UG picks Van Acker for president

Jul 04, 2025

Dr. Rene Van Acker has been picked as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph.

He has a distinguished academic career including dean of Ontario Agriculture College and chairman of the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph.

The University’s board of governors’ vote was unanimous. He begins a five-year term.

Van Acker said he is assuming the role at a time when the university is on a “pathway to becoming a top-tier university” – not just in Canada, but around the world.

“I want to inspire the university community as we navigate this bold new chapter. This moment calls for us to transform how we think and what we imagine is possible,” he said.

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Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta