FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF DALHOUSIE’S FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
Learn To Do BY DOING THE HISTORY OF 4-H page 6 CASE IH PARTERSHIP page 21
Technology in the CLASSROOM page 23
GROWING A Healthy Business page 27
VOLUME 42, NO. 2, 2015
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE VOLUME 42, NO. 2, 2015 CONTENTS
MESSAGES ...... 2 From the Editor ...... 3. From the Dean ...... 4 From the Alumni Assocation . . . .5
IN MEMORY ...... 5
COVER STORY ...... 6 History of 4-H ...... 6 6 Breagh Ross ...... 8 Ellen Crane ...... 9 Sarah Morse ...... 10 EVENTS AND REUNIONS . . . .12 A Barley Tradition ...... 12 Celebrating Convocation . . . . 15. Honourary Doctorate ...... 17 Dean’s Receptions ...... 18 Aggie Night ...... 18 Class of ‘75 Reunion ...... 19. New Barley Pin ...... 19 Founders Day 2015 ...... 20.
DONOR RELATIONS ...... 21 Case IH Partnership ...... 21. The Power of Technology in the Classroom ...... 23 Langille Brothers Scholarship . . 24. 12 27 Annual Giving Report ...... 25
AROUND AND ABOUT . . . . .27 Atlantic Grown Organics ...... 27 16 Milferns Holsteins ...... 29 Pure Holsteins Limited ...... 31 van Dyk’s Blueberry Juice . . . . 33. Home Away From Home ...... 36
RESEARCH ...... 37 ATHLETICS ...... 38 UPCOMING EVENTS ...... 39 Letter from the Editor It’s finally summer on the Agricultural thus far . We also feature two new Campus and the snowy winter we alumni who were heavily involved had here in the Maritimes seems in 4-H, as well as a current Masters like a distant memory, well, sort student . of… I remember looking at all of the snow left on my lawn just in May, Since we continue to receive great wondering if it would disappear by feedback on our family farming July . Glad to say it did! features, we’re also pleased to include several more of these profiles With summer comes a new edition of in this edition . We’re continuing the Agricola News . I’m very pleased to love this series and enjoying to provide you with your copy . As travelling the Maritimes meeting you may have already noticed, this edition looks a bit different . Now that alumni and touring their family the Agricola News is in full colour, we operations . thought it was time to also freshen- Despite the Maritime winter up our look . We’re still including the I mentioned, we hosted several great same great content, we just made a events throughout the winter and few changes . I hope you like it and into spring . Many have turned into find the magazine easy to read! annual events . Our event attendance Last fall we conducted focus groups continues to grow and we love seeing with alumni across the Maritimes . new faces as well as re-occurring Published twice yearly by Dalhousie’s These sessions resulted in lots of ones! Check out our Faculty of Agriculture great feedback related to campus Up-Coming Events list on page 39 and alumni programming, yet one of to see where you can catch us next . EDITOR Alisha Johnson the biggest comments we heard was But be sure to check our website related to the Agricola News . Every regularly or watch for an invitation to single person who participated in our CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: an invite in your area, as you never sessions indicated they look forward Emma Geldart know when something new may to the Agricola News and most, read it Judy Smith pop up . cover to cover! We were very pleased Cathrine Yuill Mary-Eleanor Power with this response and are making I really hope you enjoy this edition, Jenna Forsyth extra efforts to provide you with a please send us any comments, great magazine . we always love to hear from you! CONTACT INFORMATION The theme of this issue is 4-H - a very Regards, familiar program to many alumni and Dalhousie University, families . 4-H has certainly been the Faculty of Agriculture stepping-stone into agriculture for P O. . Box 550 many students and alumni . Earlier Truro, Nova Scotia this year we shared a story on our B2N 5E3 new partnership with the Nova Scotia PHONE: 902 .893 6022. 4-H Council . You’ll read more about Alisha Johnson EMAIL: agalumni@dal ca. this initiative in this edition, including Alisha john. son@dal ca. what this partnership has entailed 902 893. 6022. Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Agreement No . 40063668
AGRICOLA NEWS 3 SUMMER 2015 MESSAGES
Dean’s Message Dr. David Gray Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Principal, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus
I chose my career path in of Agriculture and NSAC lives and their future career equipment and in the Marine Biology as I grew up before that . aspirations . technical and management in Cornwall surrounded by understanding of precision So you can imagine my I truly appreciate the sense a thriving fishing industry agriculture . This is will be pleasure upon learning of community on this tight- which collapsed in the 80s . of significant benefit to our of our newly formed knit campus; the sense of I saw firsthand the impact students going forward and partnership with 4-H Nova family among our students, that had on local families we are working to integrate Scotia earlier this year . staff and faculty that is and communities and these opportunities into a An organization whose very much echoed in the decided I needed to be part wide variety of our courses members pledge their agricultural industry as a of the solution . I wanted to for the coming years . heads to clearer thinking, whole . This was especially try to ensure that no other their hearts to greater evident when our friends So with summer now community would suffer loyalty, their hands to larger and partners at CASE IH in full-swing and we’re the fate of the Cornish service and their health to Equipment committed to prepared for the season fishermen . better living for their club, heightening agricultural upon us - whether it be I became passionate their community, their educational experiences on in education, on the farm country and their world . our campus by providing or in the field, I hope we about something I was access to the latest farm can all take inspiration Our fundamental belief equipment technology . from our friends at 4-H exposed to at an early systems are the same . CASE IH has agreed to meet and dedicate our heads Perhaps that is why so many age - much like the 4-H the Faculty of Agriculture’s to clearer thinking, our of our most successful technical training and hearts to greater loyalty, our movement does for our students and alumni are farming operational needs hands to larger service and young people today. also former 4-H members . over the next five years our health to better living Just take a look at Breagh with an option to renew for for our communities, our I am also a staunch believer Ross and Sarah Morse, an additional five years . country and our world . that the best way to learn featured in this issue, two is “to do” and throughout of more than our nearly This is an opportunity to my career have consistently 200 graduates who crossed provide hands-on-learning championed this . It is the stage this year during for our students, both exactly what has long been Convocation . 4-H has had in practical operations the case at the Faculty a profound impact on their of state-of-the-art farm
AGRICOLA NEWS 4 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 MESSAGES MESSAGES
IN MEMORY
The Agricultural Campus and the Alumni Association Alumni acknowledge the passing of the following alumni . We Associaton extend our deepest sympathy to family and friends . Message Mr . Leander Archibald . . . 1947 Chair Mr . Donald Fancy ...... 1958 Jean Lynds Mr . Bernard Grumley . . . 1956 Mr . Victor Holmes ...... 1947 Mr . John Martin ...... 1942 Mr . Charles Nowlan . . . . . 1947 Happy summer Aggies! Harris’ message captured Agricultural Campus to our so many experiences and community . If you have an Mr . Angus Smith ...... 1952 We know there is no one memories of campus life idea for an alumni event happier to see spring and Mr . Floyd Smith ...... 1951 that any alumni could near you - please contact summer arrive than our Mr . Brian Thorne ...... 1968 relate to – in a world where Alisha at the Alumni office alumni farmers who are busy change is normal it is nice – we are always looking for Dr . Alan Langille ...... 1958 working in the fields doing to know that some things new ideas to engage alumni . what they do best…providing stay the same – and the for others . Good luck with Some more good news… . aggie experience appears your cropping and hope the last year’s special feature to be one of them! Well harsh winter has not created highlighting alumni family done Harris! too many challenges . farms, as part of the International Year of Family This spring was a special Dean Gray continues to Farming was so popular we Make a time on the Agricultural be out and about meeting are going to continue to Campus, as we welcomed alumni . He hosted Dean’s Memorial Gift bring you more stories on 193 new graduates to our Receptions in Gander, Newfoundland in February alumni and their successes alumni family . Convocation Honour a classmate or friend (between snowstorms) and in agriculture . was highlighted by with a gift to the AC . Your at the Farm Mechanization the presentation of a The Barley ring continues thoughtful gift will be used to Show in Moncton in March . Honourary Doctorate to to be a very proud and support student scholarships As always, we appreciate Dr . Temple Grandin . Dr . recognized symbol for AC or bursaries, to improve you coming out to these Grandin has been named alumni . This year over 100 campus, or to support an events to meet our dean one of Time Magazine’s 100 rings were purchased by area that is of importance and to connect and most influential people the Class of '15 alone . This to you or your honouree . in the world, for her work reconnect with alumni . We spring, Alisha also worked An acknowledgment of with animal handling also had an “Aggies at the with our ring designer, your gift will be sent to the systems and an advocate Bearcats” night in February Donna Hiebert, to launch family of the deceased . for autism . She delivered where over 40 alumni and our Barley pin which was so a powerful message at their families attended a appropriately presented as For additional information on memorial gifts please both the Tribute Awards Truro Bearcats Jr A hockey a gift to the 2015 grads . The contact Donor Relations at and Convocation . The game at the RECC . We have Barley pin was an instant hit 902 893. 6721. . Class of 2015’s own Harris several Bearcat players as – so be sure to come out Bakker, also delivered an students at DAL AC so was to an alumni event in the Make a gift online at outstanding valedictory a great event to highlight coming months to get dal.ca/giving address to his classmates . both the Bearcats and the yours!
AGRICOLA NEWS 5 SUMMER 2015 COVER STORY HISTORY OF 4-H
Learn to Do By Doing
For more than 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada. Currently, 4-H Canada has more than 24,000 members and 7,766 volunteers embodying the goal of the organization, which is to help young Canadians fulfill the motto, Learn to Do by Doing in a safe, inclusive and fun environment. The organization believes in nurturing responsible, engaged and confident leaders who are committed to positively engaging their communities across Canada and around the world. AGRICOLA NEWS 6 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 4-H FAST FACTS • Atlantic Canada is home to 141 4-H clubs and close to 4,600 members . • In 2014, 6,350 projects were completed by 4-H members across Canada ranging from topics in marketing Recent graduates, Sarah Morse & Breagh Ross have been involved with 4-H for many years. Both agree that the organization has made a lasting impact on their lives. to woodworking to veterinary and THE REBRANDING OF 4-H 4-H PARTNERSHIP WITH DALHOUSIE’S geocaching . AGRICULTURAL CAMPUS For more than a decade, 4-H Canada • The 4-H Nova Scotia and all Canadian provinces were As featured in the last Agricola News, engaged in a dialogue around its the Agricultural Campus and the Nova clubs offer more than identity and the need to align marketing Scotia 4-H Council embarked upon a 40 project topics and communications initiatives to formal partnership earlier this year . and members can increase awareness and profile of Since then, many projects have been do as many as they 4-H around the world . This dialogue underway to enhance our collective wish . Some members revealed that the 4-H community all missions of promoting agriculture in our complete an ambitious wanted to share the same identity and communities . be aligned as one global voice . 4-H In March, our campus welcomed senior 10 projects every year . Canada, as custodians of the 4-H brand 4-H members to our Truro community and trademarks, were responsible to for the Atlantic Senior Members advance this initiative and are now Conference and in May, more than 300 embarking upon a refreshed brand that 4-Hers took in the beauty of our campus will only serve to make the organization during the annual 4-H Weekend . even stronger . Have You Ever Our campus is committed to enhancing THE HISTORY & MYSTERY agriculture awareness and knowledge Wondered What OF PIN TRADING of 4-H members across Atlantic Canada and beyond . By supporting the National the Four ‘H’s This is a mystery! No one truly knows Science & Technology Contest, we have Stand For? where the pin trading and collecting been able to spread our message to even initiated or why this item is highly more young agricultural ambassadors coveted among 4-H members . As a across Canada . Our partnership with 1. HEAD memento of friendships and memories 4-H is valuable to our campus; it binds Managing, Thinking created, members try to retrieve a us with you, our alumni and it provides pin from each 4-H province, state or a forum for us to share our history and 2. HEART event they attend during their 4-H our future with this community of proud years . Members seem to place greater aggies . Relating, Caring value on those pins distributed by sponsors or partners of 4-H, as they 3. HANDS are often in shorter supply . One such Giving, Working If you would like to get involved as pin is that of Dalhousie’s Faculty of part of our partnership with 4-H Agriculture . 4-H members have been or if you’d like more information 4. HEALTH collecting and trading our pin as a Being, Living on this partnership, contact our way of celebrating and remembering Marketing Manager, Mary-Eleanor the fun they’ve had while visiting Power, mfpower@dal ca. or our campus and learning about the 902 893. 6527. . range of work we do in agriculture .
