The University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is at the forefront of shaping a stronger, more sustainable food and agricultural system. With a 150-year legacy of developing leaders in agriculture and food, OAC takes a holistic approach to addressing the sector's most pressing challenges by integrating social, scientific, and business perspectives. As we celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day, we honor the farmers, food producers, and innovators who ensure Canadians have access to safe, nutritious, and abundant food. From advancing soil health and environmental sustainability to improving food supply chains, OAC’s faculty, students and alumni are making remarkable strides to strengthen Canada’s agri-food system and inspire the next generation of leaders in this vital industry.
Discover the impact of OAC’s faculty and alumni:
Improving the wellness and care of animals
Dr. Alexandra Harlander exemplifies the spirit of Canadian agriculture through her groundbreaking work to improve the welfare of domestic birds—the most numerous farmed land animals worldwide. Her research addresses key challenges like feather-pecking, keel bone fractures, and air quality, offering practical solutions to enhance bird well-being and advance sustainable farming practices. A dedicated mentor and collaborator, Dr. Harlander inspires the next generation of scientists and innovators. On Canada’s Agriculture Day, we celebrate her leadership and lasting contributions to animal welfare and the Canadian agri-food sector.
Helping Feed a Nation
Meet Adam, a U of G Ridgetown Campus graduate, that turned his 2-year agriculture diploma into a successful career in agri-tech sales. Adam loved his experiences at Ridgetown, which gave him valuable experience and skills that he uses everyday.
"Ridgetown gave me both the classroom learning and hands-on learning in the field. Learning with the crops and animals made the technical side of agriculture more clear and relevant."
OAC’s Soils at Guelph initiative plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable soil management practices across Ontario. The initiative fosters knowledge exchange among researchers, farmers, industry leaders, government officials, and the public. Currently, the team at Soils at Guelph are helping to populate OMAFRA’s Soil Health Assessment and Plan tool (SHAP) database designed to enhance Ontario’s capacity for soil health assessment and interpretation. Ontario farmers interested in participating can join efforts to expand the database by contacting soils@uoguelph.ca, thereby contributing to this essential initiative for Ontario's agricultural future. Soils at Guelph will cover the cost of one analysis per field or orchard on a first-come-first serve basis throughout 2025.
Producing food despite the effects of changing climate
Dr. Deus Mugabe, an OAC Plant Agriculture PhD graduate, has built a career dedicated to enhancing global food security through plant genetics. Growing up in Rwanda, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of food insecurity, which motivated him to pursue agricultural science. Now working at Bayer Crop Science, Deus plays a crucial role in developing genetically improved corn varieties for Canada and the northeastern U.S. His work translates advanced genetic research into practical agricultural solutions that boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact. By breeding resilient, resource-efficient crops, Deus contributes to a more sustainable agricultural system in Canada, helping farmers optimize yields while reducing ecological strain.
Protecting valuable farmland
Martin Straathof, an alumnus of the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), is making a significant impact as the Executive Director of the Ontario Farmland Trust. Growing up on a dairy farm in Renfrew County, Martin developed a deep-rooted connection to agriculture and rural communities, which has shaped his career. At OAC, Martin earned his MSc in Rural Planning and Development where he researched development-supported agriculture as an innovative solution to balancing farmland preservation and community growth. As a candidate member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), Martin combines his expertise in agricultural planning, policy, and sustainable development with his passion for protecting farmland. His leadership at the Ontario Farmland Trust exemplifies his commitment to ensuring Ontario’s agricultural lands remain productive and vibrant for future generations.
"Protecting Ontario's farmland is critical to supporting a healthy and resilient Canadian agri-food sector. At the Ontario Farmland Trust, we work with farmers, communities, and policymakers to preserve the agricultural landscapes that feed our nation and beyond. By safeguarding farmland today, we're ensuring future generations have the foundation needed to produce fresh, local food and maintain a thriving agri-food economy." – Martin Straathof, Executive Director, Ontario Farmland Trust
Supporting a healthy and prosperous food supply chain
Dr. Mike Von Massow's research is dedicated to enhancing Canada's food supply chain by analyzing its structure and performance in response to evolving consumer preferences and other key factors. His work explores areas such as food labeling, innovative food products, animal welfare, and antibiotic use, shedding light on their influence across the food value chain. He also collaborates on interdisciplinary projects like the Guelph Food Waste Research Project, which aims to identify inefficiencies and minimize waste throughout the supply chain. Combining academic expertise with practical industry experience, Dr. Von Massow helps shape public policy and private strategies to build a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Ensuring food is safe and nutritious
Dr. Michael Rogers' research plays a pivotal role in advancing the Canadian food system by addressing the health impacts of dietary fats in processed foods. His work focuses on developing innovative technologies to replace harmful saturated and trans-fats with healthier unsaturated oils, while preserving the desired texture and physical properties of food products. By exploring ingredient technologies that can gel unsaturated oils, Dr. Rogers aims to create sustainable, long-term solutions for improving the nutritional quality of foods. His research emphasizes a proactive approach, advocating for foundational changes in food manufacturing processes that prioritize health and align with the evolving needs of consumers and the food industry.
“My work aims to improve the nutritional quality of processed foods. Together, agriculture and food science can drive meaningful change that benefit consumers and public health.”
