U of G at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

Join the University of Guelph for a special event at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show celebrating Ontario’s agri-food sector and the research and innovation excellence that drives its success. 

Whether you’re a grower, producer, researcher, policymaker, or industry partner, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others who share your commitment to advancing agriculture in Ontario. Engage in meaningful conversations, explore collaborative opportunities, and discover practical solutions that make a real impact on the ground. 

Dr. Rene Van Acker, President, University of Guelph will deliver keynote remarks sharing his vision for the future of industry collaboration and strategic investment in agri-food research and innovation.

This event will be at the Special Events Tent – view the Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show map. You will also require a daily admission ticket to enter the show grounds for Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.

Agenda

2 p.m. – Reception and networking

2:05 p.m. – Innovation in Action: Guelph and Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector

• Dr. Rene Van Acker, President of the University of Guelph

2:15 p.m. – Research that Works for Ontario’s Farmers

• Dr. Istvan Rajcan, Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Plant Agriculture
• Dr. Jocelyn Smith, Assistant Professor, Field Crop Entomology
• Dr. Michael Steele, Professor, Department of Animal Biosciences

2:40 p.m. – Networking with drinks generously sponsored by Grain Farmers of Ontario

• Toast remarks given by Jeff Harrison, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

3:30 p.m. – Event conclusion

About the speakers

Dr. Rene Van Acker, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph

Dr. Rene Van Acker is President of the University of Guelph, bringing decades of leadership experience as a scholar, administrator, and advocate for agricultural innovation and education. Previously serving as Professor and Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, Dr. Van Acker was appointed Vice-President Research and Innovation in 2024. His contributions to the University reflect a dynamic vision for institutional growth and excellence across research, education, and community engagement.

Dr. Istvan Rajcan, Professor and Graduate Coordinator, Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph

Dr. Istvan Rajcan is involved in the development of new soybean varieties. As part of his research, Dr. Rajcan maintains a working relationship with scientists in Northeast China, who produce soybeans at a similar latitude to Ontario. This relationship allows for the exchange of germplasm between the two countries and strengthens the genetic diversity of the Ontario soybean population, which has increased yield and are more resistant to diseases and pests.

Dr. Jocelyn Smith, Assistant Professor, Field Crop Entomology, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph

Dr. Jocelyn Smith is an Assistant Professor in Field Crop Entomology at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus. She leads a globally recognized research program on field crop entomology and insect resistance management. Dr. Smith’s research spans pest biology, ecology, and management, addressing the needs of the agricultural industry in Canada, with the aim of improving productivity and sustainability. A major focus of Dr. Smith’s research is the incidence, influences, and prevention of insect resistance to transgenic crops.

Dr. Michael Steele, Professor, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph

Dr. Michael Steele is a Full Professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences, with his research aiming to explain ruminant physiology through a systems approach from the molecular to whole animal level. The overall objective of his research program is to develop a better understanding of how pre-weaning nutritional and management factors that are common in livestock production can impact gastrointestinal development and metabolism during the pre-weaning phase and later in life.

Jeff Harrison, Chair of the Board of Directors for Grain Farmers of Ontario

Jeff Harrison is the Chair of the Board of Directors for Grain Farmers of Ontario and the director for District 12 (Durham, Northumberland, Kawartha, Peterborough, Hastings). He farms corn, soybeans and wheat in the City of Quinte West. Jeff serves as a national director with the American Soybean Association representing Canada, and was an executive member of the Barley Council of Canada. In 2023, Jeff was appointed the Vice Chair of the Grain Financial Protection Board by the Ontario Minister of Agriculture.