The announcement was made March 7 by the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). Dr. Aicklen will be based at the University’s Ridgetown Campus where her research will directly benefit Ontario’s bean growers by identifying innovative and sustainable solutions for weed management, the OAC said in a release. She will also play a key role in teaching and mentoring students in Ridgetown’s diploma programs, “helping to train the next generation of agricultural professionals.”

Dr. Aicklen completed her BSc and Ph.D. at the University of Guelph, where her research focused on herbicide resistance in green pigweed populations in southwestern Ontario. The OAC said her work “provided critical insights into effective weed management strategies for Ontario growers.” She previously worked at Cargill Ltd., Syngenta Canada Inc., and Bayer CropScience, where she gained firsthand experience in agronomy, pest management, and grower engagement.

Her hiring is made possible through $2 million in funding from OBG and an anonymous donor. Funding for the professorship was announced last year to ensure weed research continued for dry beans after the retirement of Dr. Peter Sikkema, as well as help support the Huron Research Station for the next 10 years.

Dr. Aicklen’s industry experience and passion for teaching make her an excellent fit for this position, Brett Shepherd, director of U of G’s Ridgetown Campus, said in the release.

“Her expertise in weed science and passion for knowledge-sharing will be an incredible asset to our diploma students, who will gain hands-on experience in the latest weed management strategies.”
The Ontario Bean Growers Professorship in Weed Science is part of a broader effort to support Ontario’s dry bean sector and will boost U of G’s leadership in dry bean research. The recent renewal of the OBG Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty positions at Ridgetown Campus, along with Dr. Aicklen’s appointment, ensures that research and extension efforts continue to serve Ontario’s bean industry for years to come.

“We are excited to work with Dr. Isabelle Aicklen and look forward to continuing the great work of weed management research at the Ontario Crops Research Centre sites in Huron and Ridgetown,” said Jamie Payton, chairman of the Ontario Bean Growers (OBG). “Edible dry-bean growers continue to struggle with invasive weed pressures, like waterhemp, in prime growing regions. Dr. Aicklen’s research is vital in helping farmers provide the best beans in the world by tackling these troublesome weeds resulting in increased yield, quality and profitability.” 
With Ontario producing nearly 100,000 acres of dry beans annually—most of which are exported internationally—investment in research and education remains crucial, the OAC said. Dr. Aicklen’s work at Ridgetown “will help growers optimize production practices and stay ahead of evolving weed management challenges, reinforcing U of G’s commitment to supporting a strong and sustainable agricultural sector.”

The Ontario Crops Research Centre is owned by the Government of Ontario through its agency, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), and is managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.

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The University of Guelph said in a release that Smith will continue to be based out of the Ridgetown Campus, where she has been working as a research scientist since 2019. Smith brings over 15 years of experience in pest and insect resistance management (IRM) for crops and in managing large, internationally recognized field and laboratory research programs.

Through her research, she has partnered with notable organizations such as Grain Farmers of Ontario, OMAFRA, AAFC, Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Corteva and BASF, the U of G release said.

“I have been a part of the Ridgetown Campus for many years, but I am excited to begin this new chapter of my career,” said Smith. “I hope to make an even greater impact on Ontario agriculture through both research and teaching in field crop entomology.”

Smith will teach in Ridgetown’s associate diploma programs and conduct research that contributes to addressing agricultural needs for integrated pest management solutions and the impacts of climate change, sustainable agroecosystems, and food security, the university said.

“We’re excited for Dr. Smith to excel in this new role,” said Brett Shepherd, director of the Ridgetown Campus. “She will play a leading role in connecting with Ontario’s agriculture sector on their pest management and crop production needs and help train the next generation of leaders.”

The university said Smith is a renowned and passionate teacher and researcher in entomology, and learned under the tutelage of Dr. Art Schaasfma, a former professor at Ridgetown Campus. In 2023, Smith won the University of Guelph Faculty Association’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“I really enjoy interacting with students from different backgrounds who are passionate about starting their career in agriculture,” says Dr. Smith. “I believe it is crucial for those going into the industry to understand the importance of sustainable, responsible, integrated pest management and insect resistance management.”

In the coming months, Ridgetown is expected to announce a new faculty hire in plant pathology.

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The funding, announced Jan. 5 at the Ontario Agricultural Conference, will support a new Grain Farmers of Ontario Professorship in Field Crop Pathology at University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus. A faculty member will be appointed this year in the department of plant agriculture within the university’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).

Why it matters: There are new and damaging fungal pests showing up in Ontario, such as tar spot, and this role will help research those diseases in crops on location in the province.

