Agriculture Development Branch Staff Directory

for PDF file email: ellie.mclean@ontario.ca

Table of Contents

1. Management Team
2. Aquaculture, Alternative Livestock and Poultry
3. Beef and Veal
4. Business Management
5. Growing Forward Business Development
6. Dairy Cattle
7. Feed and Pasture
8. Field Crops
9. Greenhouse, Agroforestry and Specialty Crops
10. Horticulture Crops
11. Horticulture Technology
12. Sheep and Goats
13. Swine
14. Agriculture Issues Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Marketing Communication Officer
15. Product Development Specialists
16. Administrative Service Representatives
17. Access OMAFRA

Management Team

Director

Aileen MacNeil
Director, Agriculture Development Branch
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor, N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-6588
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: aileen.macneil@ontario.ca

Managers

Laurie Adrien (A)
Greenhouse, Agroforestry and Specialty Crops
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3286
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: laurie.adrien@ontario.ca

Annette Anderson (A)
Business Management
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3285
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: annette.anderson@ontario.ca 

Hugh Berges
Horticulture Technology
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3288
Fax: 519-826-3567

Bob Forrest
Horticulture Crops
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-6941
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: bob.forrest@ontario.ca

Joanne Handley
Sustainable Production - Dairy Cattle, Swine and Poultry
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3107
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: joanne.handley@ontario.ca

Jennifer Stevenson (A)
Sustainable Production - Beef Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Alternative Livestock
and Aquaculture
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3291
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: jennifer.stevenson@ontario.ca

Dawn Pate
Field Crops
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3257
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: dawn.pate@ontario.ca

Aquaculture, Alternative Livestock and Poultry

Al Dam
Provincial Poultry Specialist
Guelph
Room 2156, Department of Pathobiology
Ontario Veterinary College
University of Guelph N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext 54326
Fax: 519-763-2253
E-mail: al.dam@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production systems and efficiencies
• Humane handling and transportation
• Emergency preparedness
• Humane on-farm destruction and disposal of poultry
• Small flock biosecurity resource kit development
• Occupational Health and Safety Act

Steve Naylor
Aquaculture Specialist
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3172
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: steve.naylor@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Best management practices for fish farms
• Water quality and waste management issues
• Renewed regulatory framework for aquaculture

Brian Tapscott
Alternative Livestock Specialist
Elora
6484 Wellington Road 7 N0B 1S0
Telephone: 519-846-3400
Fax: 519-846-8178
E-mail: brian.tapscott@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and management information
• Alternative livestock nutrient management
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance in farmed cervids

Beef and Veal

Tom Hamilton
Beef Cattle Production Systems
Program Lead
New Liskeard
280 Armstrong Street, Box 4070 P0J 1P0
Telephone: 705-647-2087
Fax: 705-647-7993
E-mail: tom.hamilton@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Estrus synchronization systems for beef cows
• Stockpile grazing for beef cows and suckler calves
• Pasture calving strategies
• Editor Virtual Beef

Nancy Noecker
Beef Cow/Calf Specialist
Kemptville
Box 2004, Concession Road K0G 1J0
Telephone: 613-258-8476
Fax: 613-258-8392
E-mail: nancy.noecker@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Targeting markets by age verification, processing and vaccination of Ontario cow calf herds
• Using cattle behaviour to improve handling, transportation, and animal welfare
• Working with younger producers to encourage their participation and future in the industry

Brian Pogue
Beef Cattle Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-5106
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: brian.pogue@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Value added beef chains and producer marketing alliances
• DNA assisted selection
• Feed efficiency

Christoph Wand
Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goat Nutritionist
Rm 125 - LFO Secretariat
Building #70, Animal and Poultry Science
University of Guelph N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 53670
Fax: 519-826-9873
E-mail: christoph.wand@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Labour and nutrient efficient feeding systems for cow herds
• Nutritional techniques to reduce environmental impacts
• Nutritional techniques to develop beef as a functional food/nutraceutical