AGRICOLA NEWS 7 SUMMER 2015 COVER STORY
DEDICATED VOLUNTEER WITH 4-H
Breagh Ross Head, Hands, Health and a Whole Lot of Heart
To say Breagh Ross In addition to Woodsmen, Through her time in light her classes at the Royal . She (Class of ’15) is involved Breagh is also the president horse, she took an interest managed to compete but with her school and her of Townhouse, a group that to showing cows . The next the results weren’t exactly community would be an helps off-campus students year she joined the dairy what she was hoping for . understatement . stay involved and participate project . She has since “I wasn’t feeling the best,” in campus events . tried her hand with dairy Her countless hours she explains . “I didn’t place cows, beef cows, light dedicated to extracurricular “Being involved in in my showmanship class horse, draft horse, and a activities on the agricultural Townhouse is similar to and I came eighth in the number of life skills projects campus and her time spent living on residence,” Breagh conformation class ”. such as photography training and practicing for explains . “We have house and scrapbooking . She’s Not only has Breagh’s 4-H competitions did not events and participate in even been president, background in 4-H led her go unnoticed . For Breagh, DASA events as if we are secretary and treasurer to the Royal, it has led her her accomplishments are a residence . It involves of her 4-H club . as far away as Europe . no small feat, considering students in campus events Last summer, Breagh was she doesn’t even have a even though they are not on “I’ve literally done it all,” selected for the Garfield background in farming . campus all the time ”. Breagh laughs . “I don’t Westin International United regret one single thing ”. Originally from Kentville, If that isn’t enough, Breagh Kingdom Exchange . Three NS, Breagh is in her fifth is also actively involved in This past fall, Breagh members were chosen year studying environmental 4-H and has been since attended Pro Show . She from across Canada to science at Dalhousie’s she was 11 years old . When won all of the classes she spend five weeks in Europe Agricultural Campus . Not she was nine her parents was entered in . Her experiencing different only has she studied at enrolled her in horseback performance secured farming cultures . Breagh the Agricultural Campus, riding lessons . At age 11, her a spot at the Royal traveled with another girl she has immersed herself the barn she was riding at Agricultural Winter Fair in to London where they each in life on campus . decided to start Toronto to compete with her went their separate ways to a 4-H club . Her and a few beef cow . This year marks stay with different farming Breagh has been a part other girls joined the 4-H her fourth time going to families . Breagh had the of the Dal AC Woodsmen club as part of the light the Royal to represent Nova chance to experience staying team since she began horse project . She won her Scotia, a first in Nova Scotia at a horse breeding farm, studying at Dal AC in 2010 . first competition and went history . She explains that beef farm, sheep farm, She participates in super to the provincial show that another male student is also dairy farm, and crop farms . swedes, vertical chop, and year in Truro . Now 22 years representing Nova Scotia While staying at the farms, axe throw . In 2013, Breagh old, she has gone to the for his fourth time . Breagh got to work and was captain of the team provincial show every year had a hands-on experience and this year co-chaired the Unfortunately, Breagh got since then . of how the farms differ national event . food poisoning on the day of
AGRICOLA NEWS 8 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 from farms in Canada . “When I first arrived I She came to Dal AC from a Her involvement with 4-H During her five week stay, wasn’t comfortable going subdivision in Kentville . The not only taught her about she lived in Scotland, anywhere by myself,” small classes and hands on agriculture, it taught her Wales, and Northern and Breagh explains . “I was learning were appealing to valuable life skills . It taught Southern England . travelling alone by myself her . That, combined with a her how to be a leader and no problem by the end of feel for agriculture through how to be confident in what “It was really, really the first week though . Being her 4-H experience, was she does . Breagh hopes exciting,” Breagh explains . forced out of my comfort enough to know that Dal AC that more people will take “I wasn’t planning on zone taught me so much ”. would be right for her . Now advantage of everything applying . It was the last graduating with a degree 4-H has to offer . Without day to apply and my mom Through 4-H and Dal AC, in environmental science, it, she would not be where suggested I submit an Breagh has submerged she is certain she made the she is today . Breagh can’t application . I was one of the herself into everything right decision . She explains attribute all of her success three they selected ”. agriculture . But the best that after graduation she to 4-H though . She owes part of her agricultural Breagh’s experience forced will be moving to Ontario to much of it to herself, her accomplishments? her out of her comfort zone . work at Farm Credit Canada . hard work dedication and Breagh didn’t grow up She explains that while she With her career off to a good her pledge to the 4 H’s- on a farm or have any was homesick at first, she start, she hopes to someday head, hands, health and a direct ties to agriculture . learned how to be a more own her own vineyard and whole lot of heart . independent person . operate a winery .
CATTLEMAN’S YOUNG LEADER
Ellen Crane A Once in a Lifetime Experience for One Dal AC Masters Student
Ellen Crane wasn’t sure if age 18-35, with an extensive that is currently involved family owned a beef farm what she had read was real . background in the beef in the industry,” Ellen of about 20 cow-calf pairs It all seemed very much like industry who are interested explains . “With my mentor of purebred Hereford a dream- her dream . in learning more . Selected we’ll make goals together cattle . Since the age of candidates are paired with as to what we would like nine, Ellen was involved A Masters student at leaders within the beef the mentorship to look in 4-H and showing beef Dalhousie University Faculty industry from all across like . I would like to work on cattle . She then went on of Agriculture, she was Canada to act as mentors . networking and improving to the University of Prince recently selected as one Mentees are also awarded the communication of Edward Island where she of the 16 post-secondary a $2,000 bursary for travel research in the beef did her undergrad degree students from across expenses to industry and industry to the producers in biology . Now working Canada to participate in the program related events . that can make use of it ”. on the first year of her Cattleman’s Young Leaders Masters degree, she is mentorship program . “My mentor could be Originally from Cardigan, studying the residual feed someone such as a PEI, Ellen grew up immersed The annual program is intake and sexual maturity researcher or a producer in the beef industry . Her offered to beef enthusiasts, in beef heifers with an
AGRICOLA NEWS 9 SUMMER 2015 additional focus on indirect joined in on five roundtable in the program . She “I’ve always had some assessments of feed discussions on agricultural expects to be paired with interest in the program,” efficiency . She will graduate related topics, such as her mentor very soon . she says . “A graduate from Dal AC in 2016 . antimicrobial use and from last year said I’d be a “I really hope to improve resistance on marketing good fit and that I should “My ultimate goal is to the network I have so far beef in a global world . apply this year . Since it fit eventually work in the beef with people involved in the in so well with the timing industry,” Ellen explains . “There were four to five beef industry,” she says . of my Masters program, I “Ideally, it would be students at each table,” “I hope to learn as much thought I should apply ”. within the Maritimes ”. Ellen explains . “Plus two to as I possibly can, but if I three judges to keep score could narrow it down to For Ellen, this experience So far through the program, and keep the debates on one thing I hope to gain, it will help her further her Ellen has participated in track . I didn’t want to be would be career advice ”. career in the beef industry . the spring forum where the too strongly opinionated She will meet new people, selections were held . She Ellen explains that she but I wanted to have connect with industry travelled to the University of has always known about my say . I just tried to be partners, and gain valuable Saskatchewan with 23 other the program and was myself and do my best ”. insight and experience . For semifinalists to participate always interested in Ellen, it truly is a once in in a three day session to Although not yet paired what it had to offer . a lifetime experience . narrow down the candidates with her mentor, Ellen to the final mentees . She is excited to get started
SCHOOL TRANSFER SUCCESS
Sarah Morse Finding Where She Belongs
“Don’t close yourself Sarah, originally from universities to come to Dal May with a Diploma in off from anything Aylesford NS, grew up AC, Sarah finally found Business Management on a dairy and beef farm where she wanted to be . (Agriculture) and she because you never with her family . Despite couldn’t be happier . What “My father went to the know what you growing up on a farm, Sarah enjoyed the most NSAC and took a similar she hadn’t expected that about her program was might enjoy.” program,” Sarah explains . she wanted to study at the hands on learning “I heard about the program Sarah Morse (Class of ’15) Dalhousie University Faculty aspect . They were taught through him . I started out practiced and preaches of Agriculture . She had the theory aspects in the at a different university in this advice . After exploring always been interested in classroom and were then Child and Youth Study and different academic options agriculture but was more able to practice the theory then switched to Arts but and practicing new skills into the business side of it so in real life settings . When nothing felt right for me ”. through 4-H, she finally she wasn’t sure that Dal AC she began her studies, she found where she belongs, would be right for her . After After making the choice didn’t know many other doing something she didn’t changing her program more to transfer schools, students . Now though, her expect she would enjoy . than once, then switching Sarah is graduating this class feels like a family .
