2023 Bursary | Comber Agricultural Society – The Comber Fair

Here are our 2023 recipients:

Declan Armstrong, Belle River

First year University of Guelph in Bachelor of Science Agriculture
Future plans include expanding the family farm and personally own 1000 acres of land by the age of 40
Aspires to use new gained knowledge of techniques, share experiences and learn from peers by joining farm groups such as Grain Farmers of Ontario

Joshua Buchanan, Comber

First year University of Guelph in Environmental Sciences
Future plans include assisting in taking over family farm while going into research regarding soil and plant health impact by soil erosion, organic matter and drainage
Aspires to a career in field research specializing in agronomy to increase sustainability of farms

Holly Rose Daponte-McCracken, Staples

First year of St Clair College in Developmental Services Worker
Future plans include taking care of retired farmers who spent their entire lives taking care of land and livestock to provide us with food
Aspires to use her agriculture background and experiences to relate to elderly farmers as she cares for them

Braedon Douglas, Staples

First year University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus in Agriculture
Future plans include being a farmer and using knowledge gained to implement and take advantage of cleaner and safer procedures of farming operations
Aspires to bring Essex County to the forefront of agriculture in Ontario and Canada while networking with other young farmers

Maeve Gatt, Lasalle

First year University of Guelph in Biology and Wildlife Conservation
Future plans include becoming a park ranger to help manage forests and natural habitats
Aspires to use her new gained knowledge to improve the overall environment and advocate the importance of preserving land for agriculture, recreation and habitat

Ella Gazdig, Comber

First year University of Guelph in Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Future plans include work as an Ecologist to deal with challenges within the food system, one being Phragmites which is an invasive species that is toxic to other plants such as grain crops
Aspire to help farmers manage nutrients within water, soil and plants

Tuesday Kristiansen, Kingsville

University of Guelph in Masters Program of Science in Plant Agriculture
Future plans include focusing on sustainable pest management solutions for farmers especially corn root worm control in corn
Aspires to a career in sales or technical agronomy to help farmers to implement solutions or mitigate strategies for the farm’s profit and sustainability

Laura Vandendool, Wallaceburg

First year University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus in Associate Degree Agriculture
Future plans include continuing to work in the family’s field crop production and to continue to build her beef herd
Aspires to obtain a certificate in artificial insemination while improving her level of care for cattle doing pregnancy checks, delivering calves, vaccinating calves and cows and trimming hooves