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Volume 31, Number 2, Summer 2007 For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College AGRICOLA NEWS

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Page 1: For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural ... · For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College AGRICOLA NEWS Take in the events at the Atlantic

Volume 31, Number 2, Summer 2007

Fo r t h e A l u m n i a n d Fr i e n d s o f t h e N o va S c o t i a A g r i c u l t u r a l C o l l e g e

AGRICOLA NEWS

Page 2: For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural ... · For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College AGRICOLA NEWS Take in the events at the Atlantic
Page 3: For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural ... · For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College AGRICOLA NEWS Take in the events at the Atlantic

2006-7 Report to Donors

Message from the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Around & About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Convocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

In Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Look Who’s Talking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

16

Departments

Highlights

17

6Cover Story

The Atlantic Poultry Research Centre on the campusof the Nova Scotia Agricultural College officiallyopened its doors on Wednesday, May 30th. TheCentre, valued at $9.8 million, will provide teachingand research capabilities in all phases of poultry production from hatching to value-added productprocessing.

Atlantic Poultry Research Centre

15

Who we are & What we do Front cover:The Atlantic Poultry Research Centre will provideresearchers at NSAC with a world-class environment toadvance their groundbreaking work in the field of poultry production.

Volume 31, Number 2, Summer 2007

Fo r t h e A l u m n i a n d Fr i e n d s o f t h e N o va S c o t i a A g r i c u l t u r a l C o l l e g e

AGRICOLA NEWS

Take in the events at the Atlantic Agricultural Science andCommunication Workshop (AASCW 2007) being held on theNSAC campus November 15th and 16th, 2007.

13The Grass is Greener in EnglandCarol Goodwin, an Associate Professorin the Department of EnvironmentalSciences at NSAC, has recently returnedfrom her 14th annual trip to WrittleCollege in Chelmsford, England.

a Reality onNSACCampus

Fundraising efforts at NSAC continue to bestrong and show an increasing trend over theprevious five years.

12A Passion for PoliticsDr. Hulan received the rank of Principal ResearchScientist in 1986, the highest level possible with-in the research scientist category in Canada.

You may notice a difference in the types of market-ing activities and creative Nova Scotia AgriculturalCollege (NSAC) is choosing to use this year as partof its 2007 marketing campaign.

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It seems likeonly a few

short monthsago he waslearning to standon his own twofeet and say hisfirst words. Every

day he becomes more independent, moreof his own person; exploring the worldaround him. In another short year, he willbe leaving home for his first day of school -a day I am sure he will handlemuch better than his moth-er.

As quickly as children grow,so too is the Nova ScotiaAgricultural College and thusthe theme for this edition ofthe Agricola News. It hasbeen two years since the uni-versity celebrated its centen-nial in 2005 and things are growing andmaturing on campus at a record pace.

The university has embarked on anotherstrategic planning process which is essen-tial for the continued growth and successof the institution. It engages our entirecommunity, both internal and external, inactive dialogue about key issues, prioritiesand opportunities.The ultimate goal of thestrategic planning process is the develop-ment of a common vision, helping us focusour collective efforts on a select number ofpriorities over the next five years as wework towards the realisation of NSAC’spotential.

Several goals arising from this processinclude increasing the overall enrollmentof NSAC to 1000 students, while ensuringthat the student body is culturally and geo-graphically diverse.

The university also plans to grow academicprogram offerings at the undergraduatelevel which respond to market needs. Aproposed Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelorof Technology in Management will meet

It never ceases to amaze me how fast my nearly 4-year-oldson is growing.

2 Agricola News

A Message from the Editor

AGRICOLA NEWSPublished twice yearly by the NSAC Alumni Association

Editor:Stephanie Rogers

Contributing Writers:Jim Goit, Lucy Uberoi, Adrienne Murray

Design & Layout:Derek Sarty, GaynorSarty Design

AGRICOLA NEWSNova Scotia Agricultural CollegeP.O. Box 550 Truro,Nova Scotia B2N 5E3

phone: (902) 893-7247 fax: (902) 897-939email: [email protected]

Please send your letters, comments or correspondence to:

Mailed under Canada Post Publication Mail Sales AgreementNo. 1537539

Letters

the needs of non-science students. NSACalso plans to grow and diversify graduatelevel offerings and increase the number ofgraduate students by establishing a newPhD program. For more information on ourstrategic planning process please visit:http://nsac.ca/admin/stratplan/

These are just some of the many waysNSAC is growing and changing. New facil-ities continue to be added to campus aswell. The university celebrated the grandopening of the Atlantic Poultry Research

Centre at the end of Maybringing the university tothe forefront of research inthis industry. Please seeour cover article on page 6of this issue.

Our marketing program forNSAC is also growing andchanging, taking a moregrassroots approach. You

can learn more about what we are plan-ning in our article Marketing - Who we areand What we do - on page 16.

Fundraising efforts continue to be strongand show an increasing trend of growthover the previous five years. Our 2006Report to Donors is another highlight ofthis issue.

I certainly hope you enjoy this summerissue of the Agricola News. It may be clichebut the only constant thing in life ischange. Embrace and enjoy the growthand change in your own lives, in whateverform that may take.

Stephanie Rogers

Stephanie,

I’m very pleased with the latest

addition of the Agricola News, it was

a pleasure to read. In particular, I

really enjoyed the new feature

‘Round and About’.

William Abraham Class of 1952

Stephanie,

First of all, thank you very much for

the luggage tags.This is a good sim-

ple idea for getting the “brand” out

there. I shall use them on all my trips.

Secondly, I was reading the latest

edition of the alumni magazine and

I want to congratulate you and your

group for such an excellent issue. It

is professionally done, well-written

and produced. I am glad to see such

an enthusiastic, thoughtful maga-

zine of which we can all be proud.

Well done!

C.D. Caldwell, PhD, NSAC faculty

It has been two yearssince the university celebrated its centennialin 2005 and things are growing and maturingon campus at a recordpace.

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A Message from the President

Summer 2007 3

Dr. Philip Hicks, President

NSAC has shown desirable growth over thelast four years during which time I have

been fortunate enough to serve as its presi-dent.

This growth has been manifested in manyways. Some examples would include thesteady growth in enrolment that we haveenjoyed, since 2003. Another example wouldbe our shiny new poultry facility. And let’s notforget the centennial amphitheatre, theCanadian Centre for Fur Animal Research, theimprovements made to the air handling in CoxInstitute, our ever-more-gorgeous RockGarden, plus of course the plethora of newacademic programs being rolled out regularly.

This growth speaks to the optimism, commit-ment and energy of all who make up the NSACcommunity. I refer here not only to our excel-lent academic faculty but also to our academ-ic and non-academic support staff, students,alumni, collaborators and industrial partners.

Truly, we are fortunate here at NSAC where wecontinue to grow and thereby stand apartfrom our less blessed educational institutionsin the region.

NSAC is special and you have helped make itso.

This growth speaks to theoptimism, commitment andenergy of all who make upthe NSAC community.

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4 Agricola News

...Around & About.... Around & About.... Around & About.... Around & About.... . . .Around & About. . . . Around & About. . . . Around & About. . . . Around & About. . . .

Around & About...

Continued on page 28

Sarah Kimmins,Class of 1999

Science Appliedto Teaching

Sarah Kimmins creditsher success as a scientistto her education at NSACand to the NSAC VicePresident Academic, Dr.Leslie MacLaren.

Sarah, a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, graduated with herBachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie in 1996. She then

pursued her Masters degree at NSAC under the supervision of Dr.Leslie MacLaren. Dr. MacLaren was interested in molecular and hor-monal mechanisms regulating bovine reproduction.

“Leslie taught me how to write research papers, apply for grantsand present research findings, but most of all she taught me howto study science with integrity,”says Sarah.“She basically taught meeverything I know about being a scientist.”

“I wanted Leslie as a supervisor because she studied reproductionand it was a research area that I was attracted to,” says Sarah. Forher Master’s degree, Sarah studied the role of the bovine estrouscycle in the regulation of adhesion proteins on the uterine surface

that had been implicated inembryo attachment. Thegoal of her research was togain insight into whatmakes the uterus receptive.

“The work was importantbecause it identified molec-ular markers of pregnancy

as early as day 16 following breeding, which is very early and also acritical time for embryo survival,“ says MacLaren. Sarah graduatedwith her Master’s degree from NSAC in 1999. After that, she stayedin MacLaren’s lab to work on her Ph.D. Her Ph.D thesis was anextension of her Master’s work. She studied what specific hormon-al factors regulated the timing of expression in the family of adhe-sion proteins involved in uterine receptivity. Sarah received herPh.D from Dalhousie University in 2003.

“During her MSc and PhD, Sarah identified a number of proteinreceptors expressed at the interface between the bovine embryoand its mother’s uterus,” says MacLaren.“She explored the possibleroles of these receptors in the fetomaternal communicationprocess by examining how their expression patterns change in

During her M.Sc. and Ph.D.,Sarah identified a number ofprotein receptors expressed atthe interface between thebovine embryo and its mother’suterus.

Mark DawsonClass of 1980

It’s a Small World

Mark Dawson started in the Engineering program in 1975 andeventually graduated with a Degree Course Diploma from

NSAC in 1980. He then went to the University of Guelph and grad-uated with a BSc. Agr. Degree in 1982.

He then worked in Alberta in agriculture before moving back toOntario in 1986.Today, he lives in Southwestern Ontario in the townof Mitchell and helps manage the operations of a three locationNew Holland Ag & Construction Equipment Dealership that isbased in Mitchell. He met his wife, Laura Taylor, a potter, in Guelphand married in 1997. They have two wonderful sons, Roan (1998)and Luke (2002). Both of them want to be New Holland technicianswhen they grow up!

One of Mark’s NSAC Engineering classmates, John Rudderham, isalso in the dealership business in this area - as one of the owners ofa multi-location John Deere Dealership. It’s a small world.

Ryan BarrettClass of 2002

Jersey Canada Full-Time

Ryan Barrett, from Belmont, PEI completed his B.Sc(Agr.) inAnimal Science in 2002 and then attended the University of

Guelph where he completed an M.Sc. in Animal Science (AnimalBreeding) in 2004. He is a proud four year resident of Fraser Houseand is currently living in Guelph, Ontario. Continued on page 27

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Deanne CardwellClass of 1997

Greetings from theWest Coast.

DeAnna Cardwell aka “Troi”(NSAC Animal Science

Tech ‘97, transferred to FairviewCollege to graduate AnimalHealth Technology ‘98). Sheworks at the Granville IslandVeterinary Hospital in

Vancouver, BC (www.bcpetvet.com). Technolgists provide com-plete support for anesthiology, radiology, surgery support, dentalprophy/care, nursing care and work side-by-side with veterinari-ans from all areas of expertise. Her hospital offers the best of ani-mal care for their patients and has been breaking ground in thearea of animal welfare. One of her co-workers started the

Summer 2007 5

...Around & About.... Around & About.... Around & About.... Around & About.... . . .Around & About. . . . Around & About. . . . Around & About. . . . Around & About. . . .

Carl Duivenvoorden, an alumnus of NSAC and native ofFredericton, New Brunswick, is one of only two AtlanticCanadians tasked with spreading Al Gore’s message on cli-mate change.

Duivenvoorden, a member of the NSAC Class of 1983, was inNashville, Tennessee recently for a training program led by

former US Vice President Al Gore. Now, he’s taking a one-year leaveof absence from his job with Efficiency New Brunswick to spreadMr. Gore’s message about global warming across Atlantic Canada.

“Carl will be spending the next year making presentations aroundhis region, discussing how individuals, businesses, schools andother organizations can be a major part of the solution to thegrowing crisis of global warming,” said Gore.

Gore’s book, “An Inconvenient Truth”, had a huge effect onDuivenvoorden. “Finally, here was a credible author echoing myown concerns about our climate crisis. It was like Global Warming

Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT)to provide assistance toanimals left behind during Hurricane Katrina (Tanya Vardy fromNSAC accompanied the team and helped to save hundreds of ani-mals). Since then, the CAAT has provide spay and neuter clinics inFiji and the Northwest Territories and has made efforts to includeanimals and pets in emergency evacuation procedures in BC. Moreinfo can be found at http:// www.caat-canada.org

Deanne is the proud mom of six-year-old Brooke and three-year-old Lucas and is currently organizing a Human Vaccine Clinic forRabies in the lower mainland of BC, in conjunction with the PublicHealth Department. While there is no great risk in the lower main-land, but there have been reported cases in the wilderness areas.Since people live such active out-door lifestyles with their pets,there is some potential for exposure.

Deanna misses Nova Scotia tremendously and truly values her experience as a student at NSAC. She is proud to have beenpart of such a ground-breaking institution and wishes NSAC thebest in the future.

101, explaining the problem and describing solutions in a clear,simple way,” he says.

After reading the book, Duivenvoorden found out that Mr. Gorewould be training 1000 people to be ‘climate change messengers’,presenting the “Inconvenient Truth” slideshow in their own com-munities to build awareness and promote action. “So of course Ihad to apply,” says Duivenvoorden.“And luckily, I made it into Class6, the final group.”

The training program was led by Gore and a team of renowned sci-entists and environmental educators. Each trainee received anintensive tutorial about issues surrounding global warming, plustechnical training on how to present Gore’s computer-based slideshow. This slide was the basis of his best-selling book and Oscar-winning film,“An Inconvenient Truth.”

“Al Gore is an incredible presenter, with broad knowledge and adeep passion for the issue,” says Duivenvoorden. “He was com-pelling, entertaining, touching and convincing.”

During the training, each participant had to agree to do 10 presen-tations over the next year. Duivenvoorden, however, is hoping todo 100 presentations by the time the year is over.

“I have two young sons, and I’m deeply concerned about the kindof world they will inherit from my generation. I believe solutions tothe global climate crisis are within our reach. However, these solu-tions require action and action will only come when more peopleunderstand the threat of global warming. So my goal is to spreadthe word as widely as I can, to motivate as many people as possibleto take personal action and be part of the solution,” he says.

Duivenvoorden plans to focus his efforts on teachers and students.“Our youth have the greatest stake in the future of our environ-ment and they can be leaders of change in their families too,” hesays. Of course, he’ll welcome the opportunity to speak to anyaudience.“To me, there is no more important message to share.”

Carl Duivenvoorden,Class of 1983

NSAC Alumnus to Deliver Al Gore’s Global Warming Message

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“We are very excited with the openingof this important research facility,” saidAgriculture Minister Brooke Taylor. “Weknow the importance of good nutrition,high quality products and rigorous foodsafety practices. Along with these prior-ities the Centre will also look at innova-tive research opportunities for our

province and region.”

This state-of-the-art facility willallow fundamental research onnutrition, physiology, poultryproduct quality, food safety andpoultry waste managementwhile providing opportunitiesfor the development of newand innovative research direc-tions important to support keyregional and national priorities.

“This new facility will provideresearchers at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College with a world-class environment to advance their groundbreaking work in thefield of poultry production,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President andCEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).“The transfor-mative research that will take place here will have an impact notjust in Canada, but around the world.”

At the core of the research facilities is a complex that will housepoultry under research conditions with state-of-the-art environ-mental controls and computerized data collection to facilitategood science. Phase II will involve a transformation of the currentfeed mill into a nutrition complex capable of large and small batchmixing and commercial-style pelleting of feeds. Phase IIl will see anew fully functional hatchery for generating research stock and a

A reality onNSAC campus

Atlantic Poultry Research Centre

federally inspected processing facility to support food safety andmeat quality research.

