Vol. 7, No. 2                                                                                                              May 2015

Welcome Readers!

In this issue of The Buzz, you will read about the latest Partnership-funded research and innovation, including Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) initiatives that ensure the Partnership outcomes reach those who can put them into action. You will also find information about upcoming events related to the Partnership.

Research to Action: Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture

 

A KTT 'Research to Action' event for Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture was held in Guelph late in 2014.  It focused on the new and emerging knowledge about healthy soil and water in Ontario's agricultural landscape. The day was comprised of 11 brief research presentations and a series of round table discussions.  The topics were chosen to create a greater understanding of soil and water topics in agriculture. 

 

Participants identified specific healthy soil and water opportunities and challenges and discussed current management tools, focusing on increased adoption of crop and land management practices. Conversations focused on a landscape approach for measurement and data analysis, as well as improved  communications tools to influence behavior. You can find out more about this event at http://2014eskttevent.wordpress.com/.  

In This Issue
Farm Smart

On January 24th, Rozanski Hall was a-buzz with participants for Farm Smart 2015. Now in its sixteenth year, Farm Smart addresses "current and emerging technology and innovation across a range of topics, from crop and livestock production to soil and environmental management, business, marketing, and general interest." The presenters were a diverse group, from academia to government to agriculture producers. Farm Smart 2015 provided an opportunity for research and experiential knowledge to be shared, while fostering the development of stakeholder relationships in the agri-food sector.    Learn more at:  http://farmsmartconference.com/farmsmart-2015/

  FARE Graduate Student Research Symposium
  
Dr. John Cranfield,
Chair of FARE

With a full room of industry and government representatives, the department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics (FARE) hosted the 12th Graduate Student Research Symposium on February 6th, 2015.  The twice yearly symposium provides first and second year graduate students the opportunity to share portions of their theses, followed by critical analysis from the audience in preparation for their defenses, as well as future careers. 


 

John Cranfield, chair of FARE and moderator for the symposium shared his enthusiasm for the quality of engagement between students and faculty within the department. He called the relationships between them "research collaborations" between colleagues, versus students and faculty.   FARE actively promotes opportunities for graduate students to share their research knowledge (and gain skills) by participating in events such as the symposium. http://www.uoguelph.ca/fare/

Dairy Research Communications and Extension

The annual Dairy Research Communication and Extension event (now 12 years running) highlights the U of G's dairy research program to the Dairy Farmers of Ontario board members, executive and producer committee members - providing graduate students and faculty the opportunity to speak to a producer audience and to respond to questions.  Professors (and organizers) Todd Duffield and David Kelton expressed how important and rewarding it is to share research results with the end users, such as dairy producers and dairy advisors.  "If our dairy research results are to be truly applied in the field, they need to be shared with the dairy producers and advisors of the province.  The dairy industry in Ontario has been highly supportive of these research programs at the U of G, and this event is an opportunity to showcase the fruits of their support."  

Production System Plants Research Forum

At this research forum on March 18th, industry came together with government, academia to discuss plant sustainability as it relates to weed management, biological control and pest control.   The joint presentation by Vineland researchers Rose Buitenhuis and Michael Brownbridge sparked a great discussion on the importance of collaboration between researchers and retailers.   The forum was also an opportunity for students to share their research and network.   Presentations and posters from the day are available on the OMAFRA Production Systems Plants Research Forum website.  

Upcoming Events

KT Canada Conference (Halifax) May 11-12 http://ktclearinghouse.ca/ktcanada/news/2015-annual-scientific-meeting

 

Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum (Montreal) May 14-15 http://www.ckf15.org/

 

CU Expo (Ottawa) May 26-29 http://cuexpo2015.ca/