The U of G’s Ridgetown Campus [1] is pleased to announce the appointment of Ted Vanhie as the new Technical Foreperson at the Ontario Crops Research Centre at Huron [2]. Vanhie will oversee all activities at the 61-hectare facility, managing day-to-day operations and maximizing the Centre's research programming, supporting faculty led and external research at the site.
Vanhie brings extensive expertise in agricultural operations and research management. In this new role, he will support a wide range of research conducted at the centre, including the new OBG Professor in Weed Management Dr. Isabelle Aicklen [3], and the GFO Professorship in Field Crop Pathology Dr. Gursahib Singh [4]. He will also help continue the research of retired faculty Dr. Peter Sikkema and Chris Gillard, who conducted innovative research through the research centre.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to enhance the research impact of the Huron Ontario Crops Research Centre for the agricultural sector, but most importantly, I am excited to conduct solutions-based-research trials to help Ontario farmers resolve the challenges they experience in the field,” says Vanhie. “I’ll be leveraging my academic, research, and practical experience to support a wide range of faculty research programs, particularly those from Ridgetown Campus.”
The Ontario Crops Research Centre at Huron is owned by the Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario and managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance [5], a collaboration between U of G and the Government of Ontario.
The research centre focuses on a diverse range of crops including dry beans, corn, soybeans, winter wheat, spring cereals, and hazelnuts. For the 2025 field season, the centre will serve as the site for over 2,400 research plots across 34 trials, accommodating research on behalf of Chris Gillard, Dr. Isabelle Aicklen, Dr. Dave Hooker, John Zandstra, and Dr. Manish Raizada.
Vanhie's appointment marks an important step towards advancing agricultural research and innovation, underscoring the University’s commitment to supporting Ontario's agri-food sector through cutting-edge research and practical solutions.
"Ted's expertise will significantly benefit Ridgetown faculty and enhance student learning opportunities through hands-on collaborative research initiatives," says Brett Shepherd, director of the Ridgetown Campus. “His leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of applied agricultural research and I know he’ll continue to be a valued collaborator and resource for our faculty, staff, and students.”