“The type of applied research that NSAC is so well-known for isepitomized by this wonderful new Poultry Research Centre,” saidNSAC President Dr. T. Philip Hicks. “Without the support andencouragement of our industrial partners we wouldn’t be heretoday. Once again, NSAC charts the way for research and innova-tion.”

Funding for the 3000 squaremetre Centre has been madepossible through funds allocatedby the Province of Nova Scotia,the Canada Foundation forInnovation and the Nova ScotiaResearch & Innovation Trust.Additional funds have been gen-erously provided by the Nationaland Atlantic Feather industries,Atlantic provincial governmentsand various individual donors.

The Atlantic Poultry Research Centre on the campus of Nova Scotia Agricultural College officially opened its doors onWednesday, May 30th. The Centre, valued at $9.8 million, will provide teaching and research capabilities in all phases of

poultry production from hatching to value-added product processing.

6 Agricola News

The sod was officially turned for the poultry centre on December 7th, 2005 with agreat crowd in attendance.

Participating in the official ribbon cutting May 30th, 2007 included Mr. Mike

Dungate, GM, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Dr. Philip Hicks, NSAC President, Hon.

Brooke Taylor, Minister, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Mr. Ross

McCurdy, Canada Foundation for Innovation Director

Page 9: For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural ... · For the Alumni and Friends of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College AGRICOLA NEWS Take in the events at the Atlantic

The Poultry department at NSAC under the supervision ofprofessor Joseph Landry was very innovative in extendinginformation on poultry raising beyond the campus

Professor Landry organized the first Nova Scotia egg laying con-test to help identify and promote high producing birds. In 1919and in response to requests from the Nova Scotia PoultryAssociation, 30 pens were constructed to accommodate five hensor pullets each. Thirty entries of five birds from owners in manyparts of the province were accepted for trails each year. ProfessorLandry also regularly supplied settings of eggs to school clubs in

Nova Scotia. He also gave extension lectures and reported onresearch projects at meetings of agricultural societies and farmersinstitutes.

The Poultry supply house was added to the farm complex in 1923and was used for storage, instruction and demonstration projectsuntil the 1960s.

History of Poultry Research at NSAC

During World War II, severalefforts were made toimprove the work environ-ments on local farms wherewomen were taking anincreasing amount of lead-ership. The agriculturalengineers ,under the lead-ership of Professor AngusBanting, focused their cre-ativity on the challenge ofimproving the messy andunpleasant task of pluckingchickens. A unique machinewas invented and on July 4,1944, a patent was obtained.

In the early 1960s new Poultry facili-ties were constructed on campus.Poultry I housed the Heritage poultryflocks. Four breeds of chickens, oncecommon on Canadian farms, weremaintained as part of a national pro-gram for conservation of farm animalbiodiversity. Poultry II contained a

1450 hen layer room and floor areas for growing out broilers andturkeys.The floor growing areas consist of a number of small pensfor research and/or student projects. Incubation facilities werelocated in another building on campus.

Poultry I and Poultry 11 provided the facilities for various researchover the next several decades including AI techniques, fertility,nutrition, computerized environmental control systems and muchmore.

In 1989 the Atlantic Poultry Research Institute was establishedthrough collaboration between the poultry industry of AtlanticCanada and regional, provincial and federal institutions involvedin poultry research and is housed on the university’s campus.

Today The Atlantic Poultry Research Centre, valued at $9.8 million,will provide teaching and research capabilities in all phases ofpoultry production from hatching to value-added product pro-cessing.

This state-of-the-art facility will allow fundamental research onnutrition, physiology, poultry product quality, food safety andpoultry waste management while providing opportunities for thedevelopment of new and innovative research directions impor-tant to support key regional and national priorities.

Teaching and research activities related to poultry have been ongoing atNova Scotia Agricultural College since the early 1900s.

Summer 2007 7

A traditional poultry house designed and demonstrated by NSAC’s Professor

Landry. Circa 1917.

Nova Scotia Egg Laying pens in NSAC poultry yards. Thirty pens housed five hens

or pullets each from owners in many parts of the province. Circa 1919.

This poultry supply house was added to

NSAC farm in 1923 and was used for stor-

age,instruction and demonstration pro-

jects until the 1960s.

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8 Agricola News

According to NSAC graduate studentMichelle Daniel, the secret to obtaining agood quality egg shell is sufficient calci-

um. Laying hens need a certain amount of calciumin order to prevent a soft shell or cracks in the shell.To meet the calcium requirement for shell quality,bird diets generally contain powdered limestone ora mixture of limestone and oyster shell. However,one of the biggest issues with oyster shell is that itcosts approximately three times that of limestone.Hence, an alternative calcium source is warranted.

Michelle’s research program was funded by theGraduate Research Training Initiative ScholarshipProgram under the federal-provincial-territorialAgricultural Policy Framework (APF), 2003-2008.The APF is funded by Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada and the Nova Scotia Department ofAgriculture. The purpose of this initiative is to pro-vide financial support to graduate students atNSAC whose research will benefit the Nova Scotiaagriculture and agri-food industry. This initiative isintended to encourage qualified students toundertake graduate studies thus building a profes-sional capacity to meet the future needs of NovaScotia’s agri-food industry.

Michelle, a native of Herman’s Island, NS, says thatprevious studies evaluating shellfish by-products as calciumsources for laying hens in Atlantic Canada are very limited. Hercurrent project investigates the use of local by-products from theAtlantic shellfish industry as possible feed ingredients for layinghens under the supervision of Dr. Derek Anderson, Professor ofNutrition at NSAC.

A regional company in New Brunswick provided Michelle with theshellfish by-products for her experiment. One of her main objec-tives was to determine the effectiveness of crab and lobster mealas alternative feed ingredients for laying hens by evaluating theireffects on productive performance and egg quality; specificallythe composition and structural integrity of the eggs and calciumutilization by the hen.

Barn trials were conducted that involved a full-cycle productionstudy that finished in August 2006 and took approximately 32weeks. The control hens were fed a regular diet of oyster shell andlimestone and the others were fed a diet supplemented witheither lobster meal, crab meal or a combination of the both. In thistrial, Michelle specifically investigated egg yolk pigmentation andegg specific gravity. The specific gravity test is an indicator of eggshell quality and Michelle found no difference between the con-

Poultry Research at NSAC Graduate student sees potential in using by-products from Atlantic shellfish industry

as alternative feed ingredient for laying hens.

trol diet and test diets. The egg yolk colour yieldedsome interesting results, as the crab and lobstermeal have red pigments which showed up in theyolk.

“One of the more interesting results discovered wasthe red pigment astazanthin that is present in lob-ster and crab meal which was transferred to the eggyolk,”says Michelle. “The red pigment is also an anti-oxidant, so it would be interesting to test the levelsto see if these anti-oxidant properties were trans-ferred to the egg yolk. There could be an opportu-nity to produce value-added eggs.”

Michelle also conducted an in vitro solubility studyfor calcium utilization, testing different types of

shells of various local by-products of the Atlanticshellfish industry as potential feed ingredients forlaying hens. Other calcium sources were analyzedfor their calcium solubility, including commercialoyster shell, commercial ground limestone, surf clamshells, blue mussel shells, scallop shells and soft shellclams.

“The solubility study basically mimicked the bird’sdigestive system,” says Michelle. “We weighed theshells before placing them in a hydrochloric acidsolution and weighed them after a 24-hour period.

From here, we evaluated the percentage of calcium that disap-peared and relate it to how well we think the hen will utilize theseingredients as sources of calcium for egg shell deposition.”

Results from the solubility test showed that many of the shellswere in fact comparable to the conventional oyster shell. However,Michelle says that more research with production trials are neces-sary in order to determine if there is a similar in vivo degradationpattern throughout the laying cycle of the hen.

When asked about NSAC, Michelle had a lot of praise for the insti-tution. “Since I’ve arrived at NSAC, I’ve had the opportunity toattend various conferences within Canada where I was able tointeract with industry and communicate my research. I was award-ed second place in the poster presentations in the graduate stu-dent research presentation at the annual meeting of the CanadianSociety of Animal Science held in Halifax in August 2006.”

The research facilities provide another incentive for attendingNSAC. The opening of the Atlantic Poultry Research Centre, pro-vides a world-class facility for poultry research. While Michelle hasalready finished her lab work, she says “Some of my results arealready being formulated into new projects, which will benefitfrom this facility.”

Since I’ve arrived atNSAC, I’ve had the

opportunity to attendvarious conferences

within Canada where Iwas able to interactwith industry and communicate my

research.

Michelle Daniel

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Kimberly Sheppard, Class of 1998

1. How did the education you received at NSAChelp you further your career?

I was enrolled in the B.Sc. program with amajor in Animal Science at NSAC. Comingfrom a hobby farm with a menagerie of ani-mals from turkeys to goats, rabbits and evenan orphaned skunk and fawn, I developedan appreciation for animals at an early ageand especially for animal behavior. It was inTarjei Tennessen’s applied animal behaviorclass that I realized animal behavior was areal science and that the application of thisscience went beyond the fundamentalworkings of animals. I soon learned thatunderstanding animal behavior could leadme into the world of animal welfare and into

a respected and balanced career focused on improving the lives ofanimals we use everyday. I remember writing a literature reviewbased on the work of Jeff Rushen and Anne Marie dePassier aspart of a class assignment for Dr. Tennessen, which covered stressand stress physiology and I was hooked. Dr. Tennessen’s classchanged the course of my career. I feel that my training at NSACset the stage for an interesting and dynamic career in animal sci-ences with a special focus on improving the lives of animalsthrough animal science in general and especially animal welfarescience. The training I received at NSAC helped to build a solidfoundation that now allows me to branch out into a variety ofareas, understand a variety of issues at farm and industry level, aswell as the research and methodologies required to address theseissues and advance animal agriculture for the better.The roles I amcurrently in allow a perfect fusion of the two.

Gerry Kennie , Class of 1986

1. How did the education you received at NSAChelp you further your career?

From a relatively early age, I knew I wantedto work in the agricultural industry. Itseemed a natural fit to attend NSAC for mypost-secondary education. The education Ireceived supplied me with a foundation ofknowledge that I have applied throughoutmy career.The learned, often scientific, infor-mation has proven invaluable for under-standing processes and problem solving.The more subtle learning process of beingopen-minded, thinking critically when nec-essary and interacting with people was not

Summer 2007 9

Alumni Perspectives

I feel privileged to now be in positions where I can use creativity todisseminate information from the research community back towhere it can truly make a difference: industry and the public.

2. What do you think the Atlantic Poultry Research Centre at NSACmeans to future students and the research community at large?

I had the privilege of touring the Atlantic Poultry Research Centreduring its Grand Opening and was very impressed at the scale andthe versatility of the Centre. From the fully automated environ-mental controls, to the fully adaptable rooms and housing facilitiesand the enriched colony cages, the NSAC has designed a very for-ward-thinking and versatile facility. Students studying poultry sci-ence, be it in animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, or welfare, nowhave an excellent facility in which to conduct their studies. I hopethe establishment of the APRC will continue to attract excellentfaculty for years to come, will aid in the production of qualityresearch and that the research community in general benefits fromcollaborations with a poultry group that has new opportunities forresearch.

Biography:

After completing her Masters in Applied Ethology, Kimberlyworked for almost a year at the Cambridge Humane Society asCommunity Relations Coordinator, before being hired as aresearch assistant in Dr. Suzanne Millman's Ethology Lab at theOntario Veterinary College. During her three-year term in theEthology Lab, she took on the role of Communication'sCoordinator for the Col. Campbell Centre for the Study of AnimalWelfare. She remains in this role currently, which involves educa-tion and outreach based on the results of research and variousactivities of the Centre. Kimberly also works as a ResearchCoordinator for the Poultry Industry Council for Research andEducation.

I feel that mytraining at NSACset the stage foran interestingand dynamiccareer in animal sciences.

as apparent at the time I attended NSAC as it has been since I haveprogressed in my career. Now, I often credit my experiences at ACas providing the basis of my growth and development, both per-sonally and professionally.

2. What do you think the Atlantic Poultry Research Centre at NSACmeans to future students and the research community at large?

The production of food has become very intensive and one of thekey ingredients to being competitive from a business point of viewis the ability to gather and apply knowledge. Having a modern,sophisticated facility such as the APRC will expose students toleading edge management practices used in the poultry industry.It will give them a reason to be excited about entering the indus-try from a career standpoint. Research is the beginning stage ofprogressive change. Without proper facilities and equipment, theresearch required to move industry and society ahead is not possi-

Continued on the next page

I often credit myexperiences atAC as providingthe basis of mygrowth anddevelopment.

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10 Agricola News

Alex Oderkirk, Class of 1973

1. How did the education you received at NSAChelp further your career?

I’m a ‘73 NSAC graduate under the old B.Sc .(Agr)program (three years NSAC and two yearsMacdonald College). NSAC hands-on/dis-cover-by-doing attitude solidified my pathin continued studies and sparked my inter-est in animal science research, though poul-try interests and career hatched atMacdonald College. Over the years work hasspanned areas of poultry production, man-agement and sharing poultry expertise as aspecialist/consultant. Continuing develop-ment and involvement in poultry research,through the Atlantic Poultry Research

Institute (APRI), the NSAC, the former Nova Scotia Department ofAgriculture and Marketing and AgraPoint have helped keepclients at the leading edge of today’s agriculture.

2. What do you think the APRC means to future students and theresearch community at large?

ble. The Centre will attract and retain quality researchers who willbe able to do valuable work. The APRC will enable accurate, sci-ence-based research and teaching to occur that will benefit theresearch community and industry, both here in Atlantic Canada aswell as the rest of Canada.

Biography:

Gerry Kennie is Vice President of Agriculture for ACA Co-operativeLimited. Currently, Gerry is Director of the Atlantic PoultryResearch Institute, Chair of the Canadian Hatchery Federation,Director and Treasurer of the Canadian Poultry and Egg ProcessorsCouncil and a member of the Pricing and License AdvisoryCommittees of the Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia.

For any student or graduate, involved or looking to be involved inthe poultry industry, the APRC becomes the focal point for training,research and staying current. Like many involved in the Atlanticpoultry industry, to see the APRC open is absolutely phenomenal.Over the years a number of NSAC graduates have sat on the APRIBoard and worked diligently on this project. Many attended theAPRC opening and seemed very pleased with the new facility.

APRI’s continuing and dedicated effort to ensure a full complementof research and staff, will use the APRC to draw students andresearch partners not only from here in the Atlantic Region butnationally/internationally.The APRC places APRI, NSAC and AAFC atthe forefront for poultry research in Canada. This multi-facetedfacility broadens the research capabilities where a multitude ofdisciplines will find the APRC very useful in pursuing research inter-ests.

To be a student at NSAC, this state-of-the-art facility provides lead-ing edge technologies and practices that will amply prepare themfor not only the poultry industry, but for any field of agriculture orfood production where food safety, animal care, bio-security, healthand the environment are paramount. By implementing a securefacility design, practical protocols and using current and futuristictechnologies, the teaching of students, graduate student work andresearch make the APRC a world class facility.

I look forward to the days ahead as this facility erupts into abuzzing hub of poultry activity where students, staff, researchersand the poultry industry and stakeholders realize the opportuni-ties the APRC opens and the full potential of APRC is realized.

