Maddie McCandless is Ridgetown Campus’ Equine Facilities Coordinator. She graduated from the equine major of our Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management degree in 2013 and has been working in the equine industry since. She typically works from the REACH Huron location in Clinton, Ontario, managing Ridgetown’s teaching barn and horses, but recently transitioned to working from home. She chatted with us from her home in Minden, Ontario.
Brittney Livingston holds an associate diploma in agriculture and a bachelor of science in agriculture from OAC. She works in national advertising sales support for the Western Producer, owns and operates Calehill Farms in Orton Ontario with her husband Andrew and has three boys under the age of five (Travis, Emmet and Mason). So she’s keeping busy to say the least. We recently reached out to Brittany to see how her and her family are doing.
Matt Colley is a two time graduate from the Univeristy of Guelph (B.A GEOG and MSc Planning) and now works as a development planner with the Region of Waterloo. Like many of us Matt is now working from home, so we checked in with him to see how he's doing.
Emma Puckering is an OAC alumna (BSc. ABIO 2018) and current vet student at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Like all U of G students, Emma has been adjusting to a new routine as classes shift to online, but she is happy to have her two dogs, Lady and Ireland, at home to help with study breaks! We recently connected with her to find out how she’s doing.
Brian Little (ADA ’67, B.Sc.Agr. ’72, M.Sc. ’78) retired 10 years ago from his role of National Manager, Agricultural and Agricultural Business with RBC. Brian had a 30-year career in agricultural banking and finance and an extensive volunteer resume. He’s dedicated countless hours to serve his alma mater, industry and community. We recently chatted with him on the phone to see how he is doing during these uncertain times. In his typical fashion, he also had some thoughtful advice to share.
*** Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of Q&As featuring OAC community members to showcase how people are coping with our uncertain - but collective - state. We’re hoping these will help connect and support our community (in a small way) during these isolating and challenging times. Look after yourself and those around you. ***
Alyssa Gingras is a two-time OAC alumna (BSc. ENVB 2017, MES 2018) and a sales agronomist with Sharpe Farm Supplies. Although her day-to-day work is not significantly affected by the changes brought by COVID-19, she still adjusting to a new routine. We recently connected with her to find out how she’s doing.
*** Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of Q&As featuring OAC community members to showcase how people are coping with our uncertain - but collective - state. We’re hoping these will help connect and support our community (in a small way) during these isolating and challenging times. Look after yourself and those around you. ***
Meagan Griffiths
Precision Agronomist CCA-ON, 4R NMS, FS PARTNERS
B.Sc. (Agr.) Crop, Horticultural and Turfgrass Sciences, 2012; M.Sc. Plant Agriculture, 2014
Meagan Griffiths works in precision agriculture. It’s not a career she planned on pursuing, but she’s found a fit for her interests and skillset in this dynamic part of the sector. She shares more about her current role and tips for current students who are staring off their careers.
Shannon Labelle recently graduated in October 2019 with an M.Sc. in Rural Planning and Development, but she landed her dream job four months before graduation! She recently sat down with us to chat about her role, Indigenous planning and her transition into the workplace.