AGRICOLA NEWS 10 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 “The students in the diploma Sarah has always been program are all together in involved in the beef project almost all the same classes,” in 4-H . The beef project Sarah explains . “It’s almost taught her how to care like a family . We’re all really for and show beef cattle . Friendly staff in case I great friends and all really Two years ago, Sarah was have any questions close with each other ”. named Grand Champion Beef Showman at the Not only did Sarah study on provincial 4-H show, an the Agricultural Campus, accomplishment that she is she called the Agricultural very proud of . Last summer, Lots of Campus home for two years . Sarah qualified to compete Sarah lived on campus and at the Royal Agricultural outdoor was the Residence Assistant Winter Fair in Toronto, (RA) for the past year in the Seating for Ontario . In November space Chapman House residence . 2014, she travelled to up to 415 Her duties as RA were to Toronto where she was a ensure the residents safety, attendees member of the beef team as well as provide them for her fourth time . She with a fun and exciting Dining competed in showmanship residence life experience . Accommodations and confirmation classes right on I feel comfortable with her beef heifer . “I became an RA campus recommending because I wanted to “I did pretty well considering the competition,” Sarah to my friends become more involved says . “When competing at and colleagues within my residence that level you’re competing against the best of the best and make it fun for from all across the country ”. everyone,” she explains. Sarah can attribute some “My favorite part was of her success to her time spent in 4-H . She explains getting to know a lot that from a young age she of different people who was very shy . It was her involvement in 4-H that lived in my residence. helped her develop skills My least favorite part that allowed her to come out of her shell and help was having to lay her to be more comfortable Everything you need. down the law when in different settings- like transferring schools and Where you need to be. people were not meeting new people . following the rules!” She also learned that it’s Our campus is still the beautiful place you important to be open to new remember. Whether you're planning a family trip In addition to her studies ideas and to not to close or choosing a conference destination, get back in and her RA duties, Sarah yourself off from anything . touch and find out how we can bring convenience, was always actively It was those years that she comfort, and a little nostalgia to your time in Truro. involved in 4-H . She has spent in 4-H, meeting new been a member of the people, travelling, and trying Harmony-Nicholsville new things that helped 4-H Club in Kings County Sarah finally find where since she was eligible to she truly belongs . be a junior member at age nine . This year is her last year as a member . 902-893-3103 • [email protected] • dal.ca/meetatAC
AGRICOLA NEWS 11 SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS PROUD For nearly 100 graduating MOMENTS Dal AC students, the 2015 Barley Party was one of the proudest and most exciting moments of their lives . Each student waited anxiously for their name to be called to the podium where they received their long-anticipated Barley ring . It’s after receiving their Barley ring that one chapter of their life closes . For all, the Barley Party is a bitter-sweet moment . Unveiled five years ago, the Barley ring is the official graduation ring of the Agricultural Campus . Since its launch in 2010, it has become a highly recognized symbol of the Faculty of Agriculture . Now with over 600 rings worn by alumni around the world, the Barley ring is a proud symbol of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus . The textured design features a pattern of barley around the band of the rings and each ring is handmade my local jeweler, Donna Hiebert . This year, over one hundred rings were presented to the Class of ’15- the biggest turnout to date . “When we developed the Barley ring, we wanted to create a symbol to celebrate A Barley our alumni community,” says Colette Wyllie, Director, Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association, who also played a major role in developing Tradition the Barley ring as a student . “We wanted it to be as unique as our institution and our graduates . But mostly, we wanted something that alumni would be proud to wear on their fingers . Five years later, I think that’s definitely the case . It’s exciting to see the uptake
AGRICOLA NEWS 12 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 Chef, were selected as honorary ring recipients . Their passion and dedication to the campus, students, staff, faculty and guests made them more than deserving of the award . Having both been a part of the campus and working together for many years, Victor and Julie go above and beyond their job descriptions . While they are both quick to defer the credit to their incredible Chartwells 2015 Barley ring recipients showing off their rings with pride team, the team would not run as well as it does grow each year and to know prominent then their actual rings to be presented each without their leadership . that graduates are eager to graduation ceremony . year . Honourary rings are Student testimonials be a part of the ring family ”. awarded to individuals “Receiving a Barley ring describe Julie and Victor who do not meet the The Barley Party is an at the ceremony is a big as friendly, dedicated and a criteria to be eligible for annual celebration for moment for grads,” says wonderful asset to campus . a Barley ring but who students who have Robyn McCallum, President are extremely deserving They are always trying to purchased a graduation of Dalhousie Agricultural of the honour . These accommodate the needs ring . An evening event held Students’ Association . individuals are ambassadors of the students . In fact, in Jenkins Hall on campus, “It’s an official welcome to and supporters of the in 2004, during infamous students enjoyed a buffet- a larger community- the institution . They have made snowstorm White Juan, style meal and were joined Victor walked to campus Alumni Association . It’s a outstanding contributions by a few special guests . from his home in Salmon huge deal to realize after so to the Agricultural Campus Students received their River to make sure the much hard work, that you community and truly rings and were welcomed students on campus had are now part of the strong, depict the characteristics to the Agriculture Alumni a hot meal . In 2011 Julie proud AC family ”. of Dal AC alumni . Association by Jean Lynds, travelled to China to learn Chair and Dr . David Gray, As part of the Agricultural This year, both Julie more about Chinese Dean, Faculty of Agriculture . Campus’ ring tradition, the Andrews, Chartwells Food culture and cuisine to For many students, the Alumni Association allows Services Manager and better accommodate the Barley Party is more for one to two honourary Victor MacKinnon, Head nutritional preferences of
Long time Chartwells employees, Victor MacKinnon and Julie Andrews were Brent Pearson (Class of ‘91) attended the Barley Party to receive his ring the proud recipients of honourary Barley rings. alongside son, Dallas.
AGRICOLA NEWS 13 SUMMER 2015 international students on campus . It is this type of dedication that is deserving of the prestigious Barley ring . “This past summer I had the opportunity to work closely with Julie in planning major events and she was so accommodating, just as she is with all students here on campus,” says Robyn McCallum . “Chef Victor is the type of person who, no matter the time of day, is always a breath of fresh air . He can turn a bad morning into a brighter one . Both ring, but he received his explains . “To me the Barley For some, the Barley Party Julie and Victor are an asset own Barley ring alongside ring is symbolic of many is more exciting than to campus and it would not his son . Brent received an things- a higher education graduation but for all, the be the same without them ”. engineering diploma from in a close knit university, Barley Party marks the Along with the two honorary NSAC in 1991 and like his friendship and hard work . To end of one chapter and recipients, another special father, Dallas Pearson receive the ring alongside the beginning of another . guest was in attendance received his engineering of our eldest son Dallas was As graduates return to at this year’s Barley Party . diploma in May . For the a special event for me . It their seats after receiving Brent Pearson (Class of ’91) Pearson’s the Barley Party was a proud moment for a their ring, there are two travelled from Glassville, was extra special . Dad . I am very happy that noticeable differences in the we are able to share this room- the beaming smile of New Brunswick to attend . “I first heard about the common bond . In actuality, every student and a silver Not only did Brent get to see Barley ring during its I consider it an honor ”. or gold strand of barley his son receive his Barley introduction in 2010,” Brent wrapped around fingers Dallas was equally as proud all around the room . to receive his ring alongside his father .
“The Barley ring is an exciting checkpoint in my education and it’s pretty cool to know my dad graduated from the same program,”
Dallas says . “To me the Barley ring represents hard work and unity and I will always wear it with pride . This year’s ceremony was particularly special for me as my dad also received his ring . I am happy to be following his footsteps through engineering and I consider it an honor to accept our rings together ”.
AGRICOLA NEWS 14 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS
CELEBRATING CONVOCATION
Convocation 2015
AGRICOLA NEWS 15 SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS
CELEBRATING CONVOCATION
AGRICOLA NEWS 16 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS
Ben Hollingsworth Dr. Temple Grandin 2015 Life President Honorary Doctorate
Each year, prior to Convocation, the Not only does the Class of ‘15 are handled in equipment graduating class elects their life feature 200 impressive new she designed . Dr . Grandin president, a tradition that has been graduates . Among its ranks is is also deeply dedicated to happening for many years . The life animal welfare scientist and improving the lives of people president role serves as the main point renowned autism activist, Dr . with autism . Her belief that of contact to the Alumni office, keeping Temple Grandin . Dr . Grandin was being a person with autism classmates connected to campus . As one of 10 outstanding individuals is a gift and not a liability the years fly by, this becomes more and selected to receive honorary has changed the way we more critical . The life president will work degrees from Dalhousie in May . think about what she calls with the Alumni office to plan reunions the “specialist mind” and the Dr . Grandin is almost certainly and other events for the class and to promise it offers a rapidly both the world’s most famous keep the class up-to-date on important changing world . campus news . animal scientist and the world’s most recognized person Dr . Grandin has published The 2015 life president, Ben with autism . She turned the extensively on both autism Hollingsworth, was born and raised in childhood pain of being different and animal welfare . Her list Bible Hill, NS . With his keen interest in into a life of profound purpose, of over 70 awards includes animals and growing up so close to the using her unique perspective the Meritorious Achievement Agricultural Campus, Ben always knew to change the face of animal Award from the Livestock he wanted to attend NSAC (Faculty of welfare and give hope and Conservation Institute and Agriculture) . inspiration to millions of people honourary doctorates from Throughout his four years, if Ben was not and families living with autism several universities . In 2010, in class, he could be found at the Truro spectrum diagnoses . In 2010, HBO released a multi-award- Raceway training and caring for his small Dr . Grandin was named one winning TV movie about her stable of race horses . Harness racing of Time Magazine’s “100 Most life . Today, Dr . Grandin is is Ben’s true love and he has travelled Influential People in the World” Professor of Animal Science all over North America teaching kids in the Heroes category . at Colorado State University and enjoys a thriving about racing while also working for large In 1970, Temple Grandin received business as a consultant . stables, both, in Connecticut and Ontario a BA at Franklin Pierce College . during his summer breaks . In 1975, with her work on the Ben graduated with an Animal Science behaviour of cattle in squeeze degree, minoring in Agriculture Business chutes, she earned her MSc and Food Science and Technology . in Animal Science at Arizona Shortly after his May Convocation, Ben State University . In 1989, she moved to Ontario to pursue his harness was awarded a PhD from the racing passion, working for a large stable University of Illinois . Half the in the Guelph area . cattle in the U .S . and Canada
AGRICOLA NEWS 17 SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS
ANNUAL RECEPTIONS
Alumni & Dean’s Receptions
Alumni gathered in Gander, NL for our Dean’s Reception Our annual Dean’s Receptions continued over the winter months with a reception in Gander, NL, in conjunction with the NL Federation of Agriculture annual meetings . We also hosted many alumni and guests in Moncton, NB, during the Farm Mechanization Show . We’ll be beginning our annual Alumni Receptions again in September, as well as other exciting events . Visit dal ca/. agalumni for venues and locations . For information call 902 .893 602. 2 . Dean’s Reception, Gander, NL Farm Mech Show, Moncton, NB
AGGIE NIGHT
Aggie Night at the Bearcats
Approximately 40 Aggies and guests cozied-up in the sky-box at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro, at the end of February, to watch the Truro Bearcats take on the Pictou County Weeks Crushers . This event was such a hit, for all ages, we’ll be sure to make it an annual tradition!