Biography:

Alex provides professional advice to farming operations in allaspects of poultry and fur production at Agrapoint. He specializesin poultry and animal health, food safety, bio-security, technologytransfer, extension education, nutrition management, environmen-tal control/ventilation and innovation application. In 2005 he wasnamed as a “Who’s Who” in the Canadian poultry industry byCanadian Poultrymen magazine.

Faculty & Staff: Atlantic Poultry Research Centre

Kristen Doncaster

“The new Atlantic Poultry ResearchCentre will support high quality poultryresearch and help bring NSAC and theAtlantic poultry industry into the spot-light. The Centre will allow new andexisting students to experience a state-of-the-art production facility and willgive them a competitive edge as they goon to join the work force or further theireducation.”

Area of expertise:

Kristen works for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as a ResearchTechnician in support of Dr. Bruce Rathgeber’s poultry program.She has a B.Sc. in Agriculture (NSAC) and an M.Sc. in AnimalNutrition (Dal). Her area of expertise is laboratory analysis, althoughshe is looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience withthe birds in the new centre.

I look forward tothe days aheadas this facilityerupts into abuzzing hub ofpoultry activity

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Ron Mekers

“I think the new poultry unit gives NSAC anopportunity to attract more students andresearchers. As well, the excellent facilityshould help to attract more research dollarsto our institution and the quality of ourresearch will be second to none.”

Area of expertise:

Ron is the poultry unit manager for theAtlantic Poultry Research Centre. His expertise is being able to takean idea that a researcher has dreamed up for poultry and runninga trial in the new facility that meets the researcher’s objectives.

Summer 2007 11

Janice MacIsaac

“The Atlantic Poultry Research Centre willprovide NSAC with excellent facilities to con-duct research on laying hens, chickens as wellas turkeys from day one through to process-ing, a capability which we have not hadbefore. The new facility will also provide stu-dents with the opportunity to learn aboutpoultry husbandry with state-of-the-artequipment along with new procedures used

in the poultry industry such as intense biosecurity measures.”

Area of expertise:

Janice’s area of expertise is poultry production and nutrition.

Derek Anderson

“With this new Atlantic Poultry ResearchCentre facility, NSAC is better equipped tosupport the poultry industry in AtlanticCanada and make a larger contribution topoultry science in Canada as a whole. Withcommitment of adequate support for thehuman and material needs of this facility,NSAC and its partners can make this a ‘state-of-the-art’ teaching and research facility

capable of nurturing the next generation of poultry scientists.”

Area of expertise:

Derek’s area of expertise is poultry nutrition and metabolism.

Bruce Rathgeber

“The Atlantic Poultry Research Centre willraise the profile of NSAC as one of the pre-miere universities to receive education andconduct research in agricultural sciences. Thenew Poultry Centre is a sophisticated labora-tory space that will provide researchers inAtlantic Canada with the tools needed to beon the leading edge of poultry research forthe foreseeable future. This Centre will be a

magnet for people from around the world interested in advancedtraining in various disciplines of science using poultry as thespecies of choice.”

Area of expertise:

Bruce’s area of expertise is the manipulation of poultry manage-ment and nutrition to improve the quality and safety of meat andegg products.

Government and InstitutionalSupportCanada Foundation for Innovation

Government of Canada

Government of New Brunswick

Government of Newfoundland & Labrador

Government of Nova Scotia

Government of Prince Edward Island

Nova Scotia Agricultural College

Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust

Industry SupportAgri-Adapt Council Inc. (NL)

Agri-Futures Nova Scotia

Atlantic Poultry Research Institute

Atlantic Provinces Hatchery Federation

Canadian Egg Marketing Agency

Chicken Farmers of Canada

Chicken Farmers of New Brunswick

Chicken Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador

Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia

Chicken Farmers of Prince Edward Island

Egg Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador

Egg Producers of Prince Edward Island

New Brunswick Egg Producers

Nova Scotia Egg Producers

Nova Scotia Turkey Producers Marketing Board

Turkey Farmers of New Brunswick

Poultry Industry Council

Corporate SupportACA Cooperative Ltd.

Atlantic Systematic Envelopes Ltd.

Canadian Poultry Magazine

Farm Focus of Atlantic Canada

Merial Canada Inc.

Scotia Poultry Farm Ltd.

Specht-Canada Inc.

Tartan Advanced Poultry Management Systems

Willowdale Farms Inc.

Maple Leaf Poultry

LBJ Farm Equipment

Continental Poultry

Sani-MarcMenkhorst Farm Ltd.

Bourgeois Poultry Ltd.

Round Hill Poultry Ltd.

Seaview Poultry Ltd.

Quebec Farmers Advocate

Individual SupportStuart F. Allaby

Dr. Harold & Marion Chute & Family

Donald Clark

Dr. Erroll Hancock

Dick Huggard

Bill & Mary Swetnam

Peter and Margaret Trenholm

(In Memory of Dr. Wes & Millie Trenholm)

Kevin Rathgeber

Mr. Keith Fancy

Dr. Roger B. Buckland

This facility would not have become a reality without the generous support of the many organizations and donors who felt it a worthwhile project. (in alphabetical order)

Donors

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A Passion for Politics

12 Agricola News

Continued on page 27

Beautiful BrazilAmy Sangster ,Class of 1999 & Heather-Anne Grant, Class of 1998.

Early in the morning of May 16 we found ourselves in theHalifax airport checking our luggage for a one monthadventure that lay ahead of us.

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Truro and the Rotary InternationalFoundation, we were on our way to Brazil for a once in a lifetime

opportunity. We were part of Rotary District 7820’s 2007 GroupStudy Exchange (GSE). The GSE program is a unique cultural andvocational exchange open to young professional men and womenbetween the ages of 25 and 40.The program provides travel grantsfor teams to exchange visits between paired areas in differentcountries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the hostcountry’s institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocationsas practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relation-ships and exchange ideas.

The Rotary Clubs of District 4700, South Eastern Brazil in the stateof Rio Grande do Sul were our hosts. These people were incredible!They welcomed us into their homes, showcased their Rotary Clubs’community projects and delivered us a professional program thattook us to farms, producer cooperatives, processors and agricultur-al research and educational institutes.

Brazil’s traditional agricultural markets include soybean, coffee,sugarcane and cocoa. As a reflection of changing consumer tastes,the country’s greatest rate of growth is being observed in the live-stock sectors of poultry, pork and dairy. Target markets for Brazilianpork and poultry include Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and theEuropean Union. Brazil is also investing heavily in wheat and viti-culture. Brazil wants to become self-sufficient in wheat produc-

Howard Winston (Bud) Hulan, anative of Jeffrey’s, Newfound-

land, received an associate degreefrom the Nova Scotia AgriculturalCollege in 1963. He then graduatedwith a Bachelor of Science degree inAgriculture in 1965 from MacDonaldCollege, McGill University. Hereceived his Masters of Sciencedegree in Nutrition fromMacDonald College in 1968. He thenwent on to receive his Ph.D degreein Nutritional Biochemistry from theUniversity of Maine in 1971 and wasawarded the Fred W. GriffeeOutstanding Graduate StudentAward.

Dr. Roger Buckland, a friend of Dr.Hulan’s said,“Bud is so full of enthu-siasm that I often tease him that he

really should be in politics. I sometimes think that that is his firstlove.” Dr. Buckland was right. In 1993, Dr. Hulan became a memberof the Newfoundland House of Assembly, representing his homedistrict of St. George’s, under the leadership of the HonourableClyde Wells. Dr. Hulan was appointed Minister of Fisheries, Food andAgriculture. He left the political arena in 1996 when his district wasamalgamated with the district of Stephenville. Dr. Hulan thenreturned to his research and teaching at Memorial.

Dr. Hulan took sabbatical leave in 1999 to continue his studies onthe biochemical effects of the Omega-3 fatty acids fromNewfoundland seal oil at the Veterinary University of Vienna inAustria. Since then, he has returned to Vienna and the University ofAncona in Italy for three to four months every summer to continuehis research with his colleagues. This summer, from May to August,Dr. Hulan will join a colleague at the FREIE University in Berlin,Germany to continue with this research. He will return to MemorialUniversity in September to continue teaching.

For a complete profile on Dr. Bud Hulan, please visit:http://nsac.ca/alumni/profiles/

Dr. Hulan received therank of PrincipalResearch Scientist in1986, the highest levelpossible within theresearch scientist category in Canada.

tion- it currently imports 50 per cent of national consumption. Thearea surrounding the city of Bento Goncalves is establishing itself asan agri-tourism destination based on its vineyards and winery sec-tor. Corn production is also increasing in Brazil, but not as a resultof the demand for bio-fuels, rather due to improved technologyand genetics. It is interesting to note that for two decades now, 90per cent of Brazilian agriculture has been no-till- the primary reasonfor adoption is to prevent soil erosion.

We had the opportunity to tour a bio-fuels facility being construct-ed in the city of Passo Fundo, ‘BS Bios.’ It is the second biggest outof a total of 20 bio-diesel facilities in Brazil. The goal of BS Bios is toproduce 10 million litres of bio-diesel per year using canola (duringwinter), sunflowers and fava beans. Nationally, it is projected that byJanuary 2008 Brazil will be producing 900 million litres of bio-diesel.

The south of Brazil is a subtropical climate extremely rich in naturalresources, technology and land base. The potential for the expan-sion and intensification of its agriculture industry is obvious. The

The GSE Team: (L-R) Nola Seabright, Ann Jones, Amy Sangster, Heather-Anne Grant.

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Continued on page 28

Carol Goodwin, an Associate Professor in the Departmentof Environmental Sciences at NSAC, has recently returnedfrom her 14th annual trip to Writtle College inChelmsford, Essex, England.

Carol created a three week long NSAC credit course titledthe “British Garden” in 1994 and has traveled to Writtle

College with NSAC and Finnish students every May since then.This trip gives NSAC students the opportunity to comparehabits of growth of plants in a European climate and aCanadian climate.“The method of gardening in England ismuch different than gardening in Nova Scotia,” says Carol.

Carol considers the trip to Writtle College to be a life changingexperience for her students.“I want my students to experiencea place where horticulture and landscape is a huge part of theculture,” she says. Students learn about British garden history,

British gardening techniquesand traditional methods, gar-den design and plant identifi-cation. After completing thecourse, her students neverlook at or use plants in thesame way again.“In the his-

torical gardens, we could really understand and see with ourown eyes the things we had learned about at our school inLepaa, Finland,” says Kirsti Palmu, one of Carols’ Finnish stu-dents.“The gardens at Writtle College are a piece of art that youcould enjoy forever.”The students also learned that the histori-cal gardens of England are worth six billion pounds of incomeeach year.

For three weeks, students visit different gardens every day, rainor shine.“The gardens are the most colorful when it rains,” saysCarol. Kirsti particularly enjoyed the colors of the gardens.“Thecolors and combinations of the plants really impressed me,”she says.“In Finland, we don’t use very many purple or yellowleafed plants but at Writtle College I could see that if you havethe right combination, these special colors bring brightness tothe gardens.”The students have the opportunity to see garden-

ers at work as well. InEngland, gardeners seldomuse machinery. They rely ontradition and often usehand tools to dig and turnover the soil. They believethat the work done by

machinery is inadequate compared to the work done byhumans.“The gardeners in England have a very different andstrong work ethic that is part of their tradition,” says Carol.“It isa real eye-opener for students.” In fact, Carol and her studentshave visited complex gardens that cover up to 40 acres of landand only two gardeners care for them.

In addition to British gardening tradition and plant identifica-tion, students learn about conservation and come back with a

new outlook on the environment.“In terms of environmental con-cerns and awareness, Europe is far ahead of Canada,” says Carol.Peat moss is commonly used in Canada but many garden centresin Europe have a policy of being “peat free.”They do not use peatmoss because it is an unsustainable and non-renewable resource,and harvesting it threatens a special natural habitat in the UnitedKingdom. Instead, they use coconut fibre because it is a cost effec-tive waste product that is easy to come across. By purchasing it,they have created a side industry in third world countries. In

Europe, they use biodegrad-able containers, green rooftechnology and water recy-cling. There is a law whererunoff water from new andlarge buildings cannot leavethe site. Every new buildinghas its own artificial wetlandwhere all runoff water is fil-

tered and then reused for irrigation or is treated and released backinto nature.“By taking this course my students learn about theseinnovative solutions to environmental issues long before theseissues are raised in Canada,” says Carol.

This year as part of the study tour module, Carol and her studentsexplored the role and placement of sculpture in the landscape.They also studied the creation of a sculpture and how a sculpturecould change the space into which it was placed. For one project,Carol and her students created chicken sculptures from the simpleraw material of chicken wire. These sculptures were then placedon the grounds at Writtle College.

Although Carol travels to Writtle College every year and sees thesame gardens every time, she says it never gets boring.“Gardensnever stand still,” she says.“They grow and evolve as gardenersbecome more aware of environmental concerns and new designinnovation. Carol also never gets tired of watching her studentsenjoy the gardens.“Their wonder keeps it fresh and exciting,” shesays.

Carol decided to create the British Garden course after meetingMark Lyne. He is a professor at Writtle College and was visitingagricultural colleges around the world to see how subject areaswere taught and to also share his ideas. He was hosted by NSAC in

The Grass is Greener in England

Carol (in the white circle) and her students created chicken sculptures from the

simple raw material of chicken wire. These sculptures were then placed on the

grounds at Writtle College.

“I want my students toexperience a place wherehorticulture and landscapeis huge part of the culture.”

“In terms of environmentalconcerns and awareness,Europe is far ahead ofCanada.”

“By taking this course my students learn about theseinnovative solutions to environmental issues longbefore these issues are raisedin Canada.”

Summer 2007 13

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14 Agricola News

The Research & Graduate Studies office and NSAC arepleased to announce a new scholarship, the Canadian DairyCommission Scholarship Program. The purpose of this schol-arship is to support high caliber students who are registeredin a research-based graduate program at NSAC and who areconducting a thesis research project that has application tothe dairy industry and is in one of the following areas: agri-cultural economics and policy, food/dairy science, or animalscience.

The value of the awards is $20,000 per year for up to two years.In addition, students who receive the scholarship may apply for

a one-time additional sum of $5000 for travel costs to further theireducation or research program on the advice of their thesis super-visor. Recipients of this award must register as full-time students inthe M.Sc. Program in Agriculture at NSAC.

To be eligible for support, applicants must:

• Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada;

• Be admissible to pursue graduate studies at NSAC;

• Have obtained a first-class average (a grade of ‘A-’ in each of thelast two completed years of study, regardless of the number of credits completed; and

• Intend to pursue graduate-level research in one of the followingareas:

• Agricultural economics and policy

• Food/dairy science

• Animal science

All thesis research projects must have application to the dairyindustry.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Support at the Master’s Level?

To obtain support at the Master’s Level, applicants must meet theeligibility criteria listed above and have completed as of December31 of the year of application, no more than the full-time equivalentof 12 months of studies in the Master’s program for which they arerequesting funding.Thus, eligible applicants include students who:

• Have completed a Bachelor’s degree and have not yet registered in a graduate program at NSAC

• Are in their final year of their Bachelor’s program

• Are in a qualifying year of study, or

• Are in the first year of their Master’s program

Note: Students who have not yet registered in the Master’s pro-gram at NSAC prior to receiving an award may elect to take up theirscholarship in January, May or September in the calendar year fol-

Canadian DairyCommissionScholarship Program

“These days qualifications and participation are just notenough, the key for all researchers is passion, patience andpersistence,” says Dr. Rajasekaran Lada, a professor at NSAC.