Other OMAFRA Beef Staff

Barry Potter, Regional Economic Development Branch
Agriculture Development Advisor, North Region
New Liskeard
280 Armstrong Street, Box 4070 P0J 1P0
Telephone: 705-647-2086
Fax: 705-647-7993
E-mail: barry.potter@ontario.ca

• Assists Provincial Specialists and Program Leads in the delivery of information and programs related to livestock in northern Ontario

Business Management

John Bancroft
Market Strategies Program Lead
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-6974
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail: john.bancroft@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Commodity market information
• Risk management tools
• New market opportunities

Dorene Collins
Marketing and Customer Service
Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3166
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: dorene.collins@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Direct farm marketing and agri-tourism
• Marketing on the Internet
• Marketing trends
• Rural tourism opportunities

Carl Fletcher
Strategic Business Planning
Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3235
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: carl.fletcher@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Strategic planning for farm businesses
• Clarifying and understanding strategic alliances
• Capturing value-added opportunities
• Entrepreneurship best practices

John Molenhuis
Business Analysis and Cost of Production
Program Lead
Brighton
95 Dundas Street East
RR 3 K0K 1H0
Telephone: 613-475-9472
Fax: 613-475-3835
E-mail: john.molenhuis@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Crop and livestock budgeting
• TIP Report (Towards Increased Profits) report prepared through the AgriStability/Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program
• Benchmarking/measuring farm financial performance
• Budgeting machinery, land and building costs

Jennifer Stevenson
Finance and Business Structures
Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-4350
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: jennifer.stevenson@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Agricultural taxation - implications of selling or transferring farm business assets
• Financing arrangements
• Business structures - corporations, partnerships and joint ventures

Vacant
Human Resources Management
Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-7446
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail:

Areas of Focus

• Recruiting and retaining workers
• Methods of paying workers
• Resolving workplace conflicts
• Employment standards
• Farm workplace health and safety

Other OMAFRA Business Staff

Julie Poirier Mensinga, Regional Economic Development Branch
Agriculture Development Advisor Bilingual), North Region
Verner
Hwy. 64, Caldwell Township Building
Box 521 P0H 2M0
Telephone: 1-800-461-6132 Fax: 705-594-9675
E-mail: julie.poiriermensinga@ontario.ca

• Assists Provincial Specialists and Program Leads in the delivery of agricultural management strategies, policies and programs related to livestock, crop and farm management in northern Ontario

Growing Forward Business Development

Anne Marie Diotte
Business Development Program Coordinator
Growing Forward Business Development
1 Stone Road West 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3220
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: annemarie.diotte@ontario.ca

• Coordinates programming, provides oversight and ensures the delivery of the Growing Forward Business Development programming to support farm businesses in Ontairo.

Adrienne De Schutter
Business Skills and Training Advisor
Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses
1 Stone Road West 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3173
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: adrienne.deschutter@ontario.ca

• Coordinates programming to ensure that Ontario farm busiesses are able to access high quality skills and training opportunities to meet their business needs.

Dairy Cattle

Brian Lang
Dairy Cattle Production Systems
Program Lead
Woodstock
Unit A, 401 Lakeview Drive N4T 1W2
Telephone: 519-537-8786
Fax: 519-539-5351
E-mail: brian.lang@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Precision dairy management
• Production factors and profitability
• Labour efficency

Mario Mongeon
Livestock Specialist, Bilingual
Alfred
Box 430, 31 St. Paul Street K0B 1A0
Telephone: 613-679-4288
Fax: 613-679-0929
E-mail: mario.mongeon@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Dairy heifer management
• Dairy cow feeding systems
• Dairy organic milk production
• Livestock production information

Tom Wright
Dairy Cattle Nutritionist
Guelph
Department of Animal and Poultry Science