AGRICOLA NEWS 18 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS
Class of ‘75 Reunion A 40th reunion is in the works for the Class of ’75, Oct . 16-17, 2015 . The celebration will include College Royal activities on Friday afternoon, as well as reminiscing later in the evening . Saturday classmates will enjoy the Homecoming breakfast in the library (open to all alumni), followed by campus tours, a meet and greet with Dr . Gray and Athletics events . Other plans are still in the works . Many classmates have already expressed their enthusiasm about attending – some travelling from afar . If you are a member of the Class of ’75 and have not heard from your classmates, contact carol ver. steeg@ ns .sympatico ca. as soon as possible . Another Barley Ring Former staff, faculty and alumni from ‘74 and ‘76, are also invited to attend . The Lands across the Globe more the merrier! As more details are finalized, members of the Class of ’75 will Sarah Matheson (Class of ’15) submitted this photo after her much anticipated be in contact with you . Barley ring arrived in the Netherlands . Sarah, who chose to complete her fourth year in the International Food Business program, studying in the Netherlands, Mark your calendars now and make this a could not be on campus for the Barley Party or any other Convocation activities . weekend to remember! But that didn’t stop her from getting a ring!
New Barley Pin Barley is a growing theme on the Agricultural Campus and it just got a bit stronger . The Class of ’15 were the first recipients of the campus’ new barley pin . Just like the barley ring, the pin was designed by local artisan, Donna FAFU Students Hiebert of Halifax, NS for alumni . The pin was developed out of demand Excited for Dal AC for more barley products and as a compliment to the ring . Dean, Dr . David Gray and Associate Dean Academic, Claude Attend one of our alumni events or visit us in the Caldwell met with in-coming students for the 2015-16 academic Alumni office, Cumming Hall to claim your barley pin! year while visiting our partner university, FAFU in March .
AGRICOLA NEWS 19 SUMMER 2015 EVENTS AND REUNIONS
FOUNDERS DAY 2015
Wearing Boots to Celebrate our Roots
“This photo represents the meaning of agriculture to our entire family. In the photo is my father, who worked on the NSAC The Faculty of Agriculture farm for many years until retirement. My nephew is also shown in the picture, working on his family farm. He is a recent grad th of Dal AC and his parents are also alumni.” – Janice MasIssac celebrated its 110 anniversary, February 12, in the Ruminant Animal Centre . Faculty, staff, students and alumni broke out their boots and NSAC gear in celebration of our agricultural history . Professor Lauranne Sanderson toasted our past while Dean David Gray toasted our future .
Members of the Antique Farm Equipment Museum provided a display of NSAC artifacts and old agricultural items . Guests viewed the top five finalists in the This is Agriculture photo contest and the winning entry was selected . Congratulations are extended to Janice MacIssac (Class of ’85) for her winning “I took this picture of my Barley Ring at the first ever barley party before I even put in on my finger. Looking back on it, I’m photo Sh. e became the proud glad I did. This picture is full of symbolism (largely unintentional at the time) with the ring, crest and NSAC all overlapping. You can pull all kinds of meaning out of it now in relation to NSAC, agriculture and the symbolic nature of the ring itself. I new owner of a pair of Hunter wear my ring with pride every day. It is a constant reminder of my roots (agriculture) and my NSAC experiences and boots! Second prize went to education, which I value so much” – Colette Wyllie Colette Wyllie (Class of ’10) .
AGRICOLA NEWS 20 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 DONOR RELATIONS PAYING IT FORWARD
CASE IH Partnership
It sounded too good to be true –two shiny new red tractors “It’s a simple concept, we can help the students and Faculty of delivered to campus for use on the farm . No strings attached . Agriculture,” says Robert Meier P . Ag . of CASE IH . “You know how you get a nice warm, fuzzy feeling when you help others? “It was something we always dreamed of – access to new We feel so good about helping the Agricultural Campus, so equipment, but never thought possible,” says Jean Lynds, technically, they’re helping us ”. coordinator, Ruminant Animal Centre, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture . Meier also calls the partnership, which is the first of its kind for CASE IH in Canada, a great fit . “CASE IH is all about technology What started five years ago as a casual agreement, with the and the Agricultural Campus is the centre excellence of delivery of two machines, has now become a formal partnership . agriculture in the Maritimes, it makes sense ”. Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture and global leader in Machines are delivered twice per year, in the spring and fall, agricultural equipment, CASE IH have entered into a new five from VanOostrum Farm Equipment Ltd, the local CASE IH plus five agreement . The faculty will have the use of about 16 dealer in Port Williams . Since 2010, the deal has resulted pieces of CASE IH equipment each year, for the next five years, in the delivery of 40 pieces of equipment to be used on the with the commitment to renew for another five years and Agricultural Campus . beyond . The delivery of leading edge farm machinery will be used for teaching, production and research . This partnership “We identify our needs and CASE IH meets them,” says represents an approximate retail value of $1 7. million annually Lynds . Not limited to tractors, CASE IH has also provided disc and an annual rental value of $170,000 . mowers, skid steers, utility vehicles and others . All providing students, researchers and staff access to new technology and “We are so proud and honoured to be formalizing our different models . ongoing relationship with our friends at CASE IH through this partnership agreement,” said Dr . David Gray, Dean Faculty of For Gary Maddison (Class of ’83), sales manager, VanOostrum Agriculture, Principal, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus . “Our Farm Equipment Ltd, the signing of the agreement with the partners at CASE IH are innovative and forward thinking and Faculty of Agriculture has an extra special meaning . “As an are an essential component in the future development of our alumni, it’s a huge honour to give back to my alma mater . My two students as they enter the modern age of agriculture ”. years at the AC gave me the knowledge to start my career, it feels good to return what was given to me ”. When asked why they do it, the reason is pretty simple for CASE IH .
AGRICOLA NEWS 21 SUMMER 2015 DONOR RELATIONS
While no partnership of this “The Agricultural Campus type existed when Maddison had been tracking fuel was a student, he admits consumption of a specific the impact it would have tractor,” says Meier, “we made . “We were repairing had a customer interested machines that were 20 in the same model, but he years old . This would wouldn’t accept what we have given us a chance to told him he could get for fuel see new equipment and consumption ”. A quick drive certainly enhanced our to the AC and a look at the experience . Agricultural fuel logs closed the sale ”. technology has advanced “The students at the AC are enormously and changes those farmers of tomorrow,” so frequently . Students will says Maddison . “Obviously now have access to the there is some cost to latest technology ”. this program, but it’s an Students, staff and investment in the future of researchers aren’t the only farming in Atlantic Canada . ones who can benefit from Now that the partnership access to such technology . is formalized with CASE Potential customers to CASE IH the future for students, IH and VanOostrum Farm staff and researchers at Equipment Ltd . can travel a Dalhousie’s Faculty of short distance, to campus Agriculture now looks a lot and see first-hand the more shiny and red . abilities of certain machines .
AGRICOLA NEWS 22 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 DONOR RELATIONS
MAKING AN IMPACT ON LEARNING
The Power of Technology in the Classroom
A lot has changed at often discussed how they “With larger classes, tighter that would not have been the Agricultural Campus could support the campus budgets, and the need possible without the fund,” since Dale Ells (secretary, in return, particularly as to continually upgrade says professor Diane Dunlop Class of ’59) and his their 50th anniversary one’s subject matter, it (Class of’85) . classmates graduated . approached . can be difficult dedicating “What the Class of ’59 has resources to updating provided us is an important “Classes were much smaller “We had noticed teaching techniques or opportunity to bring more then,” he notes . “There other classes making a learning facilities,” says excitement into the learning were only 39 of us and if donation or establishing a Ells . “We decided to focus process and ensure a you wanted to complete scholarship, so we formed our support on the entire better understanding the science degree in a committee to talk about teaching team ”. of course material ”. agriculture you had to go to what meant most to us . Guelph or McGill . We felt The conversations focused To date, the fund, which There is one other prepared to go into those on our respect for the anyone can donate to, has way that the fund has been new learning environments faculty and the quality of been used to present a beneficial, according to and even take on leadership instruction we received . So teaching workshop, invest class president Campbell roles mainly because of the we decided to establish a in learning materials for Gunn . “It’s certainly brought high-quality instruction we fund dedicated to learning ”. instructor training and to the class members closer received here in Truro ”. purchase clicker technology together . We’ve been Launched in 2009, The that enhances student meeting every year since Ells and his classmates Class of ‘59 Teaching engagement while revealing we started this . Our hope never forgot the foundation Development Fund helps how well they comprehend is that, through this gift, that the Nova Scotia faculty, technicians and topics discussed in class . we can help the teaching Agricultural College (now staff involved in teaching team gain the tools they Dalhousie’s Faculty of provide the same calibre of “This technology helps need, which will ultimately Agriculture) provided instruction that Ells and his me deliver more student- benefit students ”. them . Over the years, they classmates cherished . centred education, and Written by Mark Campbell
AGRICOLA NEWS 23 SUMMER 2015 DONOR RELATIONS
FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS
AB and JE Langille Brothers Scholarship
Back row: Joe Ruet, Les Haley, Tom Dunphy, Donnie MacNeil, Eric Jennings and Fred Pierce Front Row: Cameron Fullerton, Bob Balcom, Bob Sanford, Alan Langille, Walter Fiander, Graeme Linkletter and Don Drayton
Alan Langille (Class of ‘58) came home years of his science degree, becoming physiology of the potato . During the to the Agricultural Campus last year a part of the Class of ‘58 . During this final 12 years of his career, Alan taught with a mission . Filled with tremendous time Alan developed many friendships and developed a field research program fondness for his alma mater, Alan that have lasted a lifetime . In and out in turfgrass science, establishing the wanted to leave a legacy . It was his of class Alan was noted for always University of Maine as an official site hope that he would make an impact wanting to have the last word . Friends for the National Turfgrass Evaluation on students every year by creating a will remember that this resulted in Program . Alan retired in 2006 as a scholarship to support a third year plant Professor Roy Stevenson referring to professor of agronomy and cooperating science student who was achieving him as “Lippy” which, of course, stuck professor of botany . academic success but experiencing as a nickname . Wherever he went, Alan enjoyed financial need . In this way he could Alan went on to complete his degree talking about his NSAC days and give back to the institution that was at McGill University in 1960 . Later that about the early settling of Nova Scotia, such an important building block in his year, he enrolled in the graduate school particularly in the Truro area, at class life while also honouring his brothers, of the University of Vermont for his reunions and with close classmates over Bruce (Class of ’46) and James (Class M .Sc . (1962) followed by his PhD (1967) the phone . of ’47) . Alan was very proud to finalize from Pensylvania State University . the creation of the AB and JE Langille On April 19, 2015, at the age of 77 Brothers Scholarship knowing that it Alan joined the staff of the department Alan passed away . He is survived by would be awarded for the first time to a of Plant and Soil Sciences of the his wife, Dolores Langille of Orono; student in the fall of 2015 . University of Maine in the fall of 1967 son, Jonathan Langille; daughter-in- as an assistant professor and would law, Severine Imbert de Smirnoff; and Born in Amherst, NS, Alan followed go on to spend his entire 39 year granddaughter, Emmeline, all of Boston, in both of his brother’s footsteps and career there . His early responsibilities Mass . He will be sincerely missed by all spread his wings at the Nova Scotia included teaching several plant science who knew him . His legacy lives on, as Agricultural College, now Dalhousie courses, conducting research, and he had wished, through the AB and JE University . He completed the first two directing graduate students in the basic Langille Brothers Scholarship .
