East Zorra-Tavistock student awarded prestigious OFA scholarship

East Zorra-Tavistock resident and University of Guelph student Nicole Danen (far right in the front row) was recently awarded a $2,000 Ontario Federation of Agriculture scholarship to assist with her studies. Photo courtesy of Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Six exceptional individuals pursuing careers and leadership roles in Ontario’s agriculture sector have been recognized by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) with scholarship awards of $2,000 each.

One of them is a well-known student from East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) who is in her fourth year at the University of Guelph. Nicole Danen is studying agricultural science. She grew up on a dairy farm near Tavistock and is actively involved in a wide range of activities, including 4-H, Oxford County Junior Farmers, College Royal and the OAC Class of 2026 Executive, among others.

Her long-term goal is to take on management of the family farm.

“I wrote a scholarship application along with a resumé and cover letter, and sent it in. There were 75 applicants for the six scholarships,” said Danen. “I definitely think they liked the fact I have been involved in the ag. industry in many different ways.”

Danen said the animal side of agriculture is her top priority but realized she needs to have an overall understanding of the industry.

“I’m doing a mix of plant and animal courses, so I’m taking a wide range of classes. I am definitely more interested in the animal side, coming from a dairy farm, and it’s more related to being on the family farm. I’ve also been enjoying my plant courses because crops come along with animals. After all, those animals need to be fed.”

As it does in many sectors, technology plays a big part in day-to-day agricultural operations. Danen said while she isn’t taking any tech-specific courses, she understands the need to keep up with the times.

“There are so many technological advances that are already here and are on the way. In the dairy sector, we have milking robots and automatic feed systems that are becoming more critical. We have two robots, a robotic-feed system and a robotic-feed pusher on our farm, so I have been able to see firsthand how they work.”

Danen said once she graduates in the spring, she will head back to the family farm on the 16th Line. She also plans to do some travelling.

Five winners received OFA scholarships and one recipient was honoured with the new Peter Hannam Leadership Award during the OFA’s annual general meeting in Toronto last week.

The OFA’s longstanding scholarship program supports students pursuing agricultural studies at the undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship levels. This year also marks the introduction of a new leadership award in memory of Peter Hannam, a respected industry leader, former OFA president and driving force behind the establishment of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program who passed away earlier this year. The award will recognize emerging leaders who embody his lifelong commitment to advancing Ontario agriculture.

“Peter Hannam’s vision and leadership helped shape the future of Ontario agriculture in countless ways and continue to have an impact across the sector and beyond to this day,” said Drew Spoelstra, OFA president.

“It’s fitting that we honour his legacy with this new award while continuing to support and celebrate students who represent the next generation of the agriculture industry in our province.”