Why it matters: The award recognizes producers who successfully apply solutions to reduce environmental risks to soil, water, air or biodiversity on farms.

Open to Ontario farmers and agricultural businesses that demonstrate outstanding innovation and ingenuity in navigating environmental challenges, submissions will be evaluated based on originality, adaptability, environmental effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and safety. Entrants must have a verified Environmental Farm Plan within the last five years.

The award, supported by Ruth Hill and family, honours Don Hill, past OSCIA president and former soils and crops specialist. Hill was an advocate for Ontario’s Environmental Farm Plan, dedicated to sustainable farming practices and sharing practical, creative solutions to environmental challenges farmers could put into practice.

Submissions will be open until Jan. 1, 2026, with the winner being announced at OSCIA’s annual general meeting on Feb. 3, 2026.

More information on the award and submitting an entry can be found at ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-don-hill-legacy-award.

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“As someone who is passionate about agriculture, being able to combine teaching with my love for this field is truly a dream come true,” said Woodhouse.  “I am both humbled and honoured to be recognized in this way, and I look forward to continuing to inspire and educate others about the importance of agriculture.”

The St. John Catholic School teacher was awarded AgScape’s annual Teaching Excellence in Agriculture and Food Education Award and the $1,500 prize at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, an award sponsor, on Sept. 12.

Why it matters: Teachers play a crucial role in helping students understand the origins of the food they eat and the significant role farming and agriculture play in their lives.

A passionate farmer and agriculture enthusiast, Woodhouse weaves agriculture and food literacy into learning, utilizing AgScape’s programs and resources, curriculum-linked lesson plans and Virtual Field.

Her large-scale field trips to the International Plowing Match and participation in the Pizza Perfect program at the Grand River Raceway connect students to real-world agricultural practices and history.

In a statement, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education, said the Grade 1 to 3 Social Studies curriculum dovetails with Woodhouse’s efforts because it explores the relationship between the natural environment, land use and employment opportunities.

She also applauded AgScape’s curriculum-linked resources, which help teachers and students build knowledge and contribute to “the next generation of agri-food professionals.”

“Working with extraordinary educators is one of our greatest privileges at AgScape,” said Mira Lyonblum, AgScape executive director, in a statement. “Without teachers like Pam going above and beyond, we would not be able to empower students across Ontario to see themselves as an integral part of our agriculture and food system.”

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The Early Career Research Award is designed to acknowledge the value of livestock research being conducted by young researchers on behalf of the livestock industry, said Deborah Whale, Grand River Agricultural Society’s first vice president and project review committee member. “It is a combined initiative by both LRIC and industry working together to encourage research results that will not only benefit production, animal health, and nutrition, but will also be disseminated widely to anyone who will use the results.”

“They represent the very best of those doing excellent research on behalf of the Canadian livestock sector,” said Whale. “Where constant improvement is the norm and indeed is necessary to maintain sustainability and competitiveness.”

The third annual ECRA, announced at the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation’s (LRIC) annual symposium in Elora June 20, saw a $40,000 increase in funding to $110,000 thanks to the ongoing financial support from LRIC, Grand River Agricultural Society, Western Fair Association, Ontario Agricultural College and the Ontario Veterinary College. 

Dr. Chowdhury’s $70,000 will advance his research on the emerging role of generative AI in Getting Research into Practice (GRIP) and the awareness, collaboration and knowledge mobilization of innovative ideas related to livestock, agri-food and climate change misinformation. Chowdhury will present the outcomes of his livestock research information in actionable platform formats, including videos, plain language summaries, blogs and other forms of social communication.

Dr. Workenhe, who previously received an ECRA in 2022, will continue genomic tool research to study the connection between the Avian Flu’s host interactions and reoccurring outbreaks in poultry and other livestock species. The data generated will inform the development of effective treatments against infection, reduction of economic impact and prevention of potential human health impacts.

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