Four exceptional scholarship candidates have been selected from Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta to become the 2020 Nuffield Canada Scholars. Amy Cronin, Andrew Rosychuk, Jodi Souter and Dawn Trautman will be Presented with this prestigious national award at a ceremony on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at the Crowne Plaza in Fredericton, NB.
"Nuffield Canada is connected to an extensive global network of international Nuffield alumni, who continue to support travelling scholars to maximize their learning experience in all sectors of agriculture," says E. Blake Vince, 2013 Scholar &Nuffield Canada Chairman. "We believe that this Canadian leadership program is unique and one of a kind, resulting in diverse perspectives that influence the future of our industry’s success."
A passionate leader, advocate and mother of six, Amy Cronin has already created waves within the agricultural landscape. Amy plans to take a comprehensive look at the risk management strategies implemented by successful farm businesses, agricultural industries and governments around the world. Amy Cronin, 44, lives in Bluevale, ON and is receiving a scholarship funded by Grain Farmers of Ontario.
A city slicker turned visionary farmer, Andrew Rosychuk is the owner of Rosy Farms, a haskap orchard in the prairies. His topic of study will focus on the value in developing on-farm, medium scale processing units giving the primary producer an advantage in capitalizing a value added ingredient or product. Andrew Rosychuk, 34, lives in Edmonton, AB and is receiving a scholarship funded by Nuffield Canada.
An accomplished and motivated scientist, Jodi Souter is an independent plant breeder who believes that the future opportunities for Canada’s crop sector is limitless. Jodi plans to learn more about the progress and limitations surrounding crop development in varying political environments. She will gain insight into opportunities enabled by the Plant Breeders Rights Act and hopes to promote innovations in the development of cutting-edge varieties to enable farmers to be more competitive in the global market. Jodi Souter, 31, lives in Saskatoon, SK and is receiving a scholarship funded by Canadian Canola Growers Association.
"Innovation in agriculture is supported by a commitment to grow industry leaders with vision and curiosity," says Bernie McClean, President of Canadian Canola Growers Association. "Our commitment to Nuffield Canada and to Jodi Souter’s scholarship will build leadership capacity and support innovation in Canada’s cropping sector."
A futurist in technology, Dawn Trautman is a manager of Smart Agriculture and Food Innovation with Alberta Innovates. Dawn plans to study the barriers for Smart Agriculture adoption for producers while also expanding on opportunities for technology companies to develop and integrate made-in-Canada solutions for sustainable production. Dawn Trautman, 33, lives in Edmonton, AB and is receiving a scholarship funded by Alberta Wheat Commission.
"I am so honoured to receive a Nuffield Canada scholarship for 2020," says Dawn Trautman, 2020 Nuffield Canada Candidate. "For me, this scholarship means possibility; to discover, network and grow. It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Since 1950, Canadian Nuffield scholars have traveled the world and brought new ideas home. It is with the generous support of our investors and Nuffield alumni that these international opportunities are made possible.
Visit the Nuffield Canada website.
For more information contact:
Léona Watson
2011 Nuffield Scholar
Executive Director, Nuffield Canada
exec.director@nuffield.ca
780-646-2161
Kelly Green
Director of Communications
Canadian Canola Growers Association
kellyg@ccga.ca
204-789-8821
Victoria Berry
Communications Manager
Grain Farmers of Ontario
vberry@gfo.ca
519-767-2773
Victoria Decker
Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat Commission
vdecker@albertawheat.com
403-219-7906
Backgrounder
Amy Cronin — Cronin Family Farms has become a trailblazer in the industry by successfully creating and implementing innovative technology and high standards of animal welfare, promoting environmental responsibility, and supporting local and international industries related to pork production. Her list of achievements and organizational involvements is greater than your average farmer. Her network is extensive and influential role has not gone unheard. She currently represents the province of Ontario on NPAC (National Program Advisory Committee), advising government on business risk management programs.
Andrew Rosychuk — After graduating from Olds College with a Diploma in Production Horticulture, he became unstoppable in achieving his goals. He founded the Haskap Alberta Association and co-founded North 49 Fruit Corporation, a quality assurance board. As an Ironman triathlete, he exemplifies ambition and drive to succeed when faced with challenging situations and as a city-raised kid, he brings new perspectives and dynamic ideas to the agricultural sector. His public speaking engagements are entertaining and inspiring. He leads by setting an example and is always working towards helping those around him succeed. rosyfarms.com
Jodi Souter — Jodi received a PhD in plant breeding and molecular biology from the University of Saskatchewan. As a former national level track & field athlete, she is no stranger to hard work and excelling at the task at hand. Passionate about her rural roots, she pursued a career that would reward her with an extensive list of academic awards and research publications. As a CSGA (Canadian Seed Growers’ Association) recognized independent plant breeder, Jodi has focused on improving specialty crops and pulses. She remains active on the family farm located in North-eastern Saskatchewan.
Dawn Trautman — Dawn is well connected within the industry as a result of her involvement with organizations like Alberta Agricultural Economics Association, Livestock Gentec, Delta Genomics Centre, and Alberta Land Institute. Her work done as a consultant and agriculture communicator has given her the skills to influence new initiatives and help educate a broad audience. Her curiosity for learning about the future of cutting-edge technology and integrated information systems takes foresight and a solid understanding of the field, which she highly demonstrates.
Nuffield Canada — The Nuffield Scholarship is a prestigious rural leadership program available to anyone mid-career who is involved in agriculture in any capacity of primary production, industry or governance. This $15,000 scholarship provides individuals with a unique opportunity to:
- Access the world’s most extensive network in food and farming,
- Achieve personal development through travel and study,
- Deliver long-term benefits to Canadian farmers and growers, and to the industry as a whole.
Scholars must complete their global study within two years of being awarded a Nuffield Scholarship; producing a written report and presenting their findings during the Nuffield Canada AGM.