Alarge part of Dr. Lada’s research involves working with growers,processors and industry executives to show them how science

can be applied to agricultural issues. He explains that the work of aplant physiologist is quite similar to that of a doctor. “Where aphysician needs to know human anatomy to understand and treatdiseases, a plant physiologist does the same for plants,” says Dr.Lada.

You might ask yourself what do carrots, Christmas trees andrhubarb all have in common? For Dr. Lada, the link is that they haveall attracted his interest and have become the subjects of hisresearch.

To Dr. Lada, plant physiology is a fas-cinating field and he decided to lookat carrot physiology to better under-stand what makes them grow. A fewquestions that he is working on are:What controls the root develop-ment? What compounds help toenhance growth? How can weimprove carrot production per acre?

Nova Scotia’s carrot processingindustry is the largest in Canada producing nearly 60 millionpounds of carrots per year. However, even though Nova Scotia sup-plies the world with its most preferred, sweet carrots, the industryoften faces challenges due to the unpredictable quantity and qual-ity of the carrots produced. Crop competition for resources such aslight, nutrients, moisture and other factors, such as carbon dioxidelevels and temperature can all influence yield and quality. Dr. Ladahas been working with carrot growers for many years to improvecarrot yield and quality based on environmentally-friendly scientif-ic techniques.

Dr. Lada’s Rhubarb Research Program (RRP) was established in 2004and sponsored by Knol Farms Limited and Nova Scotia Agriculture.Rhubarb is a new crop for Nova Scotia, with only 45-50 hectaresbeing harvested at this time. However, it has great potential asrhubarb contains phytonutrients that act as anti-oxidants and

Research... is a responsibility to serve andcare for the earth, environment and humanity as awhole; not just a job”— Rajasekaran Lada

Continued on page 28Continued on page 30

“Where a physicianneeds to know humananatomy to understandand treat diseases, aplant physiologist doesthe same for plants.”

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Continued on page 23

Atlantic Agricultural Science &Communication Workshop2007

Book your calendar today as you will want to be first in lineto take in the events at the Atlantic Agricultural Science andCommunication Workshop (AASCW 2007) being held on theNSAC campus November 15th and 16th, 2007.

This workshop brings together a range of agri-food profession-als and practitioners to focus on broad issues and information

of current interest. It is a must for those who want to remain cur-rent in the science and technology of agriculture and food. Forthose who are interested in agricultural innovation and the emerg-ing bio-economy, it simply can’t be missed. Plan now to attend aforum for dialogue on new information and issues affecting theresearch, extension, infrastructure and private industry initiativesin our Atlantic agricultural and agri-food systems. Researchers,farm leaders, educators, extension workers, entrepreneurs, agri-food firms and services and students will participate in this work-shop.

“With the demise of the Atlantic Agriculture CoordinatingCommittees, this workshop is meant to be an alternate venue to

increase communication, cooperationand coordination in agriculture andrelated areas across the region. Thegoal of this workshop is to make surethat this region works together, com-municates together and doesn’t dupli-cate effort,” says Dr. Claude Caldwell,co-chair of the AASCW.

“The AASCW highlights new opportu-nities in agriculture related areas and

rural development. The workshop gives people the chance to net-work across the Atlantic region, hear about successes in otherplaces similar to our region and to learn from these successes tobuild better value chains and communities as well as safer foodsystems.”

The theme for AASCW 2007 is Atlantic Bio-Renaissance: Health is

our Future Wealth. This theme highlights three innovative sub-themes which will enable participants to develop new insights,network with colleagues and discuss future strategies that willhave an impact on agri-business development.

“The AASCW is an Atlantic initiative. NSAC is facilitating it but it isAtlantic in scope,” says Dr. Caldwell.“Bio-Renaissance speaks to theidea of the rebirth of the region using the bio-economy to workwith communities and across commodities and provinces.Agriculture is people-centered and rural-centered and having ahealthy population and community as well as healthy relation-ships between rural and urban, will be key to our success in theregion.”

The sub-themes are Bio-fuels, Rural health and agricultural safetyand Food and the value chain. These sub-themes have been iden-tified as prominent areas that will play a significant role in thefuture agriculture opportunities and challenges throughout ourregion. Bio-fuels is a timely subject because there are opportuni-ties now to use bio-economy and technology to replace fossil fuels

and to see how it affects thecommunity.

“We can look at this from a tech-nical side and a social side,” saysDr. Caldwell. The rural healthand agricultural safety theme isabout pulling in the number ofAASCW partners in publichealth, environment, and water.Food and the value chain wasalso chosen as a sub-theme thisyear because rather than look-

ing at the technology of food production or food to fork or soil toshelf, the workshop will look at how to make systems work.

“Often, in a value chain, the producers don’t make enough moneyor their product is not developed enough so we end up exportingraw materials but we want economic spin-off and we want to

Darwin Carr of the NSAC GroundsDepartment and Dr. BernardJackson proudly erected the new

Rock Garden Road sign this summer.

NSAC Administration renamed Tower Roadon the NSAC campus to Rock Garden Road.This change was made to alleviate confu-sion over a second Tower Road in the TruroPower Centre.

Having two Tower Roads in the communityled to confusion for delivery people andthe general public, as well as caused apotential safety concern for emergencyworkers.Rock Garden Road also better reflects thesubstantial addition of the NSAC RockGarden to the beauty of the campusgrounds.

Rock Garden Road... It is now official!

Continued on page 28

“The goal of this workshop is to makesure that this regionworks together,communicates together and doesn’tduplicate effort.”

“Often, in a value chain,the producers don’t make

enough money or theirproduct is not developedenough so we end upexporting raw materials butwe want economic spin-offand we want to export finalproducts.”

Summer 2007 15

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16 Agricola News

There are many benefits to being an alumnus of NSAC andthe university is always looking for new programs and ser-vices to provide additional value to our alumni.

That is why we are so pleased to announce that NSAC and TDMeloche Monnex have recently signed an agreement to provide

a group home and auto insurance program for alumni and staff ofNSAC. Serving professionals and alumni since 1949, TD MelocheMonnex is Canada’s leading provider of group home and autoinsurance and is the logical solution for members of select profes-sional associations as well as university and college alumni groups.They offer an array of high-quality home and auto insurance prod-ucts and members can enjoy savings through preferred grouprates. TD Meloche Monnex insurance programs are sponsored byover 200 councils, orders, professional associations, university andcollege alumni as well as university associations.

TD Meloche Monnex has an excellent reputation for high caliberand professional service which is why NSAC feels confident in rec-ommending them to our alumni and staff.They promise exception-al service and superior value which means an extended range ofproducts and a level of service that ensures your satisfaction.

Over the next few months you will receive more detailed informa-tion about the insurance program from NSAC and a request toallow TD Meloche Monnex to give you a quote for your insuranceneeds. You are under no commitment or obligation and if you donot wish to be contacted again on the topic, simply let them know.

NSAC adds additional value to NSAC Alumni

Results will vary from one person to another however, early indica-tions from staff who have already received a quote show that TDMeloche Monnex offers significant savings. We encourage you togive it a try.

Additional details on the programs and incentives are available atany time by connecting to the special NSAC section on the TDMeloche Monnex website TDMelocheMonnex.com/nsac or calling1-800-339-1847.

(LtoR) Scott Grant, Manager, Affinity Market Group, Jean R.Lachance, Chairman,

Affinity Market Group, Serge Godbout, Vice President, Affinity Market Group and Jim

Goit, Executive Director Development and External Relations, NSAC.

Part of this shift is because of our objec-tives as a university and as a business

line. Another part has to do with attempt-ing to use our limited resources in the mostefficient manner possible. But the mainreason for the shift has to due with ourcontinued learning of who we are and whothe students are that we attract. Marketingis a relatively new activity at NSAC and wecontinue to evolve this function as ourlearning increases.

We used a number of tools over the pastyear to help increase our understanding ofthe people that choose NSAC. At the startof the school year we conducted a first yearstudent survey. This was the third year thatthis survey has been used so trends arestarting to develop in the results. This is atool that helps us learn about our first yearclass from how they heard about us to theirfavorite type of music (it’s country, in caseyou were wondering).

This year we also invested in a tool calledthe University Applicant Survey, which anumber of universities from across thecountry use to help them learn about peo-ple they attract and would like to attract.This survey in particular has given us infor-mation around the importance of differentinformation sources, which is truly valuablewhen trying to prioritize activities.

As in past years marketing has used focusgroups to gather input from high schoolstudents. During the month of June threefocus groups were conducted.We used thisopportunity to learn about NSAC percep-tions, test potential marketing activitiesand test three different creative concepts.

All of this information has helped guide thedirection of the marketing strategy for theupcoming academic year. There will be afocus on improving the tools that wereidentified through the research as impor-

tant. And there will be an effort to supportthe recruitment team by arming them withthe right tools. Marketing and PR will alsobe working closely together. You also maynotice a shift away from the use of sometypes of mass media in favor of grassrootsactivities.

Throughout the information we have beengathering one item is common. The major-ity of our students hear about NSACthrough word-of-mouth. Word-of-mouth isone of the most trusted and importantinformation sources for people consider-ing post-secondary education. This iswhere our NSAC friends and family arehelping our efforts. From another informa-tion source, the E-News, we found out that96 per cent of alumni who responded toour poll have recommended us at somepoint. Thank you and please continue to

NSAC - Who we are and What we doYou may notice a difference in the types of marketing activities and creative NSAC is choosing to use this year as part of its2007 marketing campaign.

Continued on page 32

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NSAC Developmentand Alumni RelationsReport to Donors 2006-07

Fundraising efforts at NSAC continue to be strong and show an increasing trend over the previous five years.

Year # Donations $ Total Fund Balance Disbursements

2006-07 702 $1,386,138 $5,696,166 $1,577,255

2005-06 1009 $2,703,971 $5,557,006 $225,792

2004-05 744 $733,965 $2,212,894 $273,563

2003-04 377 $258,262 $1,672,116 $215,259

2002-03 350 $204,671 $1,457,315 $158,425

2001-02 78 $43,105 $1,363,455 $67,649

Table 1: History of Donation Growth

Table 1 shows the history of donations and fund balance and disbursement over the last six years. TheFoundation has been able to give an increasing amount back to NSAC for its students and programs.The NSACFoundation’s portfolio balance was $5,696,166 at March 31, 2007.

The 2006-07 fiscal year saw a more even distributionof funds from the various categories in this fiscal year.While donations in support of research continue to beimportant, 2006-07 showed a relative increase indonations to support specific international programsand targeted scholarships.

The NSAC Foundation has designated various meth-ods that donations come to the university under aseries of campaigns including: Annual Appeal, SecondCentury Endowment, Scholarship Appeal, ResearchFunding, Special Events and Memorials. The Othercategory includes transfers of funds to theFoundation for investment from other funds previ-ously held elsewhere. As they are used to supportNSAC programs, they fit the Foundation’s objective. Asummary of the various campaigns is shown inFigure 1.

Figure 1: 2006-07 Campaign Summary

2nd Century Endowment$65,619, 4.7%

Other, $469,920, 33.9%

Annual Appeal$70,533, 5.1%

Special Events$3,231, 0.2%

Memoriams$7,249, 0.5%

Scholarship Campaign$355,090, 25.6%

Research$414,495, 29.9%

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An example of support for research included $10,000 of theClass of ‘56 fund used to support the Rural Water PolicySymposium Alumni Theatre, NSAC, November 8, 2006.NSAC recognizes the considerable challenges that exist withrespect to the management of water resources in our ruralcommunities and that effective rural water management isessential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agri-cultural sector. The water policy symposium helped buildknowledge within the farming community on the scientific,legislative and policy issues affecting rural water use.

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The Endowment portion of the fund held by the Foundationhas grown over the past four years. This is the result of bothfund raising efforts and the transfer in of money that was previ-ously managed by the NSAC Alumni Association. The amountsreported in Figure 2 are based on the calendar year end.

As important as donations are to NSAC, the real measure of theimpact that the fund raising efforts are having is the amount ofsupport that the Foundation can provide each year. Total dis-bursement for the year was $1,563,755. This is significantlygreater that any previous year in the history of the Foundation.The breakdown of the disbursements from the various fundsappears in Figure 3.

A total of $1,181,857 was expended in support of research pro-jects.This is mainly due to the progress of the Atlantic Centre forPoultry Research project. Support for scholarships, bursariesand prizes was 25 per cent of the total disbursements from thefund. Several new scholarships and bursaries were initiated dur-ing the year increasing the support that will be offered to thestudents into the furure.

Figure 3: Disbursement Area 2006-07

Research$1,181,875, 74.9%

Equipment & Grounds$2,280, 0.1%

Athletics$12,000, 1.0%

Cost of Fund Raising$7,768, 0.5%

Transfer to Alumni$3,500, 0.2%

Schoarships & Bursaries$369,831, 23.0%

Jim Goit, Executive Director, Development & External Relations, is shown offering con-gratulations to the 2006 recipients of the $2,500 Renee Covill Scholarships.

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.03.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

Figure 2: Year Endowment Total

Mill

ion

s

2002

$1.

1M

2003

$1.

230M

2004

$1.

934M

2005

$2.

5M

2006

$2.

609M

Back row—Jamie Wilt, Riverview, NB, 4th yr B. Tech. Environmental Horticulture student; Sebastian Margarit,

Amherst, NS, 4th yr B.Sc.(Agr.) Plant Science student; Patrick Dunphy, Cherry Valley, PE, 4th yr B.Sc.(Agr.) Plant

Science student. Front row—Barbara Fearon, Dartmouth, NS, 3rd yr B.Tech. Environmental Horticulture

Technology student; and Jody Nelson, Stewiacke, NS, 3rd yr B.Sc.(Agr.) Plant Science student.

“I was notified about the scholarship at a crucial time. I was faced with dropping two of my courses for

financial reasons. This scholarship will enable me to continue with my studies and I am very grateful

to the Covills.” Barbara Fearon

Nelson Ball, Class of '56 (right) standswith John Baird, Director of the RoyalDistrict Planning Commission, SussexNB during the Rural Water PolicySymposium held on the NSAC cam-pus November 8, 2006. The sympo-sium was sponsored in part by theNSAC Class of 1956, as part of their50th anniversary activities.

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Planned GiftsMr. Peter Hamilton 1944Mr. Malcolm MacQuarrie 1948Mr. John Atkin

Gifts In KindDupont Canada

Matching GiftsKraft Canada Inc.

