2016-2017 Awards
Mikayla is Studying Equine Science Breeding and Production at Olds College in Alberta.
Working at Alta Genetics doing reproductive management at local dairy barns, opened a whole new world for Mikayla. Reproductive management became a passion, and she decided to combine that with her love of horses and pursue this as a career goal. Describing herself as an ‘Equine Midwife’ Mikayla is clearly focused on her ultimate career goal of owning her own business. WFA’s review committee described her as ‘hard core and focused’
A community leader, she has numerous awards to her credit, including 2015/2016 Arthur Fall Fair Ambassador and 2016 Congenial Award at the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs competition. She has volunteered with the annual John Deere show in Grand Valley and is a leader in church VBS programs.
Work experience includes positions at major Dairy AI services, Dajo Dairy, New Obelinks, Altena Veal, and assistant events coordinator for the Ontario Plowmen’s Association.
Luke is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Guelph.
Luke is a 7th generation Canadian farmer and intends to carry on the family tradition in the Guelph Eramosa Township. . Growing up on a cash crop farm and seeking other opportunities to learn about different kinds of farming by working and visiting other local operations, he has come to understand the work and effort required to be a full time farmer and active member of an agricultural community.
He credits the 4H program and his family for teaching him the importance of community in agriculture. He states that the old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is more than applicable to agriculture. The collaboration of every branch of agriculture from the man raising a dozen chickens in his backyard to the multi-billion dollar corporation, is inspiring to Luke and excites him to know that he may, one day be a part of this complex and interwoven, yet very simplistic community.
Work experiences include working on the family cash crop farm, working for a landscape company, and helping neighbours with chores. His list of awards includes: Athlete of the year, Saint James Lion Pride Awards, and the Andy Benham Heart of the Lion Award—just to name a few.
Nicole is enrolled in the degree program at the University of Guelph studying Agricultural Science.
Hailing from a dairy and cash crop farm, her passion for agriculture runs deep and is continuing to grow. Previous internships at Cargill AgHorizons have sparked a keen interest in Nicole, around the crop inputs and protection area. Her ideal job would allow her observe production and make connections with farmers, and to help incorporate innovative methods to alleviate potential effects on the environment.
Her past employment has been with Langdon Farms Inc., at Tim Hortons, and with Cargill AgHorizons. An avid volunteer, Nicole has volunteered at FarmSmart Conference, and is involved with University of Guelph Intramural hockey, dodgeball and flag football, and the University of Guelph Weeds Team Horticulture Club.
Quinn is completing a Co-op B.Comm in Food and Agricultural Business Degree at the University of Guelph.
Growing up with an agricultural background, she has become very passionate about the industry. Studying at the University has widened her eyes to the many opportunities in agriculture, as she has been able to explore the various sectors. Quinn is interested in all of it-- so she is not closing any doors while she continues her education and personal growth.
Her past employment includes working at Tim Hortons, student dietary aide at Caressent Care, and Research assistant at C&M seeds. The recipient of many other awards, she has received a Monsanto Opportunity Fund Scholarship, Grand River Agricultural Society Scholarship, Parents for French Award, North Wellington Co-op scholarship and Harriston-Minto Agricultural Society Scholarship.
She has been very involved in her community, being a former Harriston-Minto Ambassador of the Fair, attending Ontario Secondary School leadership conference, and much more. She loves sports and is involved with broomball, figure skating and hockey.