Ottawa, ON – Two people from Alberta and one each from Quebec and Ontario have been selected as 2026 Nuffield Canada Scholars. The four recipients will each receive a $20,000 scholarship to challenge themselves in self-directed research programs with international travel and experiential learning thanks to Nuffield Canada and its generous sponsors.
“The Nuffield journey is life changing for scholars as it provides a dynamic platform for scholars to research, explore and collaborate on innovative ideas, policies, and practices that drive advancements in Canadian agriculture,” says Steve Larocque, Chair of Nuffield Canada and 2008 Scholar.
Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production, industry, or governance of agriculture, and are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of international travel study within 24 months to examine and research an agriculturally relevant issue of their choosing. Each scholar prepares a written report of their research findings and then presents a summary at the Nuffield Canada Global Knowledge Exchange before the Nuffield Board, industry leaders, sponsors and peers.
Nuffield Canada Scholar Reports are available free of charge on the Nuffield web site. Scholars are also available as speakers and panelists to share their learnings to industry, stakeholders and beyond.
Introducing the 2026 Nuffield Canada Scholars
Jolene Noble is from Manning, Alberta and her sponsor is Alberta Grains. Jolene’s study topic will look at stacking enterprises to increase opportunities, resiliency and profitability on the family farm.
Ashley Nicholls is from Dewinton, Alberta, and his sponsor is Nuffield Canada. Ashley will study the impacts of human management systems on the longevity and wellbeing of agricultural employees.
Antonious Petro is from Montreal, Quebec, and his sponsor is Nuffield Canada. Antonious will examine how financing tools, incentive programs, and economic planning models de-risk and support the long-term adoption of regenerative agriculture.
Kristen Kelderman is from Carrying Place, Ontario, and her sponsor is Nuffield Canada. Kristen’s research will explore how farmers navigate grief to reveal the deep roots between identity, loss, and resilience – and how tending to emotional landscapes is vital to the success and future of the farm.