Gifts Over $100,000Canadian Dairy CommissionCanadian International.Development AgencyChicken Farmers of CanadaNova Scotia Agricultural CollegeNova Scotia Research andInnovation Trust

$25,000 - $99,999Chicken Farmers of Nova ScotiaHarrison Mccain FoundationMr. Bernard G. Kuhn 1939

$10,000 - $24,999Mrs. Faye CailDupont CanadaNew Brunswick ChickenMarketing BoardNew Brunswick Egg MarketingBoardStuco Holdings Limited

$5,000 - $9,999Co-op AtlanticMrs. Jean IrvingMr. David H. KuhnPEI Department of Agriculture,Fisheries & Forestry

$1,000 - $4,999Ms. Tessa AaldersACA CooperativeLimited/Eden Valley Farms

LimitedMr. Stuart F. Allaby 1949Mr. Glibert Allen 1956Mrs. Margaret ArchibaldAtlantic Fertilizer InstituteMr. Augustus F. Butt 1956Canadian Association of Agri-

RetailersChartwellsChicken Farmers of Prince

Edward IslandChicken Producers Association

of Nova ScotiaMr. Robert N. Clark 1959

Cobequid Physiotherapy Inc.Dr. William B. Collins 1946Mr. Owen Craig 1956Dairy Farmers of

Newfoundland and LabradorDairy Farmers of Nova ScotiaMr. John E. Dalton 1971Dykeview FarmsEgg Producers of

Newfoundland and LabradorEgg Producers of Prince

Edward IslandMr. Roger EllisFarm Credit CanadaFarmers DairyMr. Gerald W. Foote 1956Mr. Campbell Gunn 1959Mr. Peter Y. Hamilton 1944Mr. Dick Huggard 1956Mrs. Jessie KingKings Mutual Insurance

CompanyL Mapplebeck & L Sanderson

1975MER Enterprises Ltd.New Brunswick Department of

Agriculture and AquacultureNew Brunswick Institute of

AgrologistsNewfoundland and Labrador

Federation of AgricultureNova Scotia Animal BreedersNova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

Nova Scotia Institute ofAgrologists

Nova Scotia PowerIncorporated

The Pepsi Bottling GroupMs. Sherry E. Porter 1975Dr. Robert G. Ross 1947Rotary Club of TruroRoyal Bank of CanadaSchool Milk Foundation ofNewfoundland and Labrador

Inc.Scotia Poultry Farm Ltd.SHUR Gain Division Maple Leaf

Foods Inc.Smucker Foods of CanadaMr. Bill Swetnam 1956Syngenta Pest ManagementTaste of Nova Scotia Quality

FoodsMr. & Mrs. David Thompson

1970Mr. Harold J. Trask 1948Peter and Margaret TrenholmMr. Havey WhiddenMs. Barbara E. Whiston 1990

$250 - $999Animal Nutrition Association of

CanadaAnonymousAtlantic Land Improvement

Contractors AssociationAtlantic Provinces Hatchery

FederationAtlantic Rhodo and Hort SocietyMr. Douglas Bacon 1965Mr. Ralph T. Ballam 1973Bedford Horticulture SocietyMr. Byron E. Beeler 1956Bible Hill Garden ClubDr. Doug Byers 1956Mr. James H. Card 1945Dr. H. Garth Coffin 1960Mr. Donald B. Cox 1976Mr. Boyd R. Crouse 1978Mr. Doug Crouse 1956Dartmouth Horticultural SocietyMs. Edna DouglasMr. Keith R. Douglas 1965Ms. Gisela E. Erf, 1979Mr. Reginald D. Gilbert 1933Mr. & Mrs. Jim GoitDr. Donald L. Grant 1958Dr. Les Haley 1958Mr. Robert W. Hanes 1949Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Patti Healy

1973Mrs. Edith HudginsInverness County Federation of

AgricultureIsgonish Chapter IODEKraft Canada Inc.Mr. Arnold L. Lemmon 1962Mr. Norman S. Logan 1950Lunenburg Queens Federation of

AgricultureMr. George F. MacKenzie 1956Mr. Rod & Mrs. Robin MacLennanDr. Ted MacNintch 1956Mrs. Greta MathewsonMr. Roderick R. Nielsen1980Nova Scotia 4-H CouncilNova Scotia Veterinary Medical

AssociationNS/NF Holstein Association of

CanadaNSAC Association of Grad StudentsPatterson LawPork Nova ScotiaPrince Edward Island Institute of

AgrologistsPrince Edward Island Potato BoardMr. Donald A. Ramey 1959Rix Family FarmMs. Martha H. Robinson 1985Mrs. Nerenne Russell

NSAC Donor SummaryDonations made between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007

The following is a list all those who have donated to NSAC between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007 arranged alphabetically by dona-tion size range. For Donors who are alumni their class year is shown following the name. We do our best to ensure accuracy in the infor-mation however we apologize for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. (Number after name indicates Class Year for Alumni)

Mr. Bill Seaman 1956Mr. Keith Selwyn-Smith 1966Stewiacke Valley Garden ClubDr. Vernon R. Vickery 1947Mr. David WebsterWentworth Garden ClubWesley United ChurchMr. John Wesselius 1988Wild Blueberry ProducersAssociation of Nova ScotiaDr. James M. Winmill 1948

Less than $250Mr. William P. Abraham 1952Mr. Robert G. Adams 1966Agrapoint International LtdMr. John W. Allan 1955Ms. Shari D. Allan 1979Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Allen 1988Ms. Lori L. Ansems 1994Mr. Joyce ArchibaldMr. Marven H. Armstrong 1966Mr. Derek & Ms. Lisa Ashworth 1997

& 1994Mr. Roger BaconMr. James G. Baillie 1974Mr. Lorimer F. Banks 1948Mr. G. Melvin Barclay 1961Mr. Don Barry 1979Mr. Nigel T. Bayliss 1982Dr. Hubert S. Bennett 1950Mr. David BentMr. Alan H. Bentley 1959Mr. Robert BickertonMr. Donald C. Bishop 1947Mr. Sterling Bishop 1973Mr. William M. BishopMr. Harold D. Blenkhorn 1947Mr. Blair Bonnyman 1951Mr. Peter W. Boswall 1981Mr. Eric J. Bouffard 1951Mr. Wallace C. Bowers 1945Mr. Frank E. Boyer 1943Mr. Andrew R. Breckon 1996Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Brennan 1974 &

1975Mr. Charles F. Briggs 1995Mr. John A. Brown 1975Mr. Randy D. Buchanan 1980Dr. Roger B. Buckland 1961Ms. Cheryl BurgessMs. Edith BurnettMs. Ann BurnettMr. Donald L. Byers 1963Mr. Frank H. Calder 1950Honorable Donald W. Cameron

1966Mr. Grant D. Campbell 1983Mr. Paul M. Carroll 1987

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Mr. Keith A. Casey, Sr. 1953Mr. Stephen D. Casselman 1966Mr. Elwyn A. Cavanagh 1966Central Nova Horse & Pony

AssociationMr. Harry H. Chapman 1952Charities Aid Foundation AmericaMr. Edward ChaseMs. Alyson D. Chisholm 1983Ms. Barb & Mr. Dave Christie 2002

& 2004CIBCCIBC WoodGundyDr. Maurice H. Clark 1948Mr. Peter S. Clarke 1966Mr. James ClaytonMs. Katherine D. Cleghorn 1982Mr. Gregory Coldwell 1970Mr. Charles E. Coles 1970Mr. Ronald V. Colpitts 1954Mr. John S. Colwill 1996Dr. Harold W. Cook 1966Mr. Donald CorbettCornwallis FarmsMr. Aaron J. Cottreau 1998Mr. Warren H. Cox 1996Mr. Bruce CoxDr. Don Craig 1945Credit Union CentralMr. L. James Crooker 1966Mr. Harry F. Crouse 1956Mr. Andrew B. Crouse 1980Mr. Roger C. Crowe 1996Mr. J. Gordon Crowe 1946Mr. Allan J. Cummiskey 1982Mr. Joseph A. Davidson 1952Dr. Wayne E. Davidson 1962Mr. Nick Duivenvoorden 1979Mr. & Mrs. Carl Duivenvoorden

1982 & 1992Mr. Brian H. DuPlessis 1971Dr. Dale M. DuPlessis 1948Mr. William C. Durant 1951Eastern Veterinary Technician

AssociationMr. John B. Eaton 1957Mr. Freeman S. Eaton 1954Mr. Dale Ells 1959Mr. Leonard Ells 1989Mr. Evans N. Estabrooks 1962Farm FocusMr. David L. Faulkner 1966Ms. Jean FearonMr. Tim & Ms Sandra Fisher 1992 &

1994Ms. Jean Fox 1942Mr. R W R. Fraser 1965Ms. Nancy FraserMs. Debbie L. Freeman 1973Mr D & Ms C Fullerton 1983 &

1990Ms. June A. Fulton 1984Mr. Eric Georgeson 1971Mr. Courtney S. Gilliatt 1941Ms. Kathleen E. Glover 1978Mr. Robert C. Grant 1964Lt. Col. Ernest A. Grant 1940Mr. David Gray 1954Mr. Michael R. Green 1982

Mr. Troy E. Greene 1994Mr. & Mrs. Gerrit Groenenberg 1984

& 1985Mr. Arnold J. Hagen 1985Ms. Julie S. Hall 2005Mr. Dean HallettMr. William L. Hanlon 1952Mr. Leo A. Harbers 1972Ms. Wendy O. Harris 1979Mr. George A. Harris 1979Mr. Paul A. Harris 1966Ms. Caye A. Harris-Allum 1976Mr. Laurie D. Hennigar 1960Mr. Rhodes L. Hennigar 1945Dana N. Hicks 1985Dr. Philip HicksMr. Charles V. Hiltz 1966Mr. Cyril HiltzMr. Paul W. Hines 1965Mr. William HockeyDr. Richard A. Holley 1964Dr. Robert L. Horsburgh 1951Mr. Don HuxterMr. David M. Jackson 1966Mr. Richard W. Jacobs 2006Mr. Nat JamesMs. Andrea J. Janzen 2000Dr. William A. Jenkins 1938Mr. Eric S. Jennings 1958Mr. Franklin R. Johnson 1950Mr. Michael A. JohnsonRev. Grant Johnston 1971Mr. Charles O. Keddy 1973Mr. Vernon Kelly 1965Ms. Maureen KendallMr. Earl R. Kidston 1969Ms. Heather A. KinsmanMr. Paul KinsmanDr. G. A. KlassenMr. Henry Knol 1969Mr. George A. LaBelle 1955Mr. Winston M. Langille 1940Mr. Harry LawsonMr. Ronald LawsonMr. Ross B. Lister 1966Mr. Aubrey LittleDr. William J. Longley 1959Mr. Douglas E. Lousley 1966Mr. J. D. Lubin 1960Dr. Bertrum H. MacDonald 1971Dr. Bernie MacDonaldMr. Ian P. MacDonald 1950Mr. Donald L. MacDonald 1960Mr. Brian MacDonaldMr. Doug MacDonaldMs. Kari L. MacInnis-Coles 1994Dr. J. Allan MacKay 1943Ms. Carolyn MacKayDr. Donald C. MacKay 1943Ms. Jane R. MacLaurin 1993Mr. William D. MacLean 1976HCol C. R. MacLellan, MC, CD 1948Mr. William E. MacLennan 1949Ms. Helen MacLeodMr. Victor W. MacLeod 1967Mr. Ed MacMillanMr. Gordon A. MacmillanMr. D & Ms. M. MacMillanMr. Eric P. MacPhail 1947

Mr. Albert W. MacPhee 1938Mr. Norman G. MacQueen 1961Mr. John S. MacRae 1939Mr. John E. Madill 1966Mr. Arlington S. Mair 1948Mr. Kenneth MarchantMr. Francis C. Marks 1957Mrs. Jean MarshMr. Rylie Marshall 1940Mr. Bruce MarshallMr. Derek MarshallMr & Mrs Brian Masters 1997 & 2001Mr. Donald MatthewsMr. George U. McBay 1938Mr. Brian R. McCullum 1977Mr. Robert McEwanMr. Donald P. McInnes 1955Mr. & Mrs. Dale McIsaac 1973 & 1978Mr. Bruce D. McKenzie 1943Dr. Murray F. McLaughlin 1966Ms. Patricia McLeodMr. Michael K. McNeil 1985Mr. & Mrs. Ken Mellish 1965 & 1966Mr. James F. Miller 1995Mr. Tony MillerMr. Bill MooreMr. Lloyd & Mrs. Janice Morrison

1961 & 1978Mr. John F. Morrow 1948Mr. Gerald W. Moss 1966Mr. Neil L. Murphy 1964Mr. Vernon R. Murray 1954Mr. Kyle M. Murray 1987Mr. Robert A. Murray 1952New HollandMr. Vaughn S. Nichols 1951Novartis Animal HealthMr. Rick O’ReganMr. Wayne PaquetMr. Robert G. Parker 1971Mr. Wayne F. Parker 1962Mr. Robert L. Parks 1954Ms. Diana PattersonMs. Audrey S. Payne 1964Ms. Kathryne PhillipsMr. John A. Pierce 1971Dr. Nancy L. Pitts 1978Mr. Martin A. Porskamp 1977Mr. G Post & Ms Y Thyssen-Post 1979

& 1980Mr. Robert PrangeMrs. Elizabeth Prentice-Hudson1981Mr. Allan PrestDr. James G. Purdy 1943Ms. Emma Raghavan 1991Mr. Bruce E. Rand 1970Dr. Charles L. Ricketson 1951Mr. W. C. Robinson 1966Mr. Harold A. Rogers 1943Mr. Alexander K. Rogers 1988Mr. Terry RossMr. Arnold A. Rovers 1965Mr. Ronald SampsonDr. Wilma Schenkels 1988Mr. Merritt B. Scott 1965Seaview Poultry LtdMr. John D. Secord 1966Mr. Gary S. Selig 1969Mr. Allen P. Shaw 1972

Shur GainMr. Sedgewick P. Sinclair 1964Mr. Douglas T. Slater 1947Ms. Elaine SlauenwhiteMr. David M. Smith 1947Mr. & Mrs. Charles Smith 1983

&1981Mr. Darrell W. Smith 1971Mrs. Nancy J. Smith 1984Rev. Angus J. Smith 1952Mr. Alford L. Smith 1972Ms. Margaret SmithMs. Evelyn SmithMr. Murray SnowdonDr. Harold B. Specht 1946Dr. Donna E. Spracklin 1974Mr. & Mrs Jim Steeves1974 & 1976Mr. Seymour M. Stewart, Sr. 1942Ms. Cathy StewartMrs. Catherine StreatchMs. Isabel TaylorMr. Stuart L. Taylor 1973Mrs. Lily F. Terceira 1942Mr. Jess M. Thompson 1958Mr. Calvin R. Tilley 1954Mrs. Marjorie ToddMr. Charles T. Trail 1962Mr. Eric Trenholm 1969Mr. Peter & Mrs. Margaret Trenholm

1981Mr & Mrs John Van de Riet 1980 &

1981Mr. & Mrs. Paul Van de Wiel 1992 &

1993Ms. Mary P. Van den Broek 1976Mr. Harry W. Van der Linden 1976Mr. Gerry Van Dyk 1977Ms. J.Van Dyk & Mr. J.Mclellan

1978 &1977Mr. Effie VanoostrumMr. Adrian J. Vermeulen 1980Mr. Willie VersteegMr. Francis J. Vosman 1984Mr. Brian E. Walker 1966Ms Janet L. Walker 2006Mr. Bruce WallaceMr. Dave WallaceMr. Fred Walsh 1950Mr. James G. Walsh 1963Mr. Steven W. Watts 1983Mr. William A. West 1939Mr. Art E. WestMr. James E. West 1987Mr. John WhiddenMr. Cyril B. Whiteley 1974Mr. Thomas S. Whitman 1979Mr. Christopher H. Winters 1972Mr. Allison W. Woodworth 1963Woolly Wanderers Rug HookersMs. Pauline WrightMs. Nancy L. Zwicker 1981

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Summer 2007 21

Teaching Development Fund Started by the Class of 1959

Homecoming 2007Plans are well underway for Homecoming Weekend, October 19th and 20th, 2007. We have some exciting events planned

for all alumni and in particular our honour year classes ending in 2 and 7. We have made some changes to our usual program for Homecoming and are looking forward to an exciting new series of events.

