For immediate release

TORONTO, ON [November 26, 2024] – Five young people pursuing careers in agriculture have each won a bursary of $2,000 from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship awards were presented at the OFA’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto earlier today.

“This year’s recipients are passionate about agriculture, dedicated to their communities, and determined to build strong futures for themselves, their families, and the industry,” says Drew Spoelstra, President of the OFA. “It’s crucial to recognize the emerging talent entering the agricultural sector, and we’re proud to support these young individuals as they embark on their careers. Through these bursaries, we celebrate their potential and look forward to helping them achieve their goals and contribute to the growth of our industry.”

The bursary program is open to applicants who live in Ontario, are OFA members, or the child or employee of an OFA member. Applications are judged based on demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in the community, and varied accomplishments in both school and the agriculture industry.

Postgraduate Bursary Winner – Alaina MacDonald, Clifford (Wellington County)

Alaina MacDonald is a veterinarian and PhD candidate in Population Medicine at the University of Guelph, focusing on One Health—exploring the links between human, animal, and environmental health. With a background in veterinary training and research on emerging diseases at the livestock-wildlife-human interface, Alaina has contributed to multiple international conferences and publications. She has also volunteered in Uganda and Tanzania, strengthening her commitment to global agriculture and public health. Alaina remains active in her rural community through 4-H and zoonotic disease education, with aspirations to make significant contributions to global health and veterinary medicine.

Apprenticeship Bursary Winner – Bobby Robinson, Finch (Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties)

Bobby Robinson is a young farmer with a passion for agriculture and community involvement. After completing his Red Seal Agricultural Specialist High Skills major, Bobby enrolled in the Dairy Herdsperson Apprenticeship program at Ridgetown College. He runs Baler Bob Custom Work, a custom baling business he founded that serves local farmers. Bobby is also active in 4-H Ontario and local agricultural societies, with a goal to take over the family farm and continue mentoring the next generation of farmers.

Undergraduate Bursary Winner – Kaylee Wells, Jasper (Leeds and Greenville Counties)

Kaylee Wells is a student in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at the University of Guelph, focusing on the beef industry and Hereford cattle. Raised on a Hereford farm, she owns her own herd and is active in the university’s Beef and Dairy Clubs. A dedicated 4-H member and Junior 4-H Leader, Kaylee aims to improve beef cattle efficiency through her research in genetics and nutrition and share her findings with global producers.

Undergrad Bursary Winner – Mary Brander, Rockwood (Wellington County) 

Mary Brander is in her second year of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Guelph, majoring in Animal Science. Growing up on a family farm and participating in 4-H, she is passionate about animal health, particularly in large animal veterinary care. Mary has gained practical experience through co-op work placements and aims to prevent and treat diseases in food animals. She is also deeply involved in community service, including 4-H leadership and charity work, and is committed to advancing the agricultural industry and animal health.

Undergraduate Bursary Winner – Kyla Lewis, Dorchester (Thames Centre)

Kyla Lewis is a fourth-year Animal Biology student at the University of Guelph with a focus on dairy nutrition. With over 10 years of experience in the dairy industry, Kyla plans to pursue a master’s degree in animal nutrition to become a dairy nutritionist. She has excelled academically, receiving multiple scholarships and awards, and is highly involved in 4-H leadership, agricultural clubs, and event organization. Kyla aims to help dairy farmers optimize herd nutrition and promote sustainable farming practices.

Funds raised at the silent auction held at this year’s AGM will go toward OFA’s 2025 Bursary Program. Generous donations from federations, individuals, businesses help make programs like these possible every year. OFA invites students to look for announcements regarding applications in late spring.

An extensive list of available scholarships and bursaries for all post-secondary students interested in pursuing a career in the agriculture industry is available on the OFA website.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province and serving as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.

Pictured from left to right: Zone 6 Director Crispin Colvin, Zone 14 Director Vanessa Renaud, Zone 9 Director Mark Reusser, Mary Brander, Bobby Robinson, Kyla Lewis, and Alaina MacDonald at the OFA Annual General Meeting in Toronto on Nov. 26, 2024. [Not pictured: Kaylee Wells]

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For more information, contact:

Chris Thomson

Communications Coordinator

Ontario Federation of Agriculture

519-803-6337
comms@ofa.on.ca