8 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | November 2024 Beyond the Barn University of Guelph researcher and associate professor Dr. Charlotte Winder has been recognized for her studies on improving the health of cattle and small ruminants. Winder, along with six other researchers, recently received 2024 Research Excellence Awards. The awards are given to tenured faculty members who have accomplished significant research, training, and knowledge mobilization achievements at the U of G. According to a university press release, “the awards help raise the profile of these researchers among external funding agencies and shine a spotlight on the work happening.” Winder focuses her research on issues producers struggle with while improving the health and productivity of ruminant farm animals. She also served as a member of the scientific committee for the 2023 update for the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle, and is on the Scientific Committee for the Sheep Code update that has just started. “The goal of my research program is to investigate questions around animal health and welfare that have practical applications on farms,” Winder recently told Better Farming. More specifically, she said her studies aim to improve animal health and welfare on farms, and identify what supports are needed to improve management practice. Her research also seeks to provide farmers with improved solutions when dealing with down cows. Winder is currently conducting work with Ontario cow-calf producers to better understand the challenges associated with the adoption of biosecurity practices. Winder pointed out that “results will help inform extension efforts from veterinarians and other onfarm advisors to better understand the challenges associated with adopting biosecurity practices, as well as factors associated with adoption of improved practices. “By studying the adoption of different calf management practices such as weaning strategies, vaccination programs, and preconditioning, we can identify changes made within the industry over the past 10 years. “This will help us look into how and why practices were changed on specific farms, which will inform extension efforts to help further positive changes in the industry.” BF University of Guelph photo U OF G RESEARCHER IS RECOGNIZED Dr. Charlotte Winder at work in the barn. A FARMING LIFE: ROBERT CLEGHORN Farmer, husband, father, councillor, and deputy reeve. Born July 5, 1941; died Aug. 29, 2024. Robert J. Cleghorn of Guelph was a lifelong farmer with a passion for cropping. “Dad was born, raised, and then lived on the farm his entire life,” son Rob Cleghorn tells Better Farming. “He purchased the farm from his dad in 1963. Initially, it was a 40-head dairy operation, but he knew his true passion was in the field, and not in the barn.” After two years, Robert sold his herd and quota in 1965. “He was a cash-crop farmer moving forward, and never looked back. His true passion was the farm, and being productive and efficient with crop rotation and producing the highest yield.” Robert and his wife Carolyne (nee Tovell) were together for 61 years and had two children, Rob and Lee Anne. Rob shares that Robert passed down his admirable work ethic. “Dad taught me how to work, and that hard work is the key to your goals and your ultimate success,” Rob says. “He taught me how to have respect for people, for possessions ... “As a boy, I recall him coming into my room on Saturday mornings and pulling on my toes, and telling me it’s time to get up. Even if he had nothing for me to do … which was rare, because there’s always something to do on the farm!” Robert was also involved as a councillor and deputy reeve for Guelph Township. When he wasn’t farming, he enjoyed an annual fishing trip he would take with his dad, brother-inlaw, and Rob. BF - Leslie Stewart Robert J. Cleghorn
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