Friday, October 19

Homecoming 2007 will begin on the morn-ing of Friday, October 19th and will continueuntil noon on Saturday, October 20th. Overthe course of these two days, several activi-ties will take place, including campus tours,the option to “go back to class”, mix and min-gle socials, demonstrations and eveningentertainment.

Currently,our tentative plans for the morningof Friday, October 19th include a breakfastwith Dr. Hicks at 8:30 am and a Class of ‘44lecture in the Alumni Theatre in CummingHall at 10:00 am. Carl Duivenvoorden, (Classof 1983) and native of Fredericton, NewBrunswick, will be presenting AnInconvenient Truth, written by Al Gore.Duivenvoorden is one of only two AtlanticCanadians tasked with spreading Al Gore’smessage on climate change. Afterwards,lunch will be served in Jenkins Hall.

The afternoon of Friday, October 19th, willinclude an NSAC mini “Open House” from1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. During this time, youwill be able to tour the various depart-ments at NSAC, ask questions and visit withstaff and faculty. Areas available for view-ing are the Ruminant Animal Centre, theAtlantic Poultry Research Centre, theAquaculture Centre, the Engineering build-ing and more. Get your walking shoes onand “go back to class”! There will also beCollege Royal activities in the RuminantAnimal Centre from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pmand a campus tour will begin at 3:00 pm. At6:30 pm, you are invited to attend a dinnerand dance with live entertainment and thepresentation of the Blue and Gold Awards.

Saturday, Oct 20

On the morning of Saturday, October 20th,you can enjoy Woodsmen demonstrations,College Royal activities and Varsity Athleticcompetitions. Brunch will be available dur-ing the presentation of class shield awards,50 and 60 year pins, the developmentreport and more.

In order to keep you up-to-date onHomecoming preparations we will besending a monthly e-mail to your Class rep-resentative so please keep in touch.

Come and enjoy a weekend of great funand entertainment! Please keep posted toour Homecoming website athttp://nsac.ca/alumni/homecoming/homecoming07.asp for additional details as theydevelop and we wish you all the best asyou celebrate your special anniversary withNSAC.

Last summer class members met at Masstown Market

before coming to the NSAC Campus for the family

Barbeque on Open House Day. In the picture are:

Front Row - (L to R) Robert Clark, Campbell Gunn,

Earnie Maynard. Back Row - Cal Currie, John Fisher,

Dale Ells and Bill Herbert.

Alumni members and friends of NSACare invited to assist in the growth ofthe new Teaching Development Fund.

Started by the Class of ‘59, the fund alreadyhas a little over $10,000 but the goal is tohave that increased to $25,000 by the sum-mer of 2009. Several in the Class rememberand appreciate the interest and effectiveefforts of dedicated staff members duringtheir time at NSAC. Many of the instructorshad frequent involvement in the issues andpractices of the agricultural industry andits related sciences. It is recognized thatstaff development costs time and money.As operating funds are becoming scarce

and research funds usually favour profes-sional development that directly relates toone’s research activities, the decision wasmade to start a new fund, from which theinterest earned, could assist faculty or staffmembers who undertake teachingimprovement activities. Although initiatedby Alumni members in the Class of ‘59, allinterested in helping this cause are urgedto make donations. All cheques should bemade payable to the NSAC Foundation andstate the donation is for the Class of ‘59Teaching Development Fund. The mailingaddress is: NSAC Foundation, Box 550,Truro, NS, B2N 5E3.

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22 Agricola News

NSAC Internationalization AwardPresented at Convocation Dr. DianPatterson, Dean Internationalization, isshown with the 2007 recipient of NSAC’sInternationalization Award, Ms. AndreaMunroe, NSAC Class of 2006. Andrea, analumnus of NSAC, is currently on staff atthe Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada.The award recognizes her achievements inraising the profile of international activitiesamong NSAC students, in particular hersupport for the student refugee program.

Class of 2007 Life Executive Jeff Morton, President NSAC Alumni Association and EnvironmentalHorticulture Instructor, is shown with the Valedictorian and Life Executive selected for the Class of2007. David Brennan, Johnville, NB, a graduate B.Sc.(Agr) program, Agricultural Business option,served as the Valedictorian; Rebecca Daniels, Bridgetown, NS, an Honours graduate from theB.Sc.(Agr.) Animal Science program, was elected Life President and Holly McLean, Newport, NS, agraduate from the B.Sc.(Agr.) Animal Science program, was elected Life Secretary.

2007 Governor General’s Medal Winners Dr. Philip Hicks, President, NSAC, isshown with the 2007 Governor General’s Medals recipients. Recipient of the BronzeGovernor General’s Medal was Joye Sears, Shelburne, NS, a High Honours graduatefrom the Animal Health Technology program. Joye was also the recipient of theNoel Enman Memorial Award. Recipient of the Silver Governor General’s Medal wasKatherine Rutherford, Truro, NS, a High Honours graduate from the B.Sc.(Agr.)Animal Science program. Katherine also received an NSERC UndergraduateStudent Research Award. Recipient of the Gold Governor’s General Medal wasMason MacDonald, Brookfield, NS, a graduate from the Master of Science program.

Presentation of Faculty Teaching Award The 2007recipient of the NSAC Faculty Teaching Award was Dr.Nancy Pitts, Professor, NSAC Department of EnvironmentalSciences, and NSAC Class of 1978. Dr. Ralph Martin, Chair,Instructional Development Committee, is shown offeringcongratulations.

Presentation of Research Award The 2007recipient of the NSAC Faculty Research Awardwas Dr. David Burton, Climate Change ResearchChair. Dr. Rob Gordon, Professor and Director ofResearch, is shown offering congratulations.

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Summer 2007 23

The 2007 NSAC

Annapolis Valley Students Recognized at NSACOutstanding Annapolis Valley students at the

Nova Scotia Agricultural College were recognized thiswinter for their academic achievement by beingnamed to the President’s List. Jim Goit, ExecutiveDirector, Development & External Relations, NSAC, isshown offering congratulations to various students atNSAC honoured at the event—Ashleigh Whitman,South Farmington, NS; a 1st year B.Sc.(Agr.) Pre Vetstudent; Elizabeth Gnemmi, Hantsport, NS, 2nd yearAnimal Science Technician student; and JenniferO’Driscoll, Berwick, NS, 1st year Veterinary Technologystudent.

President’s List

NSAC Alumnus Guest Speaker at NSAC President’sList Jamie Johnstone, NSAC Class of 1998, was

guest speaker at the President’s List held February 7,2007. Jamie is enrolled in medical school and is cur-rently doing his internship rotation at the QueenElizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PE. Jamie isshown congratulating outstanding Cape Breton stu-dents at the NSAC who were recognized this pastwinter for their academic achievement by beingnamed to the President’s List. Students attending theevent—Jason Grant, Baddeck, NS, 1st year PlantScience Technology; Donald Buchanan, Glace Bay, NS,a 1st year B.Sc.(Agr.) Pre Vet student; and Gillian Lake-Thompson, Mabou, NS, a 1st year B.Sc.(Agr.) Pre Vetstudent.

Outstanding Students Recognized at NSAC ThePresident’s List ceremony was held during

February at NSAC. Students attended a reception heldin their honour. Various students attending included(left to right): Maryam Jajouei-Moghaddam, Mashad,Khorasan, Iran, a 3rd year B.Sc.(Agr.) Pre Vet student;Travis Smith, Port Howe, a 1st year Diploma inEnterprise Management Student - Equine; MeganMacEachern, Timberlea, NS, a 1st year B.Sc.(Agr.) PlantScience student; and Richard Benson, Springdale, NL,a 3rd year B.Sc.(Agr.) Pre Vet student.

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24 Agricola News

NSAC Sport Shorts

ATHLETICSATHLETICS

Volleyball

The men’s and women’s teams competedwell within the ACAA. The men’s team lostin the semi-final of the Championships(held at NSAC) to the Kings Blue Devilswhile the women did not secure a play-offposition.

Award winners include:

Hustle Award . . . . . . . . .Matt Vair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corrina Phillips

MIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sheldon Savoie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nelsa English

Rookie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Justin Henwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mandy MacDonald

MVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Milburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corrina Phillips

ACAA All-Conference: Matt Vair

Equestrian Club Team

The following areteam results for 06-07:

1. NSAC Equestrian Challenge - 1st2.Acadia Intercollegiate Horse Show - 1st3. Dalhouse Equestrian Show -1st

Award winners include:

MIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ashley GilliesMVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amanda Leslie

Woodsmen

Having lost a substantial number of veter-an competitors last year, the woodsmenwere more of a ‘rookie’group this year. Thathowever, did not prevent them from per-forming very well at all four CILA competi-tions. The guys had two teams, while thegirls had one team only for the first threecompetitions. All teams finished 6th orhigher in all competitions, and the womenrepeated as the CILA Champions.

Matt Vair attacking in semi-final match.

Janet Walker - log burling

Award winners include:

Hustle Award . . . . . . . Corey MacDonald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janette ArchibaldMIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt MacDonald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy MarquesRookie . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Ballam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janelle PatriquinMVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brent Jackson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet Walker

This relatively newgroup, had a ‘per-fect season’ win-ning every com-petition entered.

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Summer 2007 25

SUMMER 2007 ATHLETICS IN REVIEW

Other Award Winners include:

KS Marchant Award

Technical:. . . Marissa Lynch, Albany, PEIDegree: . . . . Justin Beck, Kingston, NS

Athletes of the Year

Female:. . . . . Kaili van Vulpen, Amherst, NSMale: . . . . . . . Billy McNutt, Oxford, NS

SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadians

Nikia Stewart, Soccer Megan MacLellan, SoccerTrina Bennett, SoccerMatt Vair, Volleyball

Fall Sport Team Awards

HustleRugby (m) . . Phil KeddyRugby (w) . . Tanya McLaughlinSoccer (m) . . Kyle MacRaeSoccer (w) . . Mandy Vandenberg

MIPRugby (m) . . Dan GillisRugby (w) . . Sarah HainesSoccer (m) . . Robb SmithSoccer (w) . . Michelina Medicraft

RookieRugby (m) . . Bryan SavageRugby (w) . . Kelsey HarpmanSoccer (m) . . Justin HenwoodSoccer (w) . . Trina Bennett

MVPRugby (m) . . Niels Langelaan, Aylesford, NSRugby (w) . . Meghan Miller, Clarenceville,QCSoccer (m) . . Matthew Chiasson, Truro, NSSoccer(w). . . Megan MacLellan,Charlottetown, PEI

The 11th CCAA Nationals aHuge Success

The 2007 CCAA Men’s Basketball NationalChampionships (the 11th Nationals hostedby NSAC) went off without a hitch. Theeight teams, 12 CABO officials, CCAAExecutive and the thousands of spectatorsthoroughly enjoyed the event as hosted bythe Athletic Department and HostCommittee.

The first day of competition saw the HostNSAC Rams come within five points of theNumber One Seed — Douglas College. Inthe other evening feature game, MSVUdefeated Mount Royal of Calgary to moveto the semi. The exciting first round gamesbefore a packed house guaranteed goodsecond day attendance and set the stagefor the best attended nationals at NSACsince 1980 when NSAC’s Women’sBasketball Team won the Silver.

Final results saw the Quebec Conferencewin Gold and Bronze (Dawson and JohnAbbott respectively) and the BritishColumbia Colleges Athletic Associationwon Silver (Douglas College). NSAC’s BillyMcNutt was selected to the First Team —All-Tournament Team.

Billy McNutt and Kaili Van Vulpen were selected as the NSAC’s Athletes of the Year for 2006-07. McNutt was MVP for the Men’s Basketball Program and ACAA All-Conference , whileVan Vulpen was ACAA All-Conference in both soccer and basketball and MVP for theWomen’s Basketball Program.

See: nsac.ca/athletics for the complete list of award winners

Women’s soccer: Megan MacLellan at ACAAChampionships - vs- Kings in the semi final

Athletes of the Year

Kaili Van Vulpen Billy McNutt

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26 Agricola News

SUMMER 2007 ATHLETICS IN REVIEW

Basketball

With two good recruiting years, thewomen’s team had an excellent season.They won the quarter-final of the ACAA’sagainst UNBSJ (06 ACAA Champs) and thenlost the semi-final to a very talentedUniversity of Kings squad.

The men, although troubled by injuries atkey times also had a great season. Earninga berth in the CCAA Nationals hosted byNSAC, through tough consistent competi-tion and showing they deserved to bethere, the team had two excellent gamesagainst the best in the country.

Kaili Van Vulpen defends in semi against Kings.

Award winners include:

Hustle Award . . . . . . . . . Thomas Teakles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica MitchellMIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan Kennedy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie RussellRookie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Canfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti GilroyMVP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy McNutt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaili VanVulpen

ACAA All-Conference . . Billy McNutt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaili Van Vulpen

In MemoriamThe university, along with the NSAC Alumni Association, acknowl-

edges the passing of the following alumni members and extends

its sympathies to friends and family.

As of January1, 2007

Mr. Elmer B. Babin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1930

Mr. Edwin P. Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1931

Mr. Fenwick A. Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1931

Mr. Thomas C. Chiasson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1933

Ms. Eleanor A. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1933

Mr. Clarence W. MacIntosh . . . . . . . . . . . . 1940

Mr. Hazen L. Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1944

Mr. Harold J. MacFarlane . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1946

Mr. Dennis G. Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1950

Mr. David R. Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1956

Mr. Arthur G. Redden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1956

Mr. Jefferson M. Bujan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1956

Mr. Robert A. Purdy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1956

Mr. C. W. Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1964

Mr. Adam A. Mermuys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003

Dr. Robert Gordon, Dean ofResearch, Canada ResearchChair, NSAC receives Premier’sAward of Excellence

The Premier's Award of Excellence is the mostprestigious award a Government of Nova

Scotia employee or team can receive. This high-est form of honour recognizes outstanding on-the-job contributions of employees and teamsof employees. To receive it is to know that yourwork made a difference to the people of NovaScotia - an achievement of which you can beproud for a lifetime.

Dr. Robert Gordon is a 2007 recipient of this award. Dr. Gordon hasdedicated his career to the public service of Nova Scotia and theAtlantic region by implementing creative and innovative solutionsto problems in agriculture and the environment. He has madenumerous contributions to applied research, outreach programs,environmental training and education, environmental improve-ments in the agriculture sector and the development of govern-ment programs and services in resource management. Also, hisreputation as a leading authority on climate-related issues is wellknown throughout Canada.

In 1996, Dr. Gordon took on the challenge of providing an environ-mental audit service for farmers. The result is the Nova ScotiaEnvironmental Farm Plan Program that includes more than 925farms across the province. This program is now recognized nation-ally as the standard by which other programs are measured.

The passion brought to his work and the desire to make a differ-ence shown by Rob in delivering quality research and outreachprograms and his keen interest in teaching and mentoring youngpeople in Nova Scotia, is second to none.

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Current work: Currently he works full timefor Jersey Canada, the national breed asso-ciation for Jersey dairy cattle. He isPublications Editor, with specific responsi-bility for the creation of the breed maga-zine, The Canadian Jersey Breeder. In hisspare time he is the Secretary-Manager ofthe Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society,the national breed association for MilkingShorthorn dairy cattle.

The Future: He hopes to return to PEI atsome point in the not-too-distant future.

Favourite NSAC memories: AC ChristianFellowship coffeehouses in “The Barn”, flip-ping sheep, house crawls in Fraser House,and spending time with closest friends,who have become life-long friends.

