possibilities in the agri-food sector and I have recently accepted a full-time position with Agris Co-operative in Cottam, ON. This organization is keen to help me further develop my knowledge and I will be participating in weekly webinars to enhance my on-the-job training. I did not grow up on a farm, but I spent my summers working in field research with OMAFRA and private industry, and that experience sparked my interest in agriculture. The combination of a degree and a diploma has opened a lot of doors for me, and I look forward to starting my new job in mid-April,” says Jess.

It’s no secret that Ontario agriculture has many excellent career opportunities and way more jobs than students to fill them. The campus is excited about strong enrolment figures in the agriculture program and the opportunity to train youth to meet industry needs. Check out the program at http://www.ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca/future/programs_dagr.cfm

Jess Gaukel, senior Agriculture Diploma student

5

Pride Seeds Joins Several Industry Leaders to Support Campus Capital Improvement A number of leadership donors have made contributions to the new Student Service and Alumni Centre campaign and Pride Seeds was proud to be one of the recent supporters. Steve Denys explained why they invested in this project:

“We are proud to sponsor the Reek Building initiative given that it supports two overall goals within our organization,” emphasized Denys, Vice President Sales and Marketing with Pride Seeds. “The first goal being to support efforts aimed at creating a larger and skilled workforce in agriculture and the second to support our local community. Over the next few years there will be an unprecedented number of opportunities in agriculture,” said Denys. “The University of Guelph, OAC and Ridgetown Campus play an important role in ensuring we have the skills we need in agriculture to help feed the world. The value this campus brings to the community both locally and for the agriculture community in general is significant.”

“As a result, it is imperative that the business community that benefits from this campus, supports initiatives aimed at making it a stronger institution.”

Gift Presentation at Pride’s 2012 Annual Sales Meeting in London, ON. (L-R) Grant Craven, Class of 1982 and VP Production, Pride, Kelly Atkinson, VP Finance, Pride, Ken McEwan, Interim Director, Ridgetown Campus, Steve Denys, Class of 1989, and VP Sales and Marketing, Pride, and Kevin Grainger, Senior Agriculture Diploma Student and Pride summer student employee .

We’ve moved to a JUNE alumni reunion gathering!So, why a Summertime Jeans and Jackets party you ask?

For an Alumni Classic Car Show beginning at 2:30 pm in the Steckley parking lot.

For Campus Tractor and Wagon Tours beginning at 3:00 pm – leaving the Rudy H. Brown Centre foyer

For Classroom Receptions beginning at 3:30 pm in the Rudy H. Brown Centre

For a tasty Summer Chicken BBQ at 6:00 pm

… and you don’t have to look for your suit – just find something casual and comfy!

Come casual (and come country if you like) and have some fun! You’ll be able to dance the night away to many oldies but goodies!

Looking for Class Representatives

If you’d like to volunteer as a class rep for this event –

please call Liz at 519-674-1500

ext. 63587.

If you have questions or comments, please email:

rcroots@uoguelph.ca

or emeidlin@uoguelph.ca

Alumni Years: 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008

Note: this event replaces your November reunion – we will NOT be holding a November event.

Mark your calendar – June 22!

Anniversary Reunion

Watch for your alumni reunion invitation in the mail!

Winter 2013 6

New Researcher Excited About Renewable Energy and Composting Agricultural Waste Opportunities

Huron Research Programs to Benefit from New Research Combine

Master’s and Ph.D. Students Study at Ridgetown Campus

Leaving the cold and windy winters of Lethbridge, Alberta behind, Dr. Brandon Gilroyed has made the move to a warmer climate and new professional opportunities as one of the newest members of OAC’s School of Environmental Science. Brandon is located at Ridgetown Campus and has responsibilities in research, teaching and technology transfer.

Brandon looks forward to developing his research program and to future opportunities to mentor Masters students that share his research interests. Brandon recently completed his Ph.D. in civil engineering with a focus on environmental engineering, and he is keen to make a contribution in research and teaching as an Assistant Professor focussing on environmental management and agricultural resources. Welcome Brandon!

Just arrived at Ridgetown, Dr. Brandon Gilroyed is located in the professional office space in the Rudy H . Brown Rural Development Centre . Brandon can be reached at 519-674-1500 ext . 63605 or by email: bgilroye@uoguelph .ca

In late summer the Huron Research Station hosted their annual open house tour welcoming a couple hundred guests to the extension event. One of the highlights of the afternoon was recognizing the support of two key organizations who made the purchase of a new bean research combine a reality.

Key contributors to the new purchase included the Ontario White Bean Producers (OWBP) and the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) who shared the total investment 50/50.

