Ontario Agriculture College students on a plot tour in the late 1920s.

‘College on the Hill’ celebrates 150 years

Guelph location for Ontario Agricultural College came only after earlier plans for Toronto, Mimico

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is celebrating 150 years of history, having first opened its doors in May 1874. Organizers of upcoming events celebrating the 150th anniversary put their promotion into high gear at the end of April, most notably through a YouTube video featuring a well-known alumnus who has been involved with the University […] Read more

Ontario Agricultural College Celebrates 150th Anniversary

Ontario Agricultural College Celebrates 150th Anniversary

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is celebrating 150 years of history, having first opened its doors in May 1874. It is one of the University of Guelph’s three founding colleges. From May 1 until the end of the year, the OAC will celebrate its 150-year history with a range of events, projects and activities that reflect its achievements and […] Read more

Pick Family Chair in Sustainable Cropping Systems appointed

Dr. Adrian Correndo joined the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) as the new Pick Family Chair in Sustainable Cropping Systems in November. Based in the Department of Plant Agriculture, Dr. Correndo brings a wealth of global experience in agronomy and agricultural science to the University of Guelph and OAC, the university said in a release. This new […] Read more

(Video screengrab from University of Guelph/OAC video via YouTube)

OAC to offer new master’s program in plant agriculture

New program would run alongside research-based degrees

Ontario Agricultural College is seeking approvals to offer a new master’s degree in plant agriculture, which would designate plant science professionals operating at a grad-school level but not on the traditional research-based path. OAC said Wednesday its proposed new “master of plant agriculture” (MPAg) program would allow recent graduates and professionals to “quickly upgrade education […] Read more


Rene Van Acker.

Van Acker reappointed Dean of Ontario Agricultural College

Dr. Rene Van Acker has been reappointed dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) for a five-year term, effective Sept. 1, 2021.  “Under Dr. Van Acker’s leadership and guidance, OAC has experienced incredible growth and attained new levels of excellence, allowing us to remain at the forefront of agriculture and food, nationally and globally,” Dr. Gwen Chapman, […] Read more

University of Guelph Ridgetown campus sign.

Ridgetown Campus looking for new director

Ken McEwan will be returning to research and teaching

The search is on for the 11th director of the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, in preparation for the end of Ken McEwan’s stint. McEwan will be director until June 2020. He will then support new infrastructure initiatives on the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus for a transitionary year, with a focus on completing fundraising […] Read more

The new meat science laboratory includes a student observation deck.

Federally licensed university abattoir upgraded

University of Guelph abattoir helps small research projects get processed

The University of Guelph is home to the only federally licensed university abattoir in Canada. The almost 50-year-old facility recently underwent a $2.5 million overhaul, re-opening last year as a modern meat science laboratory. Why it matters: Large commercial abattoirs find it difficult to accommodate small pilot projects and most smaller plants lack the necessary […] Read more


Kemptville College alumni peruse artifacts and memorabilia from their college days in the newly opened Kemptville College Alumni Historical Building.

Kemptville alumni open memorabilia building

The building will provide a place of focus for graduates of the now-closed college

The historical artifacts from Kemptville College have a new home. The grand opening of a new building for the now-defunct college’s artifacts was celebrated at the alumni’s annual reunion held at the Lombardy Fairgrounds over the Aug. 24 weekend. Why it matters: Kemptville College educated generations of Ontario farmers before it was closed in 2015. […] Read more

Why won’t consumers listen?

Why won’t consumers listen?

Farmers have been trying to engage consumers for years — yet the work has had little impact

It happens at farm meetings across Canada. Speakers use words like “engagement” and then talk about how farmers can use Twitter and Facebook to influence people. This has been happening for years at agricultural conferences across Canada. Because of all those presentations, thousands of producers now use social media to connect with consumers and explain […] Read more