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Rick Mercer Style Rant Brings Awareness to Kemptville College Closure

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

A new YouTube video aims to put the spotlight on Kemptville College.

The University of Guelph announced last week that it plans to close two of its Ontario Agricultural College satellite campuses – Kemptville and Alfred for financial reasons.  

But the news of the closure has Ontario’s agricultural community upset, including a Guelph graduate – Dr. Tim Henshaw.

In a video that closely resembles a Rick Mercer style rant, Henshaw says he is fighting to save Kemptville College. He adds that closing the college would negatively impact the agricultural industry, the agri-food sector and the provincial economy.

The video was shot at the University of Guelph’s main campus as a backdrop.

Henshaw takes aim at the Premier who doubles as the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Kathleen Wynne, asking why she isn’t fighting to save the college from closing.

To get involved in the fight to save Kemptville College you can share this video, sign the petition, and follow the group’s Facebook page here.
 


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Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.