The 150-acre research site focuses on corn, soybean, cereal and edible bean research. The new combine will enhance the research station by improving harvest efficiency as well as accuracy of yield determines and overall research data collection and analysis.

Did you know we have a number of campus faculty who mentor Master’s and Ph.D. students? As we begin a new calendar year, the campus is currently mentoring between 10-15 graduate students.

Joe Vink recently completed his Master’s under the supervision of Dr . Peter Sikkema and is now employed in agribusiness .

Dr. Rob Gordon, OAC Dean thanks supporters of the new German-built combine .

7

DeLaval Gift Improves Students’ Dairy Education Centre Learning Opportunities

Looking to Hire? Post Your Summer or Full-time Job With Us!

Industry Partners Key to Student Dairy Research Feeding Trial

10 Project Partners Contribute Approximately $90,000 in In-Kind Support to Student Learning

The Ridgetown Campus Dairy Education Advisory Committee has been instrumental in engaging industry stakeholders to make a calf feeding trial project a reality. The objective of the trial is to compare the effects of milk replacement feeding methods between a robotic feeder and an acidified feeder.

Students are actively involved in feeding, monitoring and recording growth and health data of the calves in the project. Students complete calf care and project tasks seven days a week on a rotating work schedule.

Our sincere appreciation to each of the following participating organizations:

Advanced Dairy Systems Inc. Agri-Brands Purina Agri Plastics Exacon Inc. Grober Nutrition J & L Walker Farms Ltd. Lely Canada Inc. OAC Teaching Trust Ridgetown Campus Dairy

Education Advisory Committee Rombouts Ag Service Inc.

The Ridgetown Campus Dairy Education Centre is where you can find a lot of Ridgetown students who are taking one of the experiential learning dairy courses. A recent donation of high-tech milkers to the campus has improved the learning opportunities for the more than 100 students enrolled in dairy, livestock or veterinary technology education courses.

DeLaval and Hugh Hunter, owner of Maple-Ain Farms, have partnered to donate six fully refurbished DeLaval DelPro™ MU480 milking units to the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus’ tie stall dairy teaching facility. “The school’s agriculture and veterinary diploma programs are honoured to be the recipient of such a generous donation,” said Ken McEwan, Interim Director.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3! If you are looking for an employee, we want to help! We have six easy options to help you find people resources:

Option 1: Complete the on-line job application overview on our homepage.

Option 2: Upload your job posting using the on-line form on our website.

Option 3: Email us your job posting at rcjobs@uoguelph.ca

Option 4: Give us a call at 519-674-1500 ext. 53526 or 63540

Option 5: Send us a fax of your position posting at 519-674-1539

Option 6: Host a Lunch and Learn on campus.

A special presentation of this gift was made at the 2012 Outdoor Farm Show, Woodstock, ON . Representatives from DeLaval and Ridgetown Campus were on hand for the presentation .

Winter 2013

120 Main Street EastRidgetown, ON N0P 2C0

40028856

Return undeliverable copies to:

Dust off your brooms and get ready for the annual

Alumni BonspielNovice and experienced curlers welcome!

When: Saturday, March 16, 2013

Where: Ridgetown Golf and Curling Club

What: 3 – 6 End games

Time: 9:00 am draw & 10:30 am draw

Cost: $35.00 per personIncludes roast beef dinner. (Soup and sandwich lunch is available for $5.00)

Non-curling spouses/guests are welcome to join us for supper - $15

Get together with your classmates and friends to make a four-person team. If you don’t have enough players for a team, call and we will find a team for you!

Call, mail, fax or email your entry by March 8, 2013 to:

Bill McBrien, ’62 88 Main St. East Ridgetown ON N0P 2C0 Phone: 519-674-2146 Fax: 519-674-0746

Bill Buchanan, ’58 RR2 Tilbury ON N0M 2P0 Phone: 519-436-0487

Ron Pearson, ’69 12697 Selton Line Thamesville ON N0P 2K0 Phone: 519-692-3425 optimist.ron@hotmail.com

Get Involved in Spring Expo 2013 being held March 15-17Alumni and friends are encouraged to come back and get involved.

A full program schedule is posted at www.ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca/documents/SpringExpo.pdf

Experienced showperson, Kathleen Baird, is co-chairing the upcoming open house and wants alumni to come home for the following events:

Saturday, March 16 – Community Livestock Show Day

Sunday, March 17 – Community Breakfast at the Ridgetown Legion (beginning at 8:00 am)

For more information contact: Kathleen at kbaird01@uoguelph.ca

Spring Expo Co-Chair, Kathleen Baird appreciates all the preparation that showing cattle takes . Kathleen preparing for the show ring!