“This funding support from Grain Farmers of Ontario is significant for farmers and farms across Ontario,” said Brett Shepherd, Ridgetown Campus director. “It’s critically important that we be proactive, not just reactive, in identifying and developing strategies against these pathogens.” 

Shepherd said the new position is intended to maintain the university’s leading expertise in field crop research and teaching.  

“Expanding our understanding of diseases that affect agriculture is a vital component of safeguarding crops and building more sustainable food systems,” said University of Guelph President Dr. Charlotte Yates.  

“We are grateful to the Grain Farmers of Ontario for investing in and partnering with our Ridgetown Campus through this new professorship that will support farmers and consumers through critical field crop pathology research.”   

“We are so grateful to Grain Farmers of Ontario and its farmer members for their generous donation to establish this important professorship,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, dean of OAC. “The organization continues to show its dedication to research and education in agriculture through real action.  

“Through this support, we can recruit a top-notch new faculty member to support the ever-evolving needs of Ontario’s farmers.”  

The new gift comes from the Grain Farmers of Ontario Legacy Fund, established in 2022.  

Brendan Byrne, Grain Farmers of Ontario chair, said, “Field crops are the foundation of every food system in the world, and ensuring a focus on excellence in field crop research is vital to farming and the food security enjoyed by Canadians. Grain Farmers of Ontario recognizes the need for this position and supports the University of Guelph’s ongoing commitment to understanding disease, crop resiliency and more.”  

Ontario grain crops generate about $4.1 billion a year and support 75,000 jobs across the province. Six million acres of grain crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and oats, are grown by 28,000 farmers across the province.  

The provincial organization has long supported U of G research and teaching, including co-funding the Grain Farmers of Ontario Professorship in Wheat Breeding and Genetics.   

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In an on-campus announcement Oct. 19, public servants and university staff described the soon-to-be 12,000 square foot facility as a long-awaited replacement for the current and much-dated field crop services building.

Why it matters: The new crop research facility is a first step in the school’s overall goal to modernize its infrastructure.

Malcolm Campbell, the university’s vice-president of research, says the facility’s modern design and equipment will provide a more efficient and collaboration-friendly work environment. Research on tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn, seed corn, wheat, soybeans, and other crops will all happen within its walls.

The building itself will include six different labs, a variety of analysis rooms, cold storage, drying space, and equipment storage areas. The total investment from the province and the university is $6.5 million. The investment itself is being made through the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario – the corporate body which reports directly to the provincial agriculture minister and own agriculture research lands in Ontario.

Rick Nicholls, MPP for Leamington and Chatham-Kent, and Randy Pettapiece, parliamentary assistant to the provincial agriculture minister and MPP for Perth-Wellington said the investment is part of the government’s plan to help Ontario’s agriculture sector modernize, stay competitive, and recover from what has been a considerably strenuous economic year. Campbell specifically identified lucrative export markets, such as that for food-grade soybeans in Japan, as an example where Ontario should leverage innovation investments to stay prominent.

Pettapiece and Rene Van Acker, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, also hope the investment might help attract new researchers and students destined for careers in a sector where job opportunities consistently outnumber people.

“The demand always outstrips our supply,” Van Acker says.

Construction began at the end of September this year, and is expected to conclude in the spring of 2022.

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“Brett has the professional managerial skills that are required to lead the campus into a new era of innovation and growth,” said Rene Van Acker, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). “He has demonstrated innovation and his ability to motivate people to create and drive new ideas and initiatives. Brett is also from the area and understands the importance of Ridgetown campus to southwestern Ontario, as well as its impact on agriculture education and production throughout the province.”

Why it matters: The Ridgetown campus is the only remaining college campus with a large agriculture curriculum and continues to educate many young farmers.

Shepherd, who is a two-time graduate of the University of Guelph follows an external search conducted by Prime Management Group based in London, Ont.

As Ridgetown’s 11th director, he will oversee critical, day-to-day business functions of the campus.

Most recently, Shepherd was director of operations for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB) southwest region. Earlier, he was director for intergovernmental affairs and strategic relationships and manager of strategic research at WSIB’s Toronto office.

He completed a BA.Sc. at University of Guelph in 2004 and an MA in leadership in 2014. Shepherd also holds certificates in change management and workplace mental health leadership.

“The campus is a special place with a close-knit community that provides a critical education service to our province and the country,” said Shepherd. “I look forward to helping the campus grow and build upon its solid foundation.”

Shepherd succeeds Ken McEwan, who became director in 2012. Following the completion of his term on Nov. 15, 2020, McEwan will support new infrastructure initiatives on the Ridgetown Campus for the coming year before resuming his role as a college research professor.

