Ottawa, ON – Six exceptional men and women from across Canada have been selected to receive scholarships to challenge themselves in self-directed research programs with international travel and experiential learning thanks to Nuffield Canada and its generous sponsors.
“This unique scholarship opportunity develops new influencers who will reshape our Canadian agricultural sector with innovation, global perspectives and leadership,” says Blake Vince, Chair of Nuffield Canada and 2013 Scholar. “Nuffield Canada is part of a global network of Nuffield alumni which supports fellow scholars in their travel studies necessary to see agriculture from a global perspective.”
Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production, industry, or governance of agriculture, and are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research an agriculturally relevant issue of their choosing. Each scholar prepares a written report of their research findings and then presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors and industry leaders in attendance.
Introducing Our 2024 Scholars
Sally Bernard is co-owner of Barnyard Organics in Freetown, PEI, an organic grains and livestock farm as well as a feed mill serving the Maritime region. Sally’s topic will explore the incorporation of grazing within cropping rotations, particularly under organic or regenerative farming systems. Sally’s sponsor is the PEI Department of Agriculture.
Cheryl Haskett, from Bright, ON, is a corporate facilitator, speaker and the founder of Udderly Ridiculous – an award-winning goat milk ice cream company and Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life a multi award-winning agritourism destination located in Bright, ON. Cheryl’s topic will examine the growth and impacts of agri-tourism on primary agriculture, tourism, and the community. The project will aim to offer a framework for agri-tourism in Canada to offer a consistent definition, criteria, and standards of practice. Cheryl’s sponsor is Nuffield Canada.
Lauren Benoit, from London, ON, is a Technical Solutions Agronomist with Bayer CropScience. She leads the research and knowledge transfer strategy for all Dekalb seed and Bayer crop protection products in the territory. She has a Masters degree in Plant Agriculture from the University of Guelph. Outside of work she is an active member of the Grain Farmers of Ontario Research and Innovation committee. Lauren’s topic of study will focus on understanding research collaborations between public, private and industry groups to leverage research dollars and knowledge sharing more effectively across organizations. Lauren’s sponsor is Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Matt McIntosh, is a freelance journalist, communications professional, and grain farmer based near Wheatley, Ontario. Operating under his brand, The Rural PhilosoFer, Matt maintains particular focus on agriculture, science, environment, social, and other issues. He is investigating programs, initiatives, and other efforts to help farmers (as well as landowners more generally) re-establish or conserve ecologically and culturally significant spaces – without harming farm viability. Matt is sponsored by Nuffield Canada.
Renny Grilz is the co-owner of Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company in Aberdeen, SK and the Resource Management Officer for Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, SK. Renny was presented the Distinguished Agrologist designation from the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologist, in 2023. Renny’s project will examine how native seed industry networks can meet native seed supply requirements for global biodiversity restoration objectives. The second part of his project will look at the potential development of a native plant seedbank for the Prairies. Renny’s sponsor is the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Tatum Claypool is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and a Senior Relationship Manager on the FCC Indigenous Financing Team and resides in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Prior to FCC, Tatum owned a small, f ine dining restaurant for 12 years on the West Coast of British Columbia and is a certified Sommelier. Her topic of study is the Resurgence of Indigenous People in Agriculture. Tatum’s sponsor is Farm Credit Canada.
About Nuffield Canada
Nuffield Canada attracts mid-career men and women with a passion for agriculture who are ready to challenge themselves in a self-directed program of international travel and study. The experience results in personal and professional benefits, while adding value to Canadian agriculture as scholars assume positions of greater influence in their fields.
For scholar sponsors, Nuffield Canada offers a pathway for leadership development within organizations. Producers, customers, clients and employees can be recognized for their leadership potential and encouraged to apply. Each year, applications are accepted from April 1 through June 30. For more information visit www.nuffield.ca.
“If you’re interested in an experience that will change your life and career,” claims Vince, “then learn more about these innovative scholarship opportunities today.”
Nuffield Canada, a registered Canadian charity, is over 150 alumni strong. As part of a larger international community, Nuffield Canada has affiliate organizations in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Zimbabwe. Scholar recipients instantly become members of the 1900 global Nuffield alumni network, which hosts and supports traveling scholars.
For more information contact:
Theresa Whalen, Executive Director, Nuffield Canada (613) 325-7321