Room 238
University of Guelph N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120, Ext. 56281
Fax: 519-836-9873
E-mail: tom.wright@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Functional foods from livestock origin, focusing on opportunities for dairy cattle
• Nutritional manipulation and management of milk composition
• Transition cow feeding management

• Nutritional models for minimizing nutrient excretion and environmental impact

Vacant
Dairy Genetic Improvement Specialist
Kemptville
Box 2004, 59 Ministry Drive K0G 1J0
Telephone: 613-258-8300
Fax: 613-258-8392
E-mail:

Areas of Focus

• Health and fitness traits to improve profitability
• Crossbreeding and inbreeding in dairy cattle
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for improved cow and herd management

Feed and Pasture

Joel Bagg
Forage Specialist
Lindsay
322 Kent Street West K9V 4T7
Telephone: 705-324-5856
Fax: 705-324-1638
E-mail: joel.bagg@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production, storage and marketing of forages
• Co-ordinate and edit Crop Talk newsletter
• Contact for East Central Regional Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Jack Kyle
Provincial Grazier Specialist
Lindsay
322 Kent Street West K9V 4T7
Telephone: 705-324- 5855
Fax: 705-324-1638
E-mail: jack.kyle@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Grazing management practices to improve productivity and economic sustainability
• Best management practices for environmentally sustainable livestock grazing
• Dairy grazing cost of production study with Great Lakes Grazing Network
• Pasture production in an organic livestock system

Ron Lackey
Feed Ingredients and Byproducts
Feeding Specialist
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-7407
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail: ron.lackey@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Best management practices for the efficient and safe use of all feed ingredients
• Functional foods of livestock origin
• Swine liquid feeding

Field Crops

Bonnie Ball Coelho
Soil Fertility Specialist
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-9269
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail: bonnie.ball@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Soil fertility including impacts of soil fertility management on nutrient management planning
• Soil test lab accreditation program
• Co-edit Publication 611, Soil Fertility Handbook

Scott Banks
Emerging Crop Specialist
Kemptville
P.O. Box 2004, 59 Ministry Road K0G 1J0
Telephone: 613-258-8359
Fax: 613-258-8392
E-mail: scott.banks@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production techniques for new crops
• Applicability of new practices, products, and technology to Ontario conditions
• Contact for the Ottawa-Rideau and Quinte Regional Soil and Crop Improvement Associations
• Co-chair of the yearly Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day and Eastern Ontario
  Crop Conference

Horst Bohner
Soybean Specialist
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-5858
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail: horst.bohner@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production techniques including variety, tillage, disease and fertility management
• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects on crop management issues
• Contact for Heartland Regional Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Christine Brown
Nutrient Management Field Crops Program Lead
Woodstock
Unit A, 401 Lakeview Drive N4T 1W2
Telephone: 519-537-8305
Fax: 519-539-5351
E-mail: christine.brown1@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Manure management for field crops
• Tools for Nutrient Management Planning (i.e. NMAN2)
• Best management practices for, and principals of nutrient/manure management
• Editor of Publication 811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crop

Tracey Baute

Field Crop Entomologist
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Agronomy Building
P.O. Box 400, 120 Main Street East
N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1696
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: tom.cowan@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects to validate/determine practical integrated insect management solutions
• monitor for and implement strategies for new invasive species
• Editor of Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
• Program Chair of the Southwest Agricultural Conference
• Member of the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition

Michael Cowbrough
Weed Management Field Crops
Program Lead
Guelph
University of Guelph N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 52580
Fax: 519-763-8933
E-mail: mike.cowbrough@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Weed management systems for field crops
• Editor of Guide to Weed Control Publication 75
• Weed management issues

Brian Hall
Canola and Edible Bean Specialist
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-0083
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail: brian.hall@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production, marketing, and management information on dry beans and canola
• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects on crop management issues
• Contact for Georgian Central Regional Soil and Crop Improvement
• Co-edit Crop Budgeting Aids

