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Nicole Mackellar receives Nuffield scholarship

July 21, 2016 - Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) has announced Nicole Mackellar as the recipient of the 2017 GFO-sponsored Nuffield scholarship. Mackellar plans to use the scholarship to study the possibilities for branding of commodities that are further processed into ingredients.

The scholarship is valued at $15,000 and goes to a selected grains and oilseed producer in Ontario to give them the opportunity to study internationally. To be considered for this scholarship, individuals must demonstrate that their study will benefit the Ontario Grains sector and community.

“I have seen the benefit that Nuffield Scholarships have made in the past through networking opportunities, new ideas and experiences, and we are pleased to again sponsor the Grain Farmers of Ontario Nuffield Scholarship,” said Barry Senft, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “I would like to offer my congratulations to Nicole and look forward to seeing her study progress to benefit the Ontario grains industry.”

With a push from consumers to buy local, Nicole plans to use the Nuffield Scholarship to study methods to brand end-use products, so they are recognized as containing Ontario grains.  She will look to other countries, like Australia, to develop the best model to increase both domestic and export sales.

“The Nuffield scholarship will allow me to connect with colleagues around the world and apply that to Ontario to help increase utilization and market share of Ontario grains,” said Nicole Mackellar, manager of market development, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “This opportunity would not be possible without Nuffield Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario.”

Mackellar obtained her honours bachelor of arts from McMaster University specializing in economics and psychology. She has nearly a decade of experience in the marketing industry and now works as manager of market development for Grain Farmers of Ontario. Mackellar grew up on a beef and cash crop farm in Middlesex County, and continues to be active in its operations during the busy spring and fall seasons.

This is the second year Grain Farmers of Ontario has sponsored a Nuffield Scholarship. Tony Balkwill, last year’s recipient, is currently studying the challenges of accurately modernizing historical soil type maps into field specific management zones.

July 21, 2016  By Top Crop Manager