What did you like most about NSAC?: “I likedthat I had challenging, interesting profes-sors that were committed to teaching, notjust publishing papers. I loved the close-ness of the campus community, the uniqueevents (Woodsmen weekend, Rugby 7’s,etc). Finally, I loved meeting new friends,many of whom I still talk to regularly today.

You can reach Ryan at 202-8 Speedvale AveW, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 1J4 Ph:(519) 824-2119 E-Mail: [email protected]

Ryan Barrett, from page 4

Beautiful Brazil, from page 12

challenges and limitations to the growth ofBrazilian agriculture fall in two categories:(1) lack of political stability domesticallyand international subsidies- particularly inthe US and (2) lack of adequate infrastruc-ture. The development of storage facilitiesport facilities, and roadways has not keptpace with the rate of growth of agriculturalproduction and exports. Transportation isthe highest cost of production facingBrazilian agriculture. In some areas we vis-ited, transportation represented 30 percent of the commodity’s purchase price.

There is little direct government supportfor Brazilian farmers. During the early1990s the government removed much ofits intervention in agricultural markets byprivatizing enterprises and eliminatingminimum support prices, government pur-chases of wheat and milk and marketingboards for coffee, sugar and wheat. In2004, total government support to agricul-ture averaged 0.5 per cent of GDP; compa-rable to that of Australia (0.3 per cent) andNew Zealand (0.4 per cent). Extension pro-vided to farmers is delivered by agrologistson staff at producer cooperatives, privateprocessors and agricultural supply compa-nies and agricultural research/educationalinstitutes.

Brazil’s primary agriculture sector isextremely diverse. Commercial crop farmstend to be the largest in terms of total landbase, ranging from 1000 hectares to 35,000hectares. The Governor of the state of RioGrande do Sol is the largest soybean pro-ducer in the world with 100,000 hectares inproduction. The large farms with 20,000hectares or more can have upwards of5000 employees. These employees andtheir families live in houses on the farmproperty along with schools and medicalcentres for their use; all are funded by thefarm business. Farm workers are requiredby law to have one month of vacationwhere they must receive 30 per cent oftheir regular pay. Farm owners are alsorequired by law to supply their workerswith pensions and health insurance. Dairyfarms have smaller land bases (average 15hectares) supporting an average herd sizeof 25 milking cows. Unlike Brazil’s cropfarms, on the country’s dairy operations,family members represent the majority ofthe farm labour. It is important to note thatdespite a very modern, high-tech agricul-ture sector; over 50 per cent of Brazilianrural property is operated as a subsistence

agricultural operation (less than tenhectares).

As mentioned above, along with deliveringus a professional program, District 4700showcased the Rotary projects in theircommunities. The hard work of ourRotarian hosts to make Brazil a richer coun-try socially was inspiring. We visitedorphanages, after school programs for atrisk youth, schools for the disabled, a homefor neglected seniors and day programs toteach disadvantaged mothers skills to sup-port their families. The operation of theseinstitutions depends on the Rotary mem-bers volunteering their time and fundrais-ing abilities and represent the fundamen-tal social programming for Brazil’s poor.With its lush green landscapes Brazil isbeautiful; but the enthusiasm, compassion,and determination of Brazilians to maketheir country a better place is even morebeautiful!

Please visit our blog for a full account ofour journey and follow-up activities:http://rotarygse2007.blogspot.com

Nova Scotia Provincial ExhibitionAugust 21-25th

Class of 44 LectureOctober 19th

Homecoming Reunion WeekendOctober 19th-20

College RoyalOctober 19th - 20

NSAC Octoberfest 5 K RunOctober 20th

Varsity Alumni WeekendOctober 20th

Autumn AssemblyOctober 25

Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

October 25

Festive Craft MarketNovember 17-18

NSAC Woodsmen MeetFebruary 9th

CCAA Women’s National Basketball Championships

March 14-16

Take note...

Summer 2007 27

Did you know that there are trees on the NSACcampus that are approximately 120 years old?

NSAC is closely involved with the many dedicatedFriends of the Garden volunteers who help tomaintain the specialist plant collections on campus including: the Herb Garden, the NativePlant Garden and the Alumni Gardens.

The Grounds Maintenance staff at NSAC is respon-sible for hard features on the campus such as: thegazebo in the Almuni Gardens, the decks of boththe Women’s Institue of Nova Scotia and the RockGarden, the patios of the Alumni Gardens, CoxInstitute and the Amphitheatre, the entrancearbors of the Alumni Gardens and the RockGarden, the pergola of the Alumni Gardens andthe individual benches and picnic tables foundaround campus.

Did you know that there are two irrigation sys-tems on the NSAC campus? One is in the AthleticField and the other one is in the Rock Garden.

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28 Agricola News

lowing the application deadline.

Two competitions will be held annuallywith application deadlines of May 1st andOctober 15th, respectively. Application ismade directly through the NSAC Research& Graduate Studies office. For more infor-mation please see the following link:http://nsac.ca/research/graduatestudies/graduate/CDC_scholarship_program.asp orcontact Jill Rogers at [email protected].

Dairy scholarship, from page 14

1992 and met Carol. He convinced her tovisit Writtle College. The college is sur-rounded by its own estate, farm and gar-dens which serve as a “green laboratory”for students. During her first visit, Carol fellin love with the college and its beautifulgardens.“The course grew out of thatvisit,” she says. The British Garden coursebecame part of the Bachelor ofTechnology - Environmental Horticultureprogram at NSAC.

Carol also teaches arboriculture, the culti-vation of trees and shrubs, at HämePolytechnic in Lepaa, Finland. Her Finnishstudents are often interested in taking theBritish Garden course and regularlyaccompany Carol on her trip to WrittleCollege.“Finland looks a lot like NovaScotia,” she says.“The native landscape issimilar. There are birch, spruce and pinetrees which are different species from thetrees in Nova Scotia, but they look thesame.”

Carol grew up in a gardening family. Hergrandparents and her mother were avidgardeners. She planned on becoming aveterinarian after graduating from highschool but she went to an NSAC OpenHouse and attended a horticulture classand knew right away that it was what shewanted to study.“In order to be a horticul-turist, one must be inspired or moved bythe outside environment,” says Carol.“I’vealways loved nature so this was the per-fect profession for me.”

The Grass is Greener, from page 13

export final products,”says Dr. Caldwell.“It’show we build the value chains that makesthe difference. At this year’s workshop,there will be people from England,WesternCanada and the local area specializing invalue chains. We can learn from their expe-rience how to build economic and environ-mentally sustainable food systems.”

Poster presentations will also be featuredat this workshop. The poster presentationswill provide an opportunity to exhibitrecent findings or work in progress on oneof the three sub-theme areas or in a “wildcard” sub-theme category on a specificresearch, extension, education or industrydevelopment program. “The ‘wild card’posters will allow people to see new devel-opments in the region that aren’t necessar-ily part of the theme,” says Dr. Caldwell.

A special section of the displays will beallocated to poster presentations fromgraduate students. “This will provide stu-dents with presentation experience and anopportunity to meet all of the best peoplein agriculture, rural development and envi-ronmental sciences in the region which

AASCW 2007, from page 15 creates the potential for future jobs,” saysDr. Caldwell.The posters will not be judged as a compe-tition. It is recognized that many of theseposters will feature work in progress and notnecessarily all final conclusions.Participating graduate students may befrom any university.

The 4’ X 4’ white Styrofoam display boardsand straight pins will be provided by theworkshop. Presenters will install their infor-mation on the assigned poster boardbetween 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm onWednesday, November 15, 2007.

Posters will be exhibited at the NSAC cam-pus in Jenkins Hall from 4:30 pm onNovember 15 until 12:30 pm on November16, 2007.To answer questions from viewers,poster presenters are expected to be pre-sent at their poster display from 5:30 pm to7:00 pm on November 15, 2007.Poster authors should apply in advance topresent a poster. The deadline for postersubmissions is September 1, 2007.For more information regarding the work-shop and poster presentations, please visithttp://www.nsac.ca/aascw/.

relation to key events happening duringpregnancy recognition.”After receiving herPh.D., Sarah undertook her Post-Doctoraltraining at the University of Louis Pasteurin Strasbourg, France.

In September of 2005, Sarah became amember of the faculty at McGill Universityin Montreal, Quebec. She is an AssistantProfessor in the university’s Department ofAnimal Science.“Sarah has always been anenthusiastic animal-lover and biologist,”says MacLaren. “And among her manystrengths is a keen interest in ‘connectingthe dots’ between cell regulatory mole-cules and function using pictorial models.”Sarah is also an Associate Member of theDepartment of Pharmacology andTherapeutics at McGill University.

Sarah chose to study at NSAC because ofits environment.“At NSAC, the environmentis very collegial and there is a real sense ofcommunity,” she says. She feels that thesmall class sizes at NSAC allow students toreceive the individual attention they need.“I think NSAC has better communicationbecause it is a small school. Students really

get to know their classmates and can dis-cuss their interests with them,” she says.She was also impressed by the strong pro-grams at NSAC and the great opportunitiesavailable for students to learn applied sci-ence in the topics of plants and animals.

Currently, Sarah lives in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue with her husband, Jean PaulParkhill, and their two-year-old son, Eric.Her husband has a Ph.D. in oceanographyand teaches biology at John Abbot Collegein Montreal. Sarah enjoys being active inher spare time by playing with her son, bik-ing, walking her dog, skiing and ridinghorses.

Sarah Kimmins, from page 4

A class full of NSAC students gets “up close and

personal” bovine instruction thanks to facilities

allowing animals to be part of the classroom

experience.

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In Touch!

Class of 1940

KUHN, Bernard G. — I attendedNSAC in 1938-1939 in theGeneral Course, class of 1940.Though I did not finish thecourse, NSAC made quite a markon me. I worked for four years asa telephone technician in Halifax,served in the RCAF from 1943-1945, and graduated in electricalengineering from McGillUniversity in 1949. I had a veryinteresting career in radar andcommunications developmentas an RCAF technical officer, MITstaff member in Massachusetts,and staff engineer and managerwith McDonnell-Douglas,General Dynamics, Amex andCubic Corporation in California.With my wife Elyse, a Montrealgirl, and our family of threedaughters, we moved manytimes across our continent andthe Pacific islands until we retiredin Ramona, San Diego County,California in 1984, and we’vebeen here since. In 2006, I estab-lished, with the help of my sib-lings, the P.Max Kuhn ScholarshipFund at NSAC. P.Max Kuhn wasmy father, a career farmer inHalifax County. He attendedNSAC from 1908 to 1910 and heapplied a lot of his NSAC trainingwith enthusiasm. Annual awardsof the scholarship will start in thefall of 2007. Especially since Iexpatriated, I wanted to givesomething back to Nova Scotia,and establishing this scholarshipgives me great satisfaction. NSACis a very worthy recipient of sup-port for students, and I recom-mend similar action to my alum-ni who can consider it. Jim Goit,the NSAC Director of

Development and ExternalRelations, was instrumental insetting up the scholarship andadding to my initiative for theproject. I remember many class-mates of the General Course of1940 and would like to hear inthese columns from any who arestill out there. Best wishes tothem and to all other NSAC alumni.

Class of 1959

LONGLEY, William — I have nowcompleted 40 years developingdiagnostic tests that have beenused primarily in the medicalfield.This was first done to furtherunderstanding of the interac-tions of protein and steroid hor-mones in animal models. Thetests were then applied to diag-nosis of endocrine and cancerdisorders. I have been fortunateto work with both academic andprivate companies that haveallowed me to lead groups in thevalidation of these proceduresand in many cases licensing thetest by the FDA. At this time I amplanning to retire to consultingonly before reaching the age of70 in 2008.

Class of 1962

AUCOIN, Kevin......Retired inJan/01 and continue to be veryinvolved in my community.Started curling, again, this year.

Class of 1967

GALLANT, Faye.....is a FederalFishery Officer with Fisheries andOceans Canada. She also has acommercial blueberry operationand woodlot.

Class of 1972

CONNOLLY, Karen — Hi, Returnedto PEI after spending 14 yearsworking in Ontario for MacLeodHybrid Swine Ltd. asherdswoman of a breeding stock,farrow to finish operation and 2years in the Valley working for JoeUeffing of Scotia Farm Services ata commercial hog operation. Ireturned to P.E.I worked for a time

in the tourism field before I got ajob with the Provincial Dept ofAgriculture working on the AphidAlert Program for Plant HealthServices and then in 2005 startedworking on the CAIS program. Inow work June to September onAphid Alert and September toJune on CAIS. [email protected]

Class of 1976

LEMMON, Wendell Charles —Horticulture Commodity Officerwith the Plant Health Division ofCanadian Food InspectionAgency. Located in Ottawa withprimary work focus on grapevineand fruit tree quarantines andcertification programs. Splittingmy life between Ottawa workand returning to my other homein Tatamagouche, Nova Scotiafrom time to time where life goeson at a more relaxed pace.

Class of 1983

FERGUS, Greg...... Hello Aggies.Living in Quispamsis, NB.Workingfor Moosehead Breweries for past24 years. Would enjoy hearingfrom classmates and friends

Class of 1988

CORNISH, Lynn — Hello there,folks at NSAC! I graduated fromthat wonderful agricultural insti-tution in 1988, and right awaymarried Steve Spinney, the guywho introduced me to the NSACopportunity in the first place.Together we have done somefarming of our own, but we alsowork for Acadian SeaplantsLimited, and what started outsimply as interesting jobs, haveturned into challenging careers.Steve can talk about his own evo-lution within the company, but Ihave one of the most interestingjobs in the world. AcadianSeaplants Limited is the epitomeof work ethic and innovation, andmuch of its success has beenbuilt through the minds and bod-ies of NSAC graduates. My partic-ular role is to grow the marineplant seedstock for our one of a

kind cultivation facility located inCharlesville, Nova Scotia. Our pri-mary crop is Chondrus Crispus,which is used to provide a well-liked and unique food productfor the Japanese market.However, we have been carefullyand selectively diversifying intoother species, and I am taskedwith learning how to grow andmaintain cultures of weird andwonderful species and strains ofseaweeds from our local areas, aswell as from sources around theworld. This is such leading edgetechnology, for no one else in theworld can do some of the thingswe do, relative to the cultivationof marine plant species, and Ihave been very fortunate to havebeen mentored by scientists whoare world authorities on sea-weed. It is a bit ironic that I grad-uated with a BSc. in AgriculturalSoils, and yet everything I doinvolves growing plants in water.A clear indication of the compre-hensive and in depth educationprovided by NSAC, regardless ofspecific discipline. [email protected]

Class of 1989

HILTZ, Marlene...... Just want tocongratulate Kriss Hiltz andDeidre Burns on the birth of theirson “Riley william” on April 262007.Kriss said “He has a new lit-tle ram!!”

Class of 1990

FOSTER, Lynda (Lamb).....HelloAggies of 89 & 90! Moved to AB in92 and recently moved to SK &loving it. But , wow is it hard tofind a good beach! Working asPayroll/Benefits accountant @Nelson Lumber, Lloydminster AB.Would love to hear form oldfriends - Tracey McArthur, ChrisJordan, and anyone else. You tooEdgar, stop changing your email!!

