TORONTO – Five young people pursuing careers in agriculture have each won a bursary of $2,000 from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).
The undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship awards were presented at the OFA’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto in November.
“This year’s recipients are passionate about agriculture, dedicated to their communities, and determined to build strong futures for themselves, their families, and the industry,” says Drew Spoelstra, president of the OFA.
“It’s crucial to recognize the emerging talent entering the agricultural sector, and we’re proud to support these young individuals as they embark on their careers.
Through these bursaries, we celebrate their potential and look forward to helping them achieve their goals and contribute to the growth of our industry.”
The bursary program is open to applicants who live in Ontario, are OFA members, or the child or employee of an OFA member.
Applications are judged based on demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in the community, and varied accomplishments in both school and the agriculture industry.
Alaina MacDonald from Clifford won the Postgraduate Bursary.
MacDonald is a veterinarian and PhD candidate in Population Medicine at the University of Guelph, focusing on One Health—exploring the links between human, animal, and environmental health.
With a background in veterinary training and research on emerging diseases at the livestock-wildlife-human interface, MacDonald has contributed to multiple international conferences and publications.
She has also volunteered in Uganda and Tanzania, strengthening her commitment to global agriculture and public health.
MacDonald remains active in her rural community through 4-H and zoonotic disease education, with aspirations to make significant contributions to global health and veterinary medicine.
Mary Brander from Rockwood won the Undergrad Bursary.
Brander is in her second year of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Guelph, majoring in Animal Science.
Growing up on a family farm and participating in 4-H, she is passionate about animal health, particularly in large animal veterinary care.
Brander has gained practical experience through co-op work placements and aims to prevent and treat diseases in food animals. She is also deeply involved in community service, including 4-H leadership and charity work, and is committed to advancing the agricultural industry and animal health.
Bobby Robinson from Finch won the Apprenticeship Bursary.
Kaylee Wells from Jasper won the Undergraduate Bursary.
And Kyla Lewis from Dorchester won the Undergraduate Bursary.
Funds raised at the silent auction held at this year’s AGM will go toward OFA’s 2025 Bursary Program.
Generous donations from federations, individuals, businesses help make programs like these possible every year.
An extensive list of available scholarships and bursaries for all post-secondary students interested in pursuing a career in the agriculture industry is available on the OFA website at ofa.on.ca.
