Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

April 06, 2001

OAC recognizes contributions from rural Ontario

The University of Guelph recognized a farming couple from Ayr, Ont., at an April 2 volunteer recognition event hosted by the Ontario Agricultural College. John Gillespie and Mary O’Connor of Jo-Mar Farm were presented OAC’s 2001 Outstanding Service Award in recognition of their contributions to agricultural research and teaching programs.

For many years, the Ayr couple have made their farm and livestock operation available to University students and faculty, to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and to visiting groups from across the country and internationally. They are currently hosting research on monitoring antibiotic use and nutrient management for sustainable agriculture.

The Outstanding Service Award was established in 1983 to recognize individuals who have given exceptional service without remuneration to benefit the University’s agricultural research, teaching and extension programs. The award was presented to Gillespie and O’Connor by OAC acting dean Tom Michaels.

OAC also awarded fourteen volunteer recognition awards to volunteers who have made significant contributions to agricultural or rural community organizations in Ontario. The 2001 recipients were:

Gary Comley of Ancaster, a member of the Hamilton/Wentworth Federation of Agriculture.

James and Donna Fisher of Walkerton, the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association.

Margaret Glenn of Keene, the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition.

Ralph Martin of Elmira, Waterloo Federation of Agriculture.

Neil McGavin of Walton, Ontario Plowmen’s Association.

Pat and Dennis Mighton of New Dundee, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.

Lance Pocock of Oakville, Ontario Pork.

Clinton Pottruff of Paris, OAC Plant Agriculture Department. (posthumously)

Florence Pullen of Clinton, Ontario Sheep Association.

Carol Rock of Stratford, Rural Community Development, University of Guelph.

Lyndon Stewart of Waterloo, Ontario Institute of Agrologists.

Bruce Whale of Alma, Ontario Forage Council.

Jeff and Sharon Wilson of Orton, Agri-Food Technologies.

Contact: Background information on the volunteer recognition award winners is available from acting dean Tom Michaels, Ontario Agricultural College, 519-824-4120, Ext. 6514.

For media questions, contact: Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 3338.