Class of 1993

WHITE, Michele — Hi Aggies! Thisis Michele White (now

Continued on next page

Summer 2007 29

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30 Agricola News

Leatherbury) - I graduated fromNSAC twice (1993 BSc and 1985Ani Sci Tech) and am now a veton Virginia’s Eastern Shore. In2006 I opened my own solo doc-tor small animal practice. I’m mar-ried to an accountant and have 2stepchildren in college and 2 catsand a dog at home. The EasternShore is beautiful with wonderfulviews of the sunsets over theChesapeake Bay but I get veryhomesick for the Maritimessometimes. My parents are stillliving in New Brunswick so we tryto get home to see them eachyear. Old classmates, please emailanytime - I would love to hearfrom you!

Class of 1994

TIBBETTS, Sean — (BSc AnimalScience 1994 & MSc AnimalNutrition 1999) and ShannonScott-Tibbetts (BSc Dal. Biology1993 & BSc Aquaculture 1998)are pleased to announce thebirth of their first child. EvynDaniel Tibbetts was born inHalifax on November 30, 2006.We would love to hear from oldfriends from NSAC [email protected]

Class of 1995

HOLLIS, Carolyn......is a Veterinarianwith the Amherst VeterinaryHospital. She has a daughterMallory born 2002 and a son Evanborn 2004

Class of 1997

BOYD, Troy — Hi Folks! I’m stillhere in Northern BC, teaching fulltime (grades 11 and 12Chemistry and Geology) andworking weekends/summers inthe oil patch. Most of my oil workis pre-disturbance, but somer e c l a m a t i o n / r e m e d i a t i o n .Agricultural background is veryhandy.The P.Ag group here does-n’t meet very often and there areno pro-D opportunities, so Idropped my membership. I’m re-thinking that...Hi Rhonda, Paulie,Nikki, Amber, Janice, et al.

Class of 1998

RALPH, Trina.....I was married tomy best friend, Jonathan Ralph,on July 15, 2007.We have boughta house in my home town( BaySouth, Newfoundland) last falland share it with our boxer andour cat.

WESSELIUS, John......is a dairyfarmer with Dairy SweetHolsteins Ltd. When my Dadretired in 2001, my four brothersand I each took over our owndairy farms. I live on the originalfarm which was purchased in1983. I am married and have fourchildren, Lee (13), Clark (11),Jeffrey (8) and Adrian (4). We cur-rently milk 135 Holsteins.

RUSSELL, Amanda......is a QualityAssurance Associate with OceanNutrition Canada.

Class of 1999

DRUMMOND, Mary Ann...... Hithere aggies I am just writing tosay that I am at home and work-ing on a dairy farm in Norton. Ihave two wondeful kids,Kathrynn 4, and Zackary 2. I amhoping to get to the Woodsmencompetition this but we’ll see. Ihope all the Animal Sci. Techs of1999 are still alright and havingthe time of their life. Hope tp seeyou this February for a little classreunion!!!! Go Aggies!!!!!!

WILSON, Cynthia...... Hello fellowaggies. Just a note to say hello. Iam still in Windsor and I have abeautiful baby girl. She is fivemonths old. I am engaged to IanDuey from Dartmouth. I work forNSAB and my family farm. Loveto hear from anyone.

Class of 2001

GRAHAM, Eliza......is working atOttawa Valley Waste RecoveryCentre

MCKAY,Joyce....Graduated in2006 with a Bachelor ofEducation from University ofPrince Edward Island and is cur-rently teaching.

MCCARRON, Jenn ( Herbin)...... Hieveryone, this is my first updateever! So here is a brief overviewof the last 6 years! I finished vetschool in 2005, spent the summerworking in Ireland. Moved toManitoba to work at a large ani-mal practice for a year (andmissed my first woodsmen com-petition in 8 years!) Married Ryanin September 2006 and movedback to PEI. (We made it towoodsmen this year!) I am nowworking as a farm service vet atthe AVC. I am specializing in dairyand working on my masters inepidemiology. We’ll be here for acouple more years then afterthat...who knows!

KING, Alicia (Baxter) ......HelloEveryone! Just thought I shoulddrop a line as it has been a longtime. Danny and I were married inMay of 2002 and are living in theValley with our three children,Makayla (March 2005) and Caseyand Percy (October 2006). All iswell here, we are currently work-ing on a move to the Oxford area.Take care.

Class of 2002

STUCKEY, Amanda...... hello to allmy fellow aggies! I am finally fin-ished vet school and am nowworking at the Sussex AnimalHosp. in NB. Randy Holm and I gotmarried in may 2006 and are lov-ing our new house we justbought here in NB.

could offer health benefits suchas enhancing our immune sys-tem. Rhubarb production ofthis crop is however limited bythe cost of harvesting and thecost of planting. Nearly 40 per-cent of the cost of producingrhubarb is spent on harvesting.Dr. Lada is looking at howrhubarb can be grown toreduce harvesting costs and tofurther examine the potentialhealth benefits of rhubarbextracts.Dr. Lada has also been activelyworking with another industry.

Research, from page 14

In 2006, he established theChristmas Tree ResearchProgram to look at the problemof needle retention after thetrees and branches are cut. Theprogram is sponsored by theNova Scotia Christmas TreeCouncil and focuses on identi-fying the physiological mecha-nisms of needle drop and pro-viding solutions to control it.Their initial evidence suggeststhat the needle drop is trig-gered by factors other thanhow well the plant is wateredbefore cutting. However thequestion remains, is thisprocess caused by a geneticresponse? Further research inthis program is in progress.

Finding funding for hisresearch has never been a issuefor Dr. Lada, but finding enoughtime has been his greatest chal-lenge. Prioritizing his responsi-bilities as a professor, aresearcher and as a supervisorrequires good time manage-ment.“To be everywhere and tobe able to participate in every-thing is almost impossible,” hesays.

The benefits of Dr. Lada’sresearch reach a wide audi-ence. Industry partners,research partners, students aswell as the general communityall gain insight and knowledgefrom being involved with himand his research. Dr. Lada likesto contribute to change and hegets great satisfaction in pass-ing the torch to the next gener-ation. As a professor, heexplains his role is to: “Kindle astudent’s sprit, enlighten theirmind and soul, quench theirthirst for knowledge and tostimulate their creativity result-ing in discoveries and innova-tion.”

“Education is like a candle that brings

light into a dark room,

Eliminating ignorance,

And enriching knowledge and wisdom,

In a journey To serve the humanity

And To create a better tomorrow.”

Rajasekaran Lada.

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Dr. Roger Buckland, Class of 1961

Continued on next page

Look Who’s Talking is a regularfeature of Agricola News. Analumnus, each issue discusseshis or her thoughts on varioustopics relevant to the NSAC.This issue, we asked Dr. RogerBuckland, Class of 1961 to taketime to sit down and talk withus.

It has been more than 45 years since you left the NSAC.What memories does this bring back of your college days?

My most significant memory of NSAC is of Win Langille, whotaught chemistry and coached the NSAC hockey team in the Truroand district hockey league. Win Langille gave me the opportunityto play hockey on both teams. Today, the NSAC athletic centre isnamed after Win Langille. The student government at NSAC reallyimpressed me. I was the director of athletics on student council forone year and found it very intriguing.

I enjoyed the town of Truro. At the time, NSAC had a primarily malestudent population so we all recognized the attributes of the NovaScotia Teacher’s College and what it brought to our community!

I came from a rustic boarding school in New Brunswick and wenton to Macdonald College and by comparison, was impressed withthe quality of meals provided at NSAC.We always had great meals.

In terms of academics, I am not sure that we really appreciated themore than full course loads that were required by NSAC at thattime. Any spare periods were filled in with applied agriculturecourses which definitely benefited us all in the end.

I participated in the College Royal and thoroughly enjoyed all of itsactivities, especially the livestock show. I remember Paul Burgess,the President of Student Council when I was in my first year, visit-ed the College Royal at the Ontario Agricultural College andMacdonald College. It was Paul’s ‘job’ to report back to us in termsof where we should continue our education after NSAC. He told usthat the Ontario Agricultural College was nice but that there wereseven girls for every guy at MacDonald College. So, of course, 90per cent of us decided to go there. That is where I met my wifeVicki.

Overall, the two years that I spent at NSAC were a great time in mylife.

What do you see as the most significant and positive changes in the NSAC since you were a student?

There’s no question in my mind that the introduction of the fouryear degree program at NSAC completely transformed the institu-

tion. Before this program, students could only study at NSAC fortwo years and then had to continue their education at other uni-versities such as McGill or Guelph to complete their degrees. Thefour year degree program was created under the leadership of Dr.Herb MacRae, a dear friend of mine. I also think the Langille AthleticCentre at NSAC was a positive addition to the campus because itshows that the university supports academics as well as extracur-ricular activities. To support this academic development, there alsowas a renewal and expansion of the physical facilities at NSAC toprovide the academic space required.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation that year asked me year tochair the committee that reviewed all the proposals in a the broadarea of agriculture. The voting members were an internationalcommittee. Every member was, as all members were, from beyondthe shores of Canada. The NSAC proposal was recognized as beingvery strong in relation to regional needs. The Canada Foundationfor Innovation was put in place to provide, replace, upgrade and

fund innovative initiatives from inCanadian universities, colleges,research hospitals and non-profitresearch institutions. We had to dosomething with Canada’s infra-structure. If Canada did not openfacilities such as the AtlanticCanada Poultry Centre, we do nothave the possibility of attractingand keeping the best intellects andresearchers in Canada. If we do nothave world class facilities and

equipment in Canada, researchers simply will not stay here. This iswhy the Poultry Centre is so important to NSAC.This facility has thecapability for students to do research and for students at theundergraduate and graduate levels to see top quality facilities andthe type of environment and biosecurity controls that will be ahuge part of the industry. Plus, the centre is located right on cam-pus which makes it easily accessible to all.

If you had a vision for NSAC and how it would look 20 years from now, what would it look like and why?

This issue of the Agricola News highlights the grand openingof the Atlantic Poultry Research Centre. You were a member ofthe CFI review committee when this proposal was broughtforth. Why did you feel this was an important facility for theNSAC and what do you think it means for future students andthe research community at large?

Look Who’s Talking...

If Canada does not open facilities such as theAtlantic Canada PoultryCentre, we do not havethe possibility of attract-ing and keeping the bestintellects and researchersin Canada.

Summer 2007 31

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32 Agricola News

I see two phases:First, agriculture will continue its transformation of the reduction in the number of farms and an increase in the size of agriculturalbusiness operations. NSAC must continue to move forward inorder to be relevant to agriculture and food systems. Curriculumand facilities must also move forward and improve. NSAC will findit a challenge to keep up with the industry let alone become aleader. This, in my view, is true for all of Canada’s faculties of agri-culture.

Second, with the decline in numbers of people and operations inagriculture and food chains, NSAC must not only remain relevantto the industry as per above but it must have an international rep-utation in teaching and research.

Thus, it is extremely important that NSAC continues to grantdegrees from Dalhousie University toits students. Dalhousie is an interna-tionally recognized university. Thepartnership that NSAC has withDalhousie is vital to its success.

In fact, it is my view that 20 yearsfrom now, NSAC should become a fullfaculty of Dalhousie University andsecond campus of DalhousieUniversity instead of being a sepa-rate institution. The Department ofAgriculture should enter into discus-sions with Dalhousie University tomake the appropriate financial deci-sions so that staff members of NSACbecome full faculty members of the

academic community of Dalhousie University. This way throughthis change, NSAC would have enhanced academic rigor, an inter-national reputation, a full-fledged graduate program and serve asa second separate campus for Dalhousie University. This wouldalso mean that students from Truro and its surrounding area whowould like to attend Dalhousie but do not want to move and/ordo not have the finances to live in Halifax, have the opportunity toattend Dalhousie University in Truro.

As a poultry professor at Macdonald College, do you see this new facility as key to advancing a new poultry professor’s career?

NSAC absolutely needs these new facilities in order to be a leaderin our industry and attract students, researchers, professors andleaders, and to provide the quality care of domestic animals andbirds.

The Department ofAgriculture shouldenter into discussionswith DalhousieUniversity to make the appropriate financialdecisions so that staffmembers of NSACbecome full facultymembers of the academic communityof DalhousieUniversity.

Dr. Roger Buckland

Dr. Buckland is a graduate of the Nova Scotia AgriculturalCollege and earned a Bachelor of Science (Agr.) in 1963 anda Master of Science in 1965 from McGill University. Aftercompleting his doctoral studies at the University ofMaryland in 1968 he worked as a Research Scientist withAgriculture Canada before joining McGill University in 1971as an Assistant Professor of Animal Science and as Directorof the Poultry Unit. His research focused on poultry physiol-ogy and genetics, particularly in relation to male reproduc-tion. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1980.

Professor Buckland’s academic leadership was soon recog-nized. He was appointed Chair of the Department of AnimalScience in 1979 and Dean and Vice-Principal (MacdonaldCampus) in 1985, a post he held for ten years. During histwo terms as Dean and Vice-Principal, the Faculty changedits name to the Faculty of Agricultural and EnvironmentalSciences and Macdonald College became the MacdonaldCampus of McGill University.

Professionally, Dr. Buckland has made important contribu-tions to the Poultry Science Association and the World’sPoultry Science Association. He was the founding presidentof the Confederation of Canadian Faculties of Agricultureand Veterinary Medicine and was instrumental in establish-ing the Canadian Poultry Research Council. Dr. Buckland hasreceived numerous distinctions acknowledging his contri-butions and service. These include the Poultry ScienceAssociation Research Award, the Nova Scotia AgriculturalCollege Distinguished Alumnus Award and he is a Fellow ofthe Agricultural Institute of Canada. In 2004 on the 50thanniversary of Canada’s Who’s Who, Dr. Buckland wasnamed one of the 35 most influential people in Canada’spoultry industry.

Since 1996 Dr. Buckland has played a leadership role inestablishing the joint McGill University and Université deMontreal Centre for Poultry Research. Funding receivedfrom the Canada Foundation for Innovation, theGouvernment du Quebec and the private sector has result-ed in new teaching and research facilities being built atboth universities which will result in inter-university teach-ing and research programs.

talk about your experiences here and tell others to consider us asan option when thinking about post-secondary education.

In the marketing office we will continue to gather information thatwill help us understand our students. We believe speaking topotential students who share similar attributes, lifestyles and val-ues with our university is key. It is this group that we believe willfind NSAC the most appealing and will enjoy their experience atNSAC the most.

Who we are, from page 16

The Grounds Maintenance staff at NSAC includes two full-time co-man-agers, three seasonal casuals (April 1November 30) and five NSAC studentsfor the summer (April 25- August 30).

Did you know that you can find approximately 15,000 annuals in flowerbeds, planters and hanging baskets around the NSAC campus?

About 5,000 crest plants are greenhouse propagated by the GroundsMaintenance staff at NSAC to be used in the carpet bed planting near theathletic field on Pictou Road.

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nsac.ca

NSAC Luggage TagsTraveling abroad or just out of the province? Why not travel in style with NSAC Luggage tags?

If you are an NSAC alumnus, just mail us your business card and we will return to you an NSAC luggage tag, ready toattach to your luggage — Free-of-charge!*

Please forward your cards and return address to:

NSAC Alumni OfficeP.O. Box 550Truro NS B2N 5E3

*Please forward one card per tag.Limit four per alumnus.

(Actual size)

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Mailed under Canada PostPublication Mail Sales AgreementNo. 40063668

Please return undeliverable addresses to:Development and Alumni Relations OfficeNova Scotia Agricultural CollegeP.O.Box 550, Truro, NS B2N 5E3