University of Guelph appoints new OAC Dean Thursday, July 7, 2016 by SUSAN MANNRene Van Acker, a University of Guelph professor and associate dean with extensive expertise in weed management and biosafety, was appointed the new dean of the Ontario Agricultural College for a five-year term starting Sept. 1.Charlotte Yates, provost and vice president (academic) announced Van Acker’s appointment July 5. She chaired a hiring committee made up of faculty, students and staff that conducted an international search for the new dean.Van Acker is currently the Ontario Agricultural College’s associate dean (external relations) and a professor in the department of plant agriculture. He chaired the department from 2006 to 2009.The hiring committee was impressed by Van Acker’s dedication and commitment to OAC, particularly his work as associate dean during a period of great change and fiscal challenges, according to the university’s July 5 press release.OAC is already working on building its capacity for students to be successful in their studies along with being focused on efforts to help grow the food and agricultural sector provincially, nationally and internationally. Van Acker says those are his two key priorities too as he takes over the helm of the college.“At the University of Guelph we have a new executive that has been very supportive of the food and agriculture sectors and I think that bodes well for OAC,” he notes. Van Acker, a graduate from OAC, says it’s a tremendous honour to be named dean.“I’m thrilled,” he notes. “I’ve very excited and very happy.”Van Acker holds a bachelor of science degree in crop science and a master’s degree in weed science. His PhD degree is in crop weed ecology from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.Van Acker says he’s humbled to have been selected from the pool of international applicants.“I take this as a tremendous opportunity and also a tremendous responsibility,” he notes. BF New noise protection requirements for Ontario farms Slight decline in farm input index reflects stable prices in agriculture says expert
$18.4M Boost for Canadian Cereal Grain Innovation Thursday, September 19, 2024 Gate Project Receives Major Funding for Research Canada's position as a pioneer in cereal grain research is set to strengthen with the Gate Capital Campaign raising $18.4 million. This funding will support the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative, a project... Read this article online
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Youth Council Welcomes new Members Saturday, September 14, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural... Read this article online