Two Wellington County Residents Receive $2,000 Bursaries from OFA
Bursary Description
supplied photo: Pictured from left to right: Zone 6 Director Crispin Colvin, Zone 14 Director Vanessa Renaud, Zone 9 Director Mark Reusser, Mary Brander, Bobby Robinson, Kyla Lewis, and Alaina MacDonald at the OFA Annual General Meeting in Toronto on Nov. 26, 2024. [Not pictured: Kaylee Wells]
TORONTO – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has announced the winners of its annual bursary program, and two Wellington County residents are among the five young recipients. Each will receive $2,000 to help them achieve their goals in agriculture.
The undergraduate, postgraduate, and apprenticeship awards were presented at the OFA’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto earlier this week.
Alaina MacDonald from Clifford has been recognized with a postgraduate bursary, while Mary Brander from Rockwood received an undergraduate bursary.
“This year’s recipients are passionate about agriculture, dedicated to their communities, and determined to build strong futures for themselves, their families, and the industry,” says Drew Spoelstra, President of the OFA in a news release. “It’s crucial to recognize the emerging talent entering the agricultural sector, and we’re proud to support these young individuals as they embark on their careers. Through these bursaries, we celebrate their potential and look forward to helping them achieve their goals and contribute to the growth of our industry.”
The news release explained, Alaina MacDonald is a veterinarian and PhD candidate in Population Medicine at the University of Guelph, focusing on One Health—exploring the links between human, animal, and environmental health.
“With a background in veterinary training and research on emerging diseases at the livestock-wildlife-human interface, Alaina has contributed to multiple international conferences and publications. She has also volunteered in Uganda and Tanzania, strengthening her commitment to global agriculture and public health. Alaina remains active in her rural community through 4-H and zoonotic disease education, with aspirations to make significant contributions to global health and veterinary medicine.”
Mary Brander is in her second year of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Guelph, majoring in Animal Science.
“Growing up on a family farm and participating in 4-H, she is passionate about animal health, particularly in large animal veterinary care. Mary has gained practical experience through co-op work placements and aims to prevent and treat diseases in food animals. She is also deeply involved in community service, including 4-H leadership and charity work, and is committed to advancing the agricultural industry and animal health.”
The bursary program is open to applicants who live in Ontario, are OFA members, or the child or employee of an OFA member. Applications are judged based on demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in the community, and varied accomplishments in both school and the agriculture industry.