What's New
Historic Day at Kemptville Campus
May 27, 2011
The Dairy Education and Innovation Centre, which opened on May 27, 2011, is bringing the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus to the leading edge of dairy technology. The facility features a Lely robotic milking system, the only one of its kind in a Canadian teaching barn.
“This new dairy facility will be pivotal to allowing us to continue our commitment to training and creation of new knowledge for our next generation of dairy producers,” said Robert Gordon, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). “We are grateful for the support of our partners throughout the dairy industry, alumni and friends as we will continue to deliver hands-on experiential education, demonstrating modern dairy technology and herd management.”
With support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and OAC, the centre is the result of the first ever large scale fund-raising campaign for the purchase of an automated milking system.
"The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has long been a proud supporter of this campus and its vision of advancing agricultural education and research," said Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "That's why - through the Agricultural Research
Institute of Ontario - we were pleased to invest in building this new Dairy Education and Innovation Centre."
"I am pleased to see industry, governments and researchers coming together to strengthen our capacity for dairy innovation and developing best management practices," said Stewart Cressman, Chair of the Agricultural Institute of Ontario.
Additional financial and technical support came from the Kemptville College Foundation and the Kemptville Alumni Association, individuals and volunteers, bringing an excess of $1.5 million for purchase of the equipment, improvements to the building and doubling the size of the dairy herd.
“This state-of-the art facility is a prime example of what can be accomplished when university, government, industry and private partners work together,” said Rich Moccia, U of G’s associate vice-president (research) strategic partnerships.
“It will allow us to continue to drive innovation in the field of dairy education and demonstration. We will be able to help farmers adopt this new technology and provide our students, instructors and staff with facilities and opportunities for successful technology transfer.”
Following the opening ceremonies for the dairy centre, the campus celebrated its 93rd graduation ceremony. One hundred and twenty-two students made the traditional walk across the stage to accept diplomas and certificates marking successful completion of studies ranging from crop management to industrial welding. The event also recognized the 25 second year students in the Bachelor of Bio-resource Management (Equine Management Major) who will continue their studies at the University of Guelph main campus in the fall.
Akaash Maharaj, Chief Executive Officer of Equine Canada, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. A Canadian graduate of Oxford University, in addition to international accomplishments as an equestrian, Maharajhas had a distinguished career in civil diplomacy focussing on armed conflict resolution, defence of human rights, and political reform of global institutions.
Julie Ann McInnes a graduate of the Food, Nutrition and Risk Management, was the recipient of the 2011 Governor General’s Bronze Medal which is awarded each year by the University of Guelph to the diploma student who has graduated with the highest cumulative average.
More than one third of the Class of 2011 are graduating with distinction, meaning they have attained marks of 80% or more in their chosen studies. Members of the class have come from coast to coast to study at Kemptville, with graduates originating in British Columbia, Ontario Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Careers in agricultural production and management, institutional food, or the horse industry await both diploma and certificate holders.
“This has been a full and exciting at day” said Claude Naud, director of the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus. “With the inauguration of an important new facility and the success of this graduating class, we feel we can look forward to the future with great anticipation and pride.”
