OFA recognizes five young agricultural leaders at annual convention

TORONTO, ON  – Five young people pursuing careers in agriculture have each won a bursary of $2,000 from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship awards were presented at the OFA’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto earlier today.

“This year’s recipients are passionate about agriculture, dedicated to their communities, and determined to build strong futures for themselves, their families, and the industry,” says Drew Spoelstra, President of the OFA. “It’s crucial to recognize the emerging talent entering the agricultural sector, and we’re proud to support these young individuals as they embark on their careers. Through these bursaries, we celebrate their potential and look forward to helping them achieve their goals and contribute to the growth of our industry.”

The bursary program is open to applicants who live in Ontario, are OFA members, or the child or employee of an OFA member. Applications are judged based on demonstrated leadership skills, involvement in the community, and varied accomplishments in both school and the agriculture industry.

Postgraduate Bursary Winner – Alaina MacDonald, Clifford (Wellington County)

Alaina MacDonald is a veterinarian and PhD candidate in Population Medicine at the University of Guelph, focusing on One Health—exploring the links between human, animal, and environmental health. With a background in veterinary training and research on emerging diseases at the livestock-wildlife-human interface, Alaina has contributed to multiple international conferences and publications. She has also volunteered in Uganda and Tanzania, strengthening her commitment to global agriculture and public health. Alaina remains active in her rural community through 4-H and zoonotic disease education, with aspirations to make significant contributions to global health and veterinary medicine.