AGRICOLA NEWS 24 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 DONOR RELATIONS
Annual Giving Report to the Faculty of Agriculture APRIL 1, 2014 – MARCH 31, 2015
Doris Ross Robert & Jess M Thompson Keith Douglas Class of 1974 IN-KIND GIFTS Stuco Holdings Ltd Patricia Murray Class of 1959 R W Fraser John Harvie AND PLEDGES Arnold Pitman Alan Bentley Earle Woolaver Bradford Hood $1,350,000 GIFTS FROM Class of 1953 Dale Ells Class of 1966 Donna Spracklin FACULTY OF Anders Johnson Irvin MacCormick Peter Clarke Class of 1975 AGRICULTURE Paul Musial Stanley Warwick Charles Hiltz John Brown CASE IH ALUMNI Class of 1954 Class of 1960 David Thorne Sheila Crouse Stella Jones Inc . Class of 1939 Ronald Colpitts Garth Coffin Class of 1967 Lloyd Mapplebeck John Atkin Bernard Kuhn Freeman Eaton Amos Coleman Patrick Riordon & Lauranne Class of 1940 David Gray Laurie D Hennigar Keith Silver Sanderson Leonard A D’Eon Stewart Hoare Frank Lawson Class of 1968 Sherry Porter PLANNED GIFTS Class of 1944 Ralph MacKay J D Lubin Brian & Carol Versteeg Clara (Starratt) Vernon Murray G Gilbert Lucille Mahoney Class of 1976 Galway Robert Parks MacDonald Isaac Smith Caye Harris-Allum Class of 1946 Calvin Tilley Class of 1961 Class of 1969 Fraser Nicholson William B Collins William Collins Class of 1955 Allen L Jess Richard Feeney Michael Vermeer John B Eaton J Gordon Crowe Leslie Blackburn Robert MacKenzie Larry & Sarah Class of 1977 Gerry W Friars Laurence R Stewart Henry MacConnell Norman MacQueen (Butler) Hudson E Taylor-Samis Peter Y Hamilton Class of 1947 Donald McInnes Wendell Palmer Mary Walter Class of 1978 Paul A Hendrickson Eric MacPhail Peter C Schousboe Gary Pretty Class of 1970 Boyd R Crouse Class of 1948 Class of 1956 Class of 1962 Brian Dykeman Condon Kenneth Ainslie Gilbert & Evans Estabrooks David Thompson MacDonald CASH GIFTS TO FACULTY OF Maurice Clark Dorothy Allen Wayne Parker Class of 1971 Donald Rankin AGRICULTURE Dale Duplessis Nelson Ball John Reid Paul Dickie Class of 1979 $363,714 Gerald Friars Byron Beeler Richard Whitaker Brian Duplessis Shari Allan Chesley Lockhart Harry & Class of 1963 James Johnson Christine James Winmill Beth Crouse Donald Byers Douglas Lea MacKinnon GIFTS OVER $10,000 Class of 1950 Douglas & Marie Gilroy Darrell Smith Jeffrey Morton The John and Judy James Borden Carlene Crouse James Pickett Class of 1972 Wade Murray Bragg Family Paul C Harris Richard Huggard Ralph Glendon Gabriel Comeau Phillip Robichaud Foundation Jack Johnson Ted MacNintch Smith Leo Harbers Gerard Thebeau Donald Bubar Ian MacDonald Don Morrison Class of 1964 Donna Langille Class of 1980 Canadian Nursery Stewart & Bill Seaman K Wayne & James Fraser Lana Crewe Landscape Bette Russell Daniel Stewart Blenkhorn Allen Shaw Andrew Crouse Association Class of 1951 Class of 1957 K Joyce Coffin Alford Smith Garth Nickerson Family of CA Douglas Blair Bonnyman Ralph Ferguson Francis Cotter Jack Vissers & Dianne McLeod Alison Firth W C Durant Paul MacDonald Richard Holley Class of 1973 Class of 1981 Shelley MacEwen Ken MacKay Weldon Travis Jerry Ivany Harold Cook Carolyn Beisel (Class of ‘81) Lewis Ricketson Class of 1958 Neil Murphy Steve and John Dorn Estate of Charles Class of 1952 Donald Grant Audrey Payne Patti Healy Elizabeth Malcolm William Hanlon Leslie Haley Sedgewick Sinclair Harold Johnson Prentice-Hudson MacQuarrie Keith McCully Eric Jennings Class of 1965 Dale McIsaac Margaret Trenholm
AGRICOLA NEWS 25 SUMMER 2015 DONOR RELATIONS
Class of 1982 FRIENDS & FAMILY Brittany Lake Bonnie Waddell Dalhousie Nova Scotia 4-H Glenn Foster OF THE FACULTY OF Lynn LeBlanc & (Class of ’73) Agricultural Council Larry Mailman AGRICULTURE Robert Boake Jacqueline Ward Students’ Nova Scotia Dana M Power *Class years indicates year Lorraine Lovett Michael Waugh Association Veterinary Medical Class of 1983 graduated from Dalhousie Kevin MacDonell Barbara Whiston Dartmouth Association University (all other faculties Alyson Chisholm excluding Agriculture). Kevin MacIsaac (Class of ’01) Horticultural NS and NL Branch Class of 1984 Clark Aitken Christopher Mackin Laura & Roger Wigley Society of the Holstein June Fulton- Shannon Bennett Anna-Marie Jeffrey Wolman Dykeview Farms Ltd Association of Margiewicz Greg Blair MacKinnon (Class of ’83) EarthCraft Canada Carol McDonald Robert Broughton (Class of ’88) ORGANIZATIONS Landscape Ltd Nova Scotia Animal Nancy Smith Dale Bubar Janet MacLeod & Agropur Corporation Eastern Veterinary Breeders Class of 1985 Robert & Shirley Arch Cameron American Tours Technicians Co-operative Ltd Dana Hicks Bubar Lorna MacPhee International Association Nova Scotia Egg Anthony Claude Caldwell (Class of ’80) Animal Nutrition Egg Farmers of Producers & Lisa Smith (Class of ’75) Lloyd MacPherson Assoc . of Canada Newfoundland and Nova Scotia Class of 1986 T Stanley Cameron Lawrence Marshall ATC Quinlan Fisheries Labrador Federation of Carl Murray Campbell Evalynn Mazurski Atlantic Association Environmental Agriculture Duivenvoorden Gerry Chevrier Gwen McBride of Landscape Coalition of PEI Nova Scotia Anthony Gorham Phyllis Cipolla Robin & Catherine Designers Fall River Garden Mink Breeders Class of 1988 Shirlyn Coleman McGee Atlantic Land Club Association Cynthia Mitchell Eva Colpitts Diane McLean Improvement Farm Focus Nutreco Canada Inc Class of 1990 Janice Conley Heywood Contractors Friends of Truro Organic Agriculture Jean Lynds Karen Eaton Steve Michaud Association Music Festival Centre of Canada Tracey Murdock (Class of ’86) Sy Moskowitz Atlantic Poultry Inc Green Diamond Pork Nova Scotia Class of 1992 Charles & Carol Ferris Edith Patterson Atlantic Equipment Ltd Portraits by Johanna Guy Boswall Robert & Sheila (Class of ’71) Rhododendron Highland Sod Farms Prince Edward Ruth DeMone Frame Wayne Peddle and Horticultural Ltd Island Institute of Class of 1997 Ian Fraser Ann Petersen Society Hilltop Dairy and Agrologists Andrew Lake (Class of ’96) Ted Pratt Bedford Horticultural Poultry Farm Prince Edward Island and Tricia Lake Paul Gallant Heather Quinn Society Inverness/Victoria Potato Board (Class of ‘05) Barbara Gaum Rita Rattray Bible Hill Garden Club Federation of Riverdale Fur Farm Class of 1998 (Class of ’66) Paula Rix Brookside Fur Farm Agriculture Rotary Club of Truro Michelle Sampson Barbara Gilroy Nerene Russell Camden Stables L . B . Meek and Son St David’s United Class of 1999 Shawn Gower Janet Savary Chicken Producers Ltd Church Bert Harbers Christopher Hartt Raymond Savoie Association of Landscape Nova Stewiacke Valley Class of 2002 (Class of ’83) Eileen Scarlett Nova Scotia Scotia Garden Club Jenna Tingley Gary Hawkins Ted Semple Class of 1956 Leslie Wood Fur Syngenta Canada Inc Forsyth Peter Hennigar Madeline Sleep Compass Group Farms Ltd The Kings Mutual Class of 2003 (Class of ’76) Murray Snowdon Canada Ltd New Brunswick Insurance Audrie-Jo Edith Hudgins Sandeep Sodhi Co-Op Atlantic Institute of Company McConkey (Class of ’68) (Class of ’96) Crowell’s Farms Ltd Agrologists Tri-County Veterinary Class of 2007 Leslie Hudgins Mark and Jennifer Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland Services Ltd David Christie (Class of ’70) Starratt Newfoundland and and Labrador UPS Canada Ltd Class of 2011 Helen Jones Nancy & David Labrador Government Victory Farms Elliot Levy Pat Juskiw Stewart Dairy Farmers of Department Wild Blueberry Class of 2012 Celia Kaplow Eve Stewart Nova Scotia of Advance Producers David GIlfoy Carol Kennedy Tarjei Tennessen Dalhousie Education and Association of Class of 2014 Murray & Peggy Sandra Tucker Agricultural Skills Nova Scotia Chris Richards Kilfoil David & Susan Walker Association of Northumberland Graduate Students Co-operative Ltd
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Thursday, July 23, 2015
/dalagriculture @dalagriculture dal.ca/agopenhouse
AGRICOLA NEWS 26 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT GROWING A HEALTHY BUSINESS
Atlantic Grown Organics Marc & Krista (Geddes) Schurman (both Class of ‘97)
Imagine having the means to grow says Marc . “Pride in growing good to become an organic operation . “We fresh, organic vegetables not only and nutritious food . Pride in being wanted to capitalize on a niche market,” for your family, but your neighbours, able to see the fruits of our labour says Marc of the shift . “While growing province and beyond, all year long? – from seed to an eye-catching organically certainly changes every Marc Schurman has had a life-long display at the market . Pride in using method we used, it didn’t necessarily passion for growing things . With the farm to teach my kids about make things more complicated,” he his family operation, Atlantic Grown work ethic and other skills ”. says . “By being organic, we just have Organics, he’s turned that passion into less tools in our tools box ”. He also admits it’s seeing a plan his livelihood . through to completion . “I take a lot of Today they grow 100 percent certified Although it’s sunshine and tropical pride in turning a vision into a plan and organic tomatoes, English cucumbers temperatures all year long, for Marc carrying it through to the end . It seldom and a variety of vegetables . “At any given and his family, at their Kensington, goes exactly as envisioned, but it does time, we have around 2,000 tomato Prince Edward Island greenhouse, their not take away from the satisfaction – it plants, 1,400 English cucumber plants,” success didn’t just fall from the sky . adds to it because you know you have adds Krista . “We also grow green and overcome challenges and adversity to red peppers, eggplant, beans, spinach, “Farming is in my blood and I’ve always reach your goals ”. kale, herbs and radishes ”. loved to grow things,” says Marc . In 2001, Marc and wife, Krista, went out Marc’s vision was a greenhouse - the And thanks to new lighting in the on a limb and transformed his family’s second largest greenhouse on PEI . greenhouse, which they installed last former hog farm by constructing a The greenhouse was initially intended fall, Atlantic Grown Organics is now 30,000 square-foot greenhouse . to be used for conventional growing . able to offer these delicious veggies However a few years in to production year-round . “This was the first year we “Farming gives me a sense of pride, Marc and Krista switched their methods were in production for the full year,” which extends in many ways,”
AGRICOLA NEWS 27 SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT says Marc . “We’re pretty smaller retailers in PEI and Marc . “They know more to the greenhouse, after excited to be able to offer directly from the farm . about this greenhouse than school, to harvest the our products to customers I do,” he adds with a laugh . plants . “They also come “Every week is different, all year long ”. Two of their employees have with us to the Farmers’ depending on the sun been with them since 2012 Market to help sell the The loyal customer base for and season,” says Marc and the other since 2013 . produce ”. Atlantic Grown Organics of their harvest . “But we has a wide span . “We see harvest approximately What truly makes their The family side of the our regulars every Saturday 100,000 pounds of tomatoes family operation run business doesn’t stop with morning at the Farmer’s and 110,000 pounds of smoothly is that it is just the kids . Marc’s mom and Markets in Summerside and cucumbers each year ”. that – a family operation . sister take a turn manning Charlottetown,” says Krista Marc and Krista’s three the booth at the Farmer’s Both maintaining jobs of their customers . Atlantic children, Ben, Quinton Market when needed . And off-farm, Marc and Krista Grown Organics also sells and Samantha are regular when the farm is really are quick to point out they to Sobeys and Loblaw’s helpers in the greenhouse . busting with activity, other wouldn’t be so successful (Superstore), where their “They’re responsible for family members are quick to if it wasn’t for the help they produce is available in many the grape tomatoes,” says pitch in as necessary . receive . “We employee three locations across Atlantic Krista . Several times per guys from Mexico,” says “Farming is a way of life Canada . They also sell to week, the kids head down for us,” says Krista . “It is
creating a family unit that community is a positive one . works and plays together . “I hope that having fresh, We have to work hard, local veggies all year can sometimes long hours, but help people make healthier “Farming gives me a sense of pride, which we get to do it in our house choices with their food and and our own backyard ”. take the time to enjoy good quality food,” he says . “I With his passion now a extends in many ways,” says Marc. “Pride think this can impact our successful reality, Marc community, one person at a hopes the impact Atlantic time ”. in growing good and nutritious food. Pride Grown Organics has on their
in being able to see the fruits of our labour
– from seed to an eye-catching display at the
market. Pride in using the farm to teach my
kids about work ethic and other skills.”
