News
OFA awards education bursaries to three Ontario agriculture students

Three Ontario post-secondary students were awarded education bursaries today in Hamilton, Ont. at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA) annual general meeting (AGM).

Robert Matson of Caledon, Nolan McLarty of West Lorne and Natalie Templeton of Kemptville were chosen from 54 entrants, the highest ever received in the fourth year of OFA’s bursary program. Winners were selected based on their volunteer and agricultural industry related accomplishments, interest in agriculture and rural issues, community involvement and academic performance. They will each receive $2,000 to assist with their post-secondary education in an agricultural program.

Robert Matson is completing his master of science in animal bioscience at the University of Guelph. He was raised on a dairy, turned cash crop farm in Caledon and is still very active on the farm today. Robert is a graduate of the 4-H program, worked for DuPont Pioneer as an agricultural research assistant and volunteered extensively during his time at the University of Ottawa where he completed his undergraduate degree. Robert is actively involved with Scouts Canada, is a 4-H leader and a director for the Albion Bolton Agricultural Society.

Nolan McLarty is currently enrolled in the agriculture diploma program at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, and hopes to farm and be actively involved in the agri-business industry. Nolan farms with his family on their beef and cash crop operation in West Lorne, and has his own herd of purebred Limousin cattle. He has been recognized with many achievements in 4-H, including the Top Senior Member Award for two years in a row. Nolan is active with the Beef Farmers of Ontario organization, taking part in their AGM as a voting delegate representing his county.

Natalie Templeton is a fourth year bachelor of science in agriculture student at the University of Guelph, specializing in animal science and plans to pursue a career in agriculture near her family dairy farm in Kemptville. Her academic achievements include qualifying for the Dean’s List and being selected for several scholarships based on her marks and extracurricular involvement. Natalie is very active in the farm business, with responsibilities that include calf rearing, bookkeeping, cropping and caring for show animals. Natalie’s involvement in the farm, combined with her participation in 4-H and many extracurricular activities at university, have fostered her passion for dairy nutrition and genetics.

OFA’s bursary program was open to students and employees of OFA member families entering or currently pursuing a post-secondary education in an agricultural program. Winners were awarded regionally, with one winner from each region across the province including central, southwestern, and northern and eastern Ontario. Bursary funds were raised at OFA’s 2018 annual general meeting silent auction.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province.