ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER RURAL LIVING 29 Applying his economics degree to a career in agriculture is at the top of his mind, and the Legacy Scholarship will help him achieve his goals. “The grain industry is a very important part of our Canadian economy,” he says. “The agricultural industry sometimes gets overlooked, and I would like to improve the lives of the farming community.” Lauren Court, an engineering student at Western University, says she first got interested in engineering as a career when her dad was building new bins on their farm in Courtland, Ontario. A local civil engineering firm designed the bins. Summer jobs in the engineering industry solidified her decision to pursue it as a career. “Civil engineering is important for farmers being able to produce and do so efficiently,” she says. “Expansion plays a huge role in keeping up with the production demands in today’s society. I want to be able to contribute as much as I can to the growth and innovation of the grain industry in Ontario.” FIXING WHAT’S BROKEN Most farmers have a story about a broken-down piece of equipment during the busy spring planting or fall harvest season that can derail even the best-laid plans. Two Legacy Scholarship winners are working towards a career that will help fix those problems – or prevent them from occurring! Ethan Ringelberg, from Troy, Ontario, and Branden Adamo, from Fonthill, Ontario, attend Conestoga College in the motive power technician – heavy duty equipment program. Ringelberg, a fourthgeneration farmer, views this trade as a perfect complement to farming. “Agriculture is a sector with job security and endless opportunities,” he says. “The knowledge and skills learned will be transferable to enabling me to repair not only tractors and field equipment but also milking and other barn equipment.” “I plan on being a fully licensed Red Seal technician,” says Adamo, describing his future goals. “I feel my area of study will continue to benefit the future of the Ontario grain sector and agri-food industry; without heavy machinery in good working condition, the agriculture sector would not run as smoothly and efficiently.” FARMING FOR THE FUTURE Taylor Legge from Chesley, Ontario, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, majoring in crop science at the University of Guelph. “I see a huge need in this industry for qualified agronomists that work dynamically with farmers,” she says. “My degree in crop science allows me to understand the processes and stewardship behind onfarm decisions, and I am committed to creating a more sustainable Canadian agriculture system, both environmentally and economically.” Colin Ormiston from Rockwood, Ontario, is in his first year at the University of Guelph, studying food, agricultural, and resource economics. “I want to help improve and further develop the agriculture industry,” he says. “I became interested in this field because I realized how vital sustainable agriculture practices are for feeding people and protecting the environment.” “The agricultural sector is changing fast, and we need economic analysis, business skills, and sound policies to promote sustainable practices,” he continues. continued on page 30 Read more about Riley McConachie's research in the June/July 2024 Ontario Grain Farmer magazine.
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