AGRICOLA NEWS 28 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
GENERATIONS OF FARMING Milferns Holsteins
Fred, Anne (Class of ‘88), Andrea (Class of ‘16), Leo Van Kroonenburg, Fabian (Class of ‘13) and Susan teBogt (Class of ‘13)
Sleigh bells jingling, snow crunching, with his father and eventually took over Not only was Fred able to incorporate horses snorting, people’s chatter and the farm . his love for draft horses into his family laughter breaking the silence of the business, the Hamilton’s teams of Now, he and his wife Anne and their crisp night air . That’s a typical winter’s horses are used for weddings, parades, two children, Fabian (Class of ’13) and night for Fred Hamilton and his wife and even TV shows . Andrea (Class of ‘16), own and operate Anne (Class of ’88) . the family farm . With dairy cows, The Hamilton’s draft horses had a Although primarily known for its dairy sheep, horses and border collies, the role in the Moby Dick miniseries, cows, Milferns Holsteins of Onslow, NS Hamilton’s farm is never a dull moment . shot in Shelburne in 2009 and aired have expanded way past dairy cows . in 2011 . Fred and his team of horses One of their main attractions is their They have a little bit of everything . also played a more recent role in The sleigh and wagon rides . The Hamilton’s Book of Negroes . Filmed last April into “Diversity . That’s what sets us apart,” have been offering sleigh and wagon May, Fred and his horses spent about Fred explains . “No two days are ever the rides year-round for 27 years . Hauled by a month filming . They travelled to same . With so many different aspects to a team of two draft horses, the sleigh Shelburne, the Fortress of Louisburg, our farm, our routine is never the same and wagon rides are a popular attraction, Cole Harbor and Enfield for filming . The from day to day ”. especially during the holiday season . miniseries is now airing on Wednesdays The 450 acre farm has been in Fred’s “I had always wanted a draft horse but nights on CBC . family for nine generations . When he my father thought I had to justify having “I watch it every week!” Fred smiles . graduated from high school, Fred began a horse,” Fred laughs . “Eventually, I got working on the farm that was owned by my first draft horse to use in harness . Sleigh and wagon rides aren’t the his father . He attended the Nova Scotia I built a small sleigh that Anne and I only hobby that Fred was able to Agricultural College (now Dalhousie would go out in . Then the neighbours incorporate into his family’s farm . Fred Agricultural Campus) to take some wanted to go for rides . I built a bigger also has a passion for border collies . two-week long condensed courses sleigh and then got a team of horses . The Hamilton’s currently have seven in different subjects, including dairy The rest is history ”. border collies and will occasionally breed management . He formed a partnership and sell pups . The collies are used for
AGRICOLA NEWS 29 SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT everyday use on the farm as beef cattle and expanded Wednesday, Fabian and during Open House, Fred well as a hobby for Fred . our sheep operation ”. Susan meet their customers holds a sheep herding in Truro to deliver their demonstration on campus . “I was 13 when I got my first Today, the Hamilton’s farm meat . Their service allows Fred also does animal border collie,” Fred explains . is home to 45 dairy cows, their customers to have behavior labs during each “It was then that I realized 220 ewes that produce 400 access to home-grown semester . how useful they could be lambs each year, five draft quality meat, conveniently around the farm . Not only horses, four light horses, For Fred Hamilton, farming delivered right into town . are they hard workers, and seven border collies . isn’t just a job . It’s a lifestyle . working with them gives me They have 35 acres of corn, While the Hamilton’s lead “Something about going a sense of satisfaction ”. silage, hay and grass that a very busy lifestyle, they out to the fields on a sunny they harvest themselves . still manage to contribute Fred participates in many day and seeing hawks fly The entire family, Fred, to their community . The trials, competitions and overhead, swooping down Anne, Fabian and Andrea, entire family has greatly herding demonstrations at field mice just gives me all do their fair share of hard impacted their local 4-H with his border collies . a sense of satisfaction,” he work . Fred, Anne, Fabian club . Fred explains that his He travels as far as New says . “You definitely have and Andrea’s fiancé, Leo, mother was a 4-H leader Brunswick for trials to give it your all and if work on the farm full time and he himself has been and often does local you’re not prepared to give while Andrea completes a 4-H leader for 30 years . demonstrations . it your all 24/7 then it’s not her animal science studies Now, both Andrea and for you . Everyday can be a “Going to trials really gets at Dal AC and works a part Fabian are leaders . The challenge and you need to you out around and meeting time job at Clarence Farm Hamilton’s have also hosted learn how to adapt and deal new people,” he explains . Services Ltd . Achievement Day on their with those challenges yet “When you have a good run, Fabian and his partner farm many times . continue with your everyday it really makes you happy . I Susan teBogt (Class of ’13) “The kids were both brought responsibilities ”. hope to be able to do more recently launched their up through 4-H,” Fred trials in my retirement ”. For Fred, maintaining such own business, Wild Pasture explains . “Fabian is now a Farm . Wild Pasture Farm a diverse farm is a full time Fred explains that the sheep leader and Andrea is features pasture raised operation . With so many border collies are also a light horse leader . It gives beef and pork that is sold different animals no two part of the reason that the me a great sense of pride locally at the Truro Farmer’s days are ever the same . Fred Hamilton’s have sheep . watching the kids come up Market . Fabian and Susan’s wouldn’t have it any other through 4-H and now to “We used them on the animals are kept on the way . He has everything he become leaders ”. farm for beef cattle but Hamilton’s farm . Through needs to be successful- we needed some sheep to their business, Fabian and In addition to 4-H, the time, patience, dedication… practice with . I couldn’t go Susan have also started Hamilton’s also have a And a lot of help and to dog trials with dogs that Meat Up in Truro . Wild close relationship with support from his family . have never seen sheep! Pasture Farms accepts the Dalhousie Agricultural Eventually we got rid of the orders and every second Campus . Each year
AGRICOLA NEWS 30 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
DAIRY FARMING FOR THE FUTURE
Pure Holsteins Limited
Sara (Class of 05) and David (Class of ‘07) Simmons
The amount of work that David and Sara Simmons have put “We both knew we would be involved in farming,” David into their dairy farm is outstanding . That’s why, in early March, explains . “Sara knew she would be a dairy farmer since she was they were named Atlantic Outstanding Young Farmers for 2015 . three years old . I thought I might be more involved in layers or broilers as my father was a poultry farmer but that changed The award is presented to farmers from the age of 18-39 when I met Sara ”. who have demonstrated excellence in their profession and who help to promote agriculture . It recognizes farmers based Together, David and Sara purchased all dairy equipment from on production history, business management and community Hammond Farm in October 2011 . Since then, they have been involvement . This year, David (32) and Sara (30) Simmons working hard to add more livestock, purchase more quota and from Pure Holsteins were selected as winners chosen from improve the productivity of their operation . across Canada . In increasing their productivity, Sara and David recently Pure Holsteins is a dairy farm based in Little Rapids, purchased two Lely A4 Robots- machines that will milk the Newfoundland . They milk 100 cows, have 85 heifers and lease cows automatically . The first of its kind in Newfoundland, the 60 acres of pasture from Hammond Farm, owned by David’s machines have stalls on the outside of them so when a cow is family . Not only do they have dairy cows to generate a profit, ready to be milked, she moves into the stall . An identification they have cows for pleasure as well . They have remarkable collar around her neck keeps track of her milking schedule and genetics in their herd that allows them to show their cows . her health information . If the robot detects the cow isn’t ready to be milked, it will encourage her to leave the stall and prepare “We take pride in the genetics of our herd,” David explains . for the next cow . “We’ve had animals place in the Top 10 at the Royal and at the World Dairy Expo ”. “Cows are all about schedule,” David explains . “They are used to being fed at the same time every day and are used to being Both David and Sara have a long history in agriculture . Growing up milked at the same time every day . With the new milking on a dairy farm in New Brunswick, Sara has been showing dairy system, the cows have had to adjust to being milked on their cows since she could walk . Although David grew up on a poultry own time ”. farm, he began showing dairy cows when he met Sara .