“Ken has been a very dedicated director for Ridgetown Campus,” said Van Acker. “I want to take this opportunity to also thank him for his leadership and for his steering of the campus during a period of significant change. Ken has set the campus up well to capture new opportunities and growth.”

A virtual Q and A session with Shepherd, hosted by Van Acker and OAC, will be held Dec. 1 for Ridgetown and Guelph campus staff, faculty, students, alumni and stakeholders.

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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 for the Sustainable Crop Research and Innovation Centre. McEwan will then return to his role as a college research professor in July 2021.

“Ken has been a very dedicated and steady leader for the Ridgetown Campus through times of transition,” says Rene Van Acker, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph.

“I am so pleased that after the end of his term as director he will be continuing to support the campus’ special infrastructure projects to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and partnerships.”

McEwan is well known for his ability to bring external groups, government, industry and the campus together on strategic initiatives.

Under his leadership the campus expanded its administrative capacity with the new Pestell Student Service Centre, opened a new swine education centre, re-launched the equine diploma program and supported strong enrollment trends. The campus has grown and evolved in the core areas of applied education, research and outreach.

“It has been a great privilege to be part of the University of Guelph as the director of the Ridgetown Campus and work within the agricultural sector in a transformational role with
students, staff, and industry partners,” McEwan says.

The OAC dean’s office, to which Ridgetown Campus reports administratively, will launch an external search to fill the director role in the coming days.

The new director is expected to be in place by July 2020.

Ridgetown College is the only remaining college of the original four technical agriculture colleges in the province. It’s now part of the University of Guelph.

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There is currently no method to detect the presence of the phytophthora infestans, making it difficult for growers properly manage late blight, which can wipe out an entire tomato crop.

Why it matters: A lack of pathogen detection makes it difficult for growers to create a proper management plan and causes higher costs because of increased use of fungicides.

“(Currently) if we hear of late blight in Ontario or Ohio, we send an alert to growers so they know the pathogen is in the area, but that’s a bit of a crude method,” says Cheryl Trueman, assistant professor at the Department of Plant Agriculture Vegetable Disease and Insect Management, Ridgetown Campus.

The project is sponsored by Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, Ontario Tomato Research Institute and the Fresh Vegetables of Ontario and is using two new late blight trap styles, across eight sites in Kent County.

Three of the sites contain sentinel tomatoes, unprotected and susceptible types, to help detect the relationship between the trap findings and the late blight symptoms on the foliage.

One site is a validation trial — with expansion to one more site expected by 2021.

The spornado style trap is a passive trap, mainly controlled by wind to allow air particles to flow through and then through a mesh filter, where particles are captured.

The rotorod style is an active trap. It contains a bar, which is set to spin for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off consistently from six in the morning to three in the afternoon. The air particles attach to two rods, which are coated with a sticky silicone.

“You know how much air is passing through (the rotorod), it’s a better constant sampling volume, but the disadvantage is that it requires a power source, where the spornados, you just set them up, that’s it,” says Trueman.

The traps are sampled twice a week and then the components undergo DNA testing to detect the presence of the phytophthora infestans pathogens.

If the pathogen DNA is found, it doesn’t automatically mean that the disease outbreak will occur. All pieces of the pathogenic triangle must be present; the pathogen, susceptible host and the proper environment conducive to the disease.

“We are taking the information we are learning about the traps throughout the season and simulating management decisions, based on what we are finding,” says Trueman.

The Ridgetown site contains a field trial to help understand the best management practices with a positive detection of late blight in the spore traps.

The trial is set up to compare a standard fungicide program, not focused on late blight; a fungicide program that changes to include late-blight-specific fungicides after the positive detection within the spore traps and today’s standard practice, waiting until late blight symptoms are recorded in the area to change the fungicide program.

It will take three years before conclusions can be made to allow for the adequate evaluation of the pathogen findings and the effect on management styles.

“I think from this we will be able to say ‘are the traps performing equally in terms of when they find phytophthora infestans’ but also relating that back to ‘if a grower changes their fungicide program based on what is found in a trap, does that actually benefit, is there a benefit in terms of managing that late blight better?’” says Trueman.

Currently, tomato growers apply fungicides regularly to control fungal disease. Some of these help to control late blight, but several do not. When there is a late blight risk, other products need to be added to the program.

Being able to detect when this occurs and how different management styles affect the presence of the disease will benefit farmers.

To date, five sites have contained positive detections. The sequence of July 15-18 contained one positive detection, the following sequence, July 18–22 contained four positive detections.

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