Adam Hayes
Soil Management Specialist Field Crops
Ridgetown
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Agronomy Building N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1621
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: adam.hayes@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Soil management for field crops
• Climate change and greenhouse gas issues
• Best management practices to maintain or improve soil quality
• Chair of Southwest Crop Diagnostic Day

Peter Johnson
Cereals Specialist
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-8180
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail: peter.johnson@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and management information for cereal production systems
• Contact for Thames Valley Regional Soil and Crop Improvement Association
• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects on crop management issues
• Cropline reports, providing crop management tips, herbicide recommendations and pest alerts twice weekly in season

Ian McDonald
Applied Research Coordinator
Field Crops
Guelph
University of Guelph N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 56707
Fax: 519-763-8933
E-mail: ian.mcdonald@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Co-ordinate applied research projects addressing field crop production or related issues
• Funding sources, project design and analysis, tracking, reporting and communications of research and field trial results
• Contact for the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association on major provincial projects
• Contact for Golden Horseshoe Regional Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Gilles Quesnel
IPM Field Crops Program Lead, Bilingual
Kemptville
Box 2004, Concession Road K0G 1J0
Telephone: 613-258-8250
Fax: 613-258-8392
E-mail: gilles.quesnel@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Integrated pest management programs for field crops
• Contact for Eastern Ontario Regional Soil and Crop Improvement Association
• OMAFRA representative on the Ontario Weed Committee
• OMAFRA representative on the Field Crop Protection Subcommittee

Greg Stewart
Corn Industry Program Lead
Guelph
University of Guelph, Crop Science Building N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 54865
Fax: 519-763-8933
Email: greg.stewart1@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Corn hybrid performance database and selection techniques
• Tillage systems for corn to reduce soil erosion potential and improve fertilizer use efficiency
• Nitrogen utilization in corn

Albert Tenuta
Pathologist Field Crops Program Lead
Ridgetown
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Agronomy Building, 120 Main Street East
P.O Box 400 N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1617
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: albert.tenuta@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Pathology for field crops, including emerging issues, control strategies and new technologies in pathology
• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects to validate/determine practical disease management solutions
• Editor of CropPest Ontario newsletter, providing pest management information and alerts
• Co-chair of the Ontario Soybean Rust Coalition and Ontario sentinel plot coordinator
• Chair of the Variety Sub-Committee of the Ontario Oil and Protein Seed Crop Committee

Greenhouse, Agroforestry and Specialty Crops

Wayne Brown
Greenhouse Floriculture Specialist
Vineland
Box 7000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
Vineland Station L0R 2E0
Telephone: 905-562-4141 ext. 179
Fax: 905-562-3413
E-mail: wayne.brown@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production issues (including water and nutrient management) of commercial greenhouse flower crops
• Collaborate on research and demonstration projects
• Canadian Greenhouse Conference Committee

Pam Charbonneau
Turfgrass Specialist
Guelph
Guelph Turfgrass Institute
328 Victoria Road South R.R. # 2
N1H 6H8
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 52597
Fax: 519-766-1704
E-mail: pamela.charbonneau@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and management information on integrated pest management for turf
• Co-ordinate Turf Management Updates for the website
• Edit Publication 384, Turfgrass Production Recommendations
• Conduct applied research projects on turf
• Turf minor use pesticide registrations

Evan Elford
New Crop Development Specialist
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3 N3Y 4N5
Telephone: 519-426-4509
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: evan.elford@ontario.ca

• Production and marketing information for new, non-traditional, specialty and niche market crops including value added processes
• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects related to specialty new crop development

Gillian Ferguson
Greenhouse Vegetable IPM Specialist
Harrow
Greenhouse and Processing Crops
Harrow Research Centre
2585 County Road 20 N0R 1G0
Telephone: 519-738-1258
Fax: 519-738-4564
E-mail: gillian.ferguson@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• IPM programs for commercial greenhouse vegetable