AGRICOLA NEWS 31 SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
When a cow is in the stall entirely off the hook . If the Provincial Agrifoods explains . “We had some ready to be milked, an something were to go Assistance Program . growing pains, being young automated arm moves in wrong, the robot calls David and inexperienced with the It’s not just Sara and David financial side, but they have cleaning and disinfecting on his cellphone to alert him who spend much of their her udder . The cow is fed of the problem . The robotic time around the farm . only taught us life lessons . grain while she is being milker operates 24 hours At the age of four, their If something could break or milked . A 3D camera a day, seven days a week . daughter Felicity loves go wrong we’ve seemed to detects her teats and the David and Sara check the helping out as much as she have already experienced it inflations are attached cows every morning and can on the farm . so we are now ready for the to her udder . During the night to see if there are any future!” milking, the robot records that need to be put in the “Felicity loves being For the Simmons’, the information about the robot for milking . involved with the daily future looks bright . Having cow . It records her weight, chores and spending time “The robots have allowed started from the bottom temperature of the milk, with the cows,” David us to have more free time,” and worked their way ketone levels of the milk and explains . “Farming with our Sara explains . “With the family is important to us up, David and Sara are somatic cell counts . This robots doing the milking, we because we love it, it’s not now ready to purchase information is monitored don’t have to be up at 4:30 just a job . You become a more quota and breed every day and is a proactive am to milk . We aren’t tied much closer family working long lasting cows . With measure to keeping the down as much ”. together every day ”. dedication, patience cows healthy . Each cow and support from their takes about five minutes to Pure Holsteins would not Farming always has its family and friends, David milk . Once she is milked, have been able to purchase challenges though . Sara and Sara have worked she moves out of the stall the robots without some explains that the farm tirelessly in an upward and the robot disinfects and additional funding . Under wouldn’t be where it is battle to become what they prepares for the next cow the Growing Forward 2 today without having are today – outstanding to enter . Innovation Fund, they encountered and overcame young farmers . received $345,000 from the challenges they were Although the milking the Federal and Provincial faced with . process is completely Governments . The company automatic, David isn’t “Starting a business is also received $40,000 from challenging in itself,” Sara
AGRICOLA NEWS 32 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
A TASTY ADVENTURE IN FARMING
van Dyk’s Blueberry Juice
Members of the van Dyk family in photo (left to right): Peter (Class of ’84), Kim (Class of ’87), Jacob, Nichole (Class of ’18), Riek, Case, Gerry (Class of ’77), Beverley
The van Dyk family farm is nothing In 1954, Case van Dyk and his wife Riek also have Christmas tree land and short of incredible . With many smaller moved to West Caledonia from Holland . pastures that they lease out . From farming businesses branching from With them they brought their farming Ons Genoegen Farms branches a a farm once run by their parents, the experience and started Ons Genoegen few smaller businesses including the van Dyk’s have a lot on their plate . Farms . At that time, Ons Genoegen business that produces what the van From wild blueberries, a construction Farms concentrated on dairy, although Dyk’s are most famous for- their wild company, world-famous wild blueberry it was typical for them to have a little bit blueberry juice . juice, mink, Christmas tree land and of everything . Eventually they focused Case and Riek own a company called more in the works, at first sight it may on farming hogs and in 1977, their van Dyk Health Juice Products . The seem they have bitten off more than operation became a 200 sow farrow-to- company produces, prepares and sells they can chew . But that’s not the case finish operation . Case and Riek have wild blueberry juice made from Grade at all . There is only one way to keep nine children- six boys and three girls, A, Nova Scotia-grown wild blueberries . everything running- working together many of whom have different ties to the Their juice has no additives, no as a family . original family farm . sweeteners or sugar . Simply, 100% wild Peter van Dyk (Class of ‘84), son of Today, Ons Genoegen Farms still stands blueberries . Cornelius (Case) and Henrica (Riek) in West Caledonia and is owned by “To make the juice the berries go van Dyk, plays a major role in keeping Peter and his brother, Gerry (Class through a press,” Peter explains . “What the farm in the family and giving back of ‘77) . There are no longer any hogs comes out of that press is what goes to their community . Located in West or dairy cows in sight through . Ons into the bottle . Nothing else is added, Caledonia, NS, the van Dyk name is Genoegen Farms is now part excavation that’s what makes it so good for you ”. widely recognized . company and part mink farm . They
AGRICOLA NEWS 33 SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
Case developed the blueberry juice The van Dyk’s don’t get caught up in working on and taking over parts of many years ago . Working with ownership technicalities though- they all the farm, they have grandchildren agricultural scientists from the Kentville pitch in to help to keep things running as now beginning to enter the picture . Research Station, they developed the if it were their own farm . Peter and his wife Kim (Class of juice that is now known for its delicious ’87), a science and math teacher at “As our parents get a little older, we are taste and major health benefits . Prior to North Queens Community School, all working together to make sure the the juice, the van Dyk’s were harvesting have three children . Their oldest son, farm stays in the community and stays and selling fresh wild blueberries . Nicholas (20) is a graduate of the Nova running,” Peter explains . “Dad is 84 Because of the equipment used to Scotia Community College where he years old and he has had some health make the juice, they no longer sell fresh studied mechanical engineering . Their challenges recently yet he still comes berries as there is not enough space in daughter, Nichole (19), just finished down to the juice plant twice a week their warehouse . her first year at Dal AC . She is studying and does some work in the lab ”. Agricultural Business and is expected The juice is made and bottled in a small The van Dyk’s currently have around to graduate in 2018 with the intention warehouse down the road from the 500 acres of wild blueberry land . of returning home to the family farm . van Dyk’s “home base,” Ons Genoegen They are also working on preparing Their youngest son Jacob (15) is in Farms . There they employ a crew of another 100 acres to bring into grade nine but already has his sights set five women who produce, bottle, label blueberry production . They have land on attending Dal AC . and package the juice for shipping . van in Queens County, Annapolis County, Dyk’s wild Blueberry Juice is shipped “We encourage our kids to do whatever Digby County, Shelburne County and to countries all around the world . Peter they want,” Peter explains . “If they want Yarmouth County . explains that China and South Korea to come back to the farm, we will make are two of their major customers . They “When my parents moved here and room for them the same as my parents also ship all across Canada and some were developing the pig farm, dad did for us . Nichole and Jacob are both to the United States . Their product is discovered wild blueberries around interested in returning so we will make so popular, the van Dyk’s are looking at the farm,” Peter explains . “There room for them ”. new product development to expand were a lot of old abandoned farms in And that’s what makes the van Dyk their line . the area that were growing up with farm so unique . When their children wild blueberries and he started to Although the juice company is owned by want to return, they make room, even acquire more fields over the years ”. Case and Riek, the ownership will soon if it means expanding to create yet be transferred to Peter’s brother, Leo . Not only do Case and Riek have children another branch of the business . In
AGRICOLA NEWS 34 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
Nichole’s case, Peter explains that they parts of the company they would like to of the Year for Queens County . She are looking to add an apiary to the be a part of or if they didn’t want to be travelled to Halifax to represent Queens business . a part of it at all . This helped avoid any and receive her award . This year, Peter family feuds and allowed mom and dad and his niece were both selected . In “Nichole and I are both registered for to understand exactly what everyone 2012, Case was induced to the Atlantic the Modern Beekeeping program,” wanted ”. Agricultural Hall of Fame and in 2011 Peter explains . “We are thinking of was presented with the Wild Blueberry starting our own apiary for Nichole Not only is family important to them, Producers Association of Nova Scotia to take over when she returns to the the van Dyk’s stress the importance (WBPANS) Recognition Award . In 2014, farm . We have to rent almost 500 hives of community involvement . They are Case was also awarded the Business a year so there is an opportunity for loyal to local businesses, buying as Achievement Award for Queens County . Nichole to jump in and supply our own much as they can locally and supplying bees for pollination . Nichole is very community members with many jobs . While the van Dyk’s may be busy, interested in the bees and pays close From working on the mink farm and the their eyes are always open for new attention to detail so this is something juice plant, to the construction company opportunities within their community she will be good at . We also bought and harvesting blueberries, the van Dyk and within their family . From their some more blueberry land which she family employs over 30 people . Peter also volunteer work, to the opportunities is a shareholder in for her to take part explains that they can see that number they provide for community members ownership of when she’s done . And if moving to 40 people in the next few and their family, the van Dyk’s are Jacob wants to do something similar, years . known for their kindness, their we’ll make room for him to come back generosity, and their delicious blueberry “Community is very important to our to the farm too ”. juice . family,” Peter explains . “Dad and mom Yet, with so many different companies always taught us that we have to give branching out from each other, the back to the community . They would say, van Dyk family still manages to run ‘you always have to put back into the everything smoothly as one . community . You’re way of life is coming from the community so make sure you “At two points over the last 15 years put back into it ’”. mom and dad have brought in an outside person to host one big family The van Dyk’s community involvement meeting,” Peter explains . “Everyone was does not go unnoticed . Last year, allowed to speak and tell exactly what Nichole was selected as Volunteer
AGRICOLA NEWS 35 SUMMER 2015 AROUND AND ABOUT
STAYING INVOLVED Harris was born in the Netherlands and in 2000, immigrated to Canada with his family . They left their potato farm in the Netherlands to move to a potato farm in Killoween, New Brunswick, a rural community near Florenceville . Harris began his studies with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 2011, one year before the institution merged Home Away with Dalhousie University . He began his studies in plant science with the intentions of returning home to work on from Home the family potato farm . “My goal has always been farming,” Harris Bakker (Class of ‘15) Harris explains . “Plant science seemed the most interesting and it was a good Harris Bakker (Class of ‘15) has a very honoured,” Harris says of the SAIL hands-on degree program for me to tremendous amount of pride for his Impact Award for Student Government . take . It had a lot of lab-work whereas a university . Not only does he show pride “It is very humbling to be part of such business program did not compare in in what it is now, he cherishes its roots . an upstanding event and I was very that area . So I chose the science route ”. The spirit he had for what was once happy to know that people valued my the Nova Scotia Agricultural College involvement on campus ”. Although the school is now Dalhousie carried over to the Dalhousie Faculty of University, Harris emphasizes his pride Harris began his involvement in student Agriculture when the two institutions for the NSAC . government in 2012 with the NSAC merged in 2012 . His passion, combined Student Union as VP Administration . “NSAC was what it was when I with his selfless nature led Harris to Under this title, Harris’s main duty started,” Harris explains . “The merger receive the 2015 Student Advancement was keeping records of meetings and with Dal was in my second year . The in Leadership (SAIL) Impact Award for student union affairs, along with sitting NSAC was a renowned college that Student Government and was voted on different committees on campus . was highly recommended to me by Class of 2015 Valedictorian at Dalhousie Harris kept his position throughout the different farmers and agronomists in University Faculty of Agriculture . merger with Dalhousie University and the area and I felt like there were lots SAIL Impact awards recognize became the VP administration in 2013- of opportunities for me at this campus . students for their help, contribution, 14 for DASA . After that, he became It is still a wonderful school with dedication and leadership throughout the VP of External Affairs, organizing wonderful opportunities but I think it is the school year . The award for student different house challenges between important for us not to forget our Aggie government recognizes a student for residences and off-campus students . roots!” their commitment and leadership to “Student government is very important After graduating in May, Harris returned Dal AC by taking on an active role in to me as it is a chance to meet so many to the family farm . His younger sister, student government . The recipient will students and represent them,” Harris Berdien, is also a student at Dal AC . also demonstrate their commitment explains . “It is a way of getting involved Like Harris, she is actively involved to the Dalhousie Agricultural Students that is very rewarding in the end!” in student government as DASA’s VP Association (DASA) and all of the students Administration . Berdien is studying Harris was also voted Valedictorian on campus . Harris was influential in animal science and hopes to practice by the graduating class of 2015 . His increasing the attendance at Student veterinary medicine after her studies . Review Council (SRC) meetings which leadership and passion for the campus has improved DASA’s ability to move and fellow students make him the It is students like Harris, with a true forward meeting students’ needs He. appropriate fit . passion for their school, that give the Agricultural Campus its unique has also enhanced student life through “Valedictorian is quite an honour!” atmosphere . His dedication to other scheduling many fun and successful Harris explains . “It was a challenge students on campus not only makes House Challenge events . to represent all the graduates of our his classmates feel welcome, it helps campus, as we have such a diverse “The award is very prestigious and I everyone to feel as if the campus is student body but I did my very best!” have seen other very deserving people their home away from home . receive it in previous years, so I felt
AGRICOLA NEWS 36 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS SUMMER 2015 RESEARCH FROM THE GROUND UP
Dr. Svetlana Yurgel
Dr . Svetlana Yurgel, one of the allows two organisms to co-exist . to conventional agriculture . most recent researchers to join the “Symbiosis is similar to marriage,” Dr . “It’s a way of organic, sustainable Dalhousie Agricultural Campus, Yurgel explains . “There’s one person agriculture,” Dr . Yurgel says . “By started her extensive research simply and then a second person and they growing legumes that form symbiosis, by looking down . get together and benefit from each you don’t need to apply fertilizers ”. Having joined the Agricultural Campus other . The plant can live by itself and Although Dr . Yurgel is immersed in in January 2015, Dr . Yurgel studies soil the bacteria can live by itself but they a typically male-dominated area of microbiology, specifically looking at can combine and interact and form a study, she explains that she has not let soil fertility, plant fitness, and bacteria specific organism that contains both ”. that be much of a challenge for her . plant interaction . She is also one of Dr . Yurgel also explains that rhizobia the ever increasing number of female “Science can sometimes be difficult are types of soil bacteria that attach scientists in the agricultural industry . for women,” Dr . Yurgel says . “In themselves inside the roots of many cases, women take on other In 1998, Dr . Yurgel moved to legumes and assist with nitrogen responsibilities, such as raising Washington from Saint Petersburg, fixation, a process in which nitrogen children . It was sometimes challenging Russia where she had graduated with in the atmosphere is converted to for me to manage my research and a PhD from the Institute of Agricultural ammonium . Nitrogen fixation is an raise my daughter, but I always had Microbiology . At Washington State important process in agriculture a good support from my family so it University, Dr . Yurgel practiced as a as it helps to fertilize the soil . wasn’t too much of a challenge ”. post-doctorate fellow until 2003 where After crops are harvested, some she became a research professor . While her research on the agricultural nitrogen remains in the soil assisting She then moved to Truro, Nova campus is still in its early stages of with the growth of other crops . One Scotia in early 2015 to continue her development, Dr . Yurgel is looking to of the most commonly supplied plant research on the agricultural campus . have undergraduate and graduate nutrients, nitrogen is also a commonly students work with her in the future . Dr . Yurgel is looking at how to deficient nutrient in plants . While Her research is aimed at improving enhance the growth of agricultural nitrogen is supplied through fertilizers, fertilization efficiency and will hopefully legumes without the use of harsh this can often be very harsh to the shed some light on how symbiosis fertilizers that can sometimes be environment . Through her research, works . It is her hopes that her research harmful to the environment . To do Dr . Yurgel is trying to improve the will help improve the agricultural this, she studies rhizobium-legume efficiency of nitrogen fixation through industry, starting from the ground . symbiosis- an interaction that symbiosis and provide alternatives
AGRICOLA NEWS 37 SUMMER 2015 ATHLETICS THE SEASON THAT WAS
Soccer MEN’S Rams teams The men’s soccer squad struggled on paper in 2014 The. Rams finished sixth in taste success, lay the seven-team table with a 3-9 record . foundations for the However, when looking at more than just stats, coach, Keith Partridge said future he is pleased with the strides the program made in 2014 . The Rams worked hard for their best showing of the past five seasons, saw the arrival of an outstanding rookie in Richard MacNevin and got a career season out of goalkeeper Matt MacMinn . WOMEN’S Partridge won’t be returning next season, It was a tough season for the women’s soccer team . The ladies finished the regular but feels the program is headed in the season out of a playoff spot with a 3-7-2 (W-L-T) record, which placed them in a tie for right direction and hopes the Rams fifth in the seven-team circuit with the Saint John Seawolves . But there are brighter continue to climb to contender status . skies on the horizon . “We were able to change teams’ Coach Jackie Fitt-Ryan was excited by the play of rookies Cora Sharp and Emily Merks, opinions of the growing soccer program who both earned themselves ACAA all-conference status in 2014 . being shaped at the AC by taking points A year’s experience under their belts, coupled with the veteran talent of players like from teams that were competing for Melanie Porter, Sydney Sprenger and Janelle MacKeil, Fitt-Ryan said the team is championships,” Partridge said . “I wish looking for a playoff berth in the seasons to come . the incoming staff the best of luck . They’ll have a core to start with, so it “I am very pleased with the growth of the program,” she said . “Our goal stays the won’t take long to rebuild to a peak year ”. same, clinching a playoff spot and maybe surprising a few people when we get there ”.
PLAYING OUR BEST Women’s Volleyball As has been the case for tournament . The team, was third in the nation the past several seasons which featured just two with 326 digs in under coach, Jamie returnees, finished the 77 sets this season . Naugler, the women’s schedule slotted fifth in “Our goal for the volleyball squad was the conference, eight season was to make the competitive once again points behind the Saint playoffs, so it was a little in 2014-15 . John Seawolves (13-8) disappointing when we and St . Thomas In spite of a 4-0 start finished fifth,” coach, Tommies (13-8), who to the campaign, the Jamie Naugler said . occupied the final two team’s 9-12 regular “But we played our best playoff berths . season record wasn’t match of the year in the enough to propel Senior Samantha last game and Sam was DalAC to its goal of Fanning, the Rams’ outstanding all season . qualifying for the female athlete of the She was the team leader ACAA championship year, led the ACAA and and our best player ”.
AGRICOLA NEWS 38 SUMMER 2015 AGRICOLA NEWS 39 SUMMER 2015 ATHLETICS REACHING SECOND PLACE Woodsmen It was yet another exciting season for both teams, which finished in that order the Dal AC Woodsmen . in each of the calendar’s four events . Both the Rams men’s and women’s The Woodsmen’s success comes in A teams placed second overall in the spite of a 28-man roster which featured Canadian Intercollegiate Lumberjacking 16 rookies . Association points standings . The “I’m very happy with this year’s women were just 92 44. points behind performance,” coach Scott Read said . McGill University’s Macdonald Campus “With such a large contingent of rookies after taking wins in two of the season’s I was very impressed that they pushed four competitions, including a victory themselves to achieve a second-place in their home event, the annual Rick overall finish . It makes me very excited Russell Woodsmen Competition . about the future of the team because The men finished runners-up to the New I’ll have most of these rookies for the Brunswick Varsity Reds in the season’s next three years ”. overall points table, a familiar position for
PROVEN TRACK RECORDS UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Thursday, July 23 10 a m. . – 2 p m. . DEAN’S RECEPTIONS All Season’s Inn, Sussex, NB Thursday, Sept . 24 7 p m. . Equestrian Badminton Luckett Vineyards, Wolfville, NS Thursday, Oct . 1 The Rams dominated the Atlantic Richard Bennicke wasn’t named ACAA 7 p m. . Intercollegiate Equestrian League Badminton Coach of the Year for PEI Brewing Co., schedule, sweeping wins in all three nothing . Charlottetown, PEI competitions for the season points Thursday, Oct . 29 The coach led his badminton squad to title . The Rams won seven titles in nine 7 p m. . a second-place finish in team points at divisions in individual competition . the conference championships in late BLUE & GOLD “Equestrian had a fantastic year,” coach, February . The men’s doubles, women’s ALUMNI AWARDS Jessica McNutt said . “The team brought doubles and mixed doubles pairs all Thursday, Nov . 5 home champion from every show and finished second at the event, held at took the year end champion ”. Mount Allison University . ROYAL AGRICULTURAL The Rams came home in the runner-up WINTER FAIR ALUMNI spot in each of the schedule’s three RECEPTION regular season tournaments . Sunday, Nov . 8
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AGRICOLA NEWS 39 SUMMER 2015 Chart the best course for your life in the years ahead.
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The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program is underwritten by SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY. It is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec, by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in Ontario, and by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. in the rest of Canada. Our address: 50 Place Crémazie, Montreal (Quebec) H2P 1B6. Due to provincial legislation, our auto and recreational vehicle insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. *Average based on the home and auto premiums for active policies on July 31, 2014 of all of our clients who belong to a professional or alumni group that has an agreement with us when compared to the premiums they would have paid with the same insurer without the preferred insurance rate for groups and the multi-product discount. Savings are not guaranteed and may vary based on the client’s profile. ® The TD logo and other TD trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Projet : Annonce MMI 2015 Province : Nova scotia Épreuve # : 1 Publication : Agricola News Client : TD Assurance Date de tombée : 11/25/2014 Format : 8.75 x 9.25 Dossier # : 35-MM9462-14_MMI.AL1.EN•dalagriculture(8.75x9.25) Couleur : Quad Graphiste : Marie-Josée Proulx
Hamelin-Martineau Inc. • 505, boul. de Maisonneuve O, Bureau 300 • Montréal (Québec) H3A 3C2 • T : 514 842-4416 C : [email protected] Mailed under Canada Post Publication Mail Sales ATTENTION : MERCI DE VÉRIFIER ATTENTIVEMENT CETTE ÉPREUVE AFIN D’ÉVITER TOUTE ERREUR/PLEASE CHECK THIS PROOF FOR ERRORS Agreement No . 40063668
Please return undeliverable addresses to: Development and External Relations Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture P O. . Box 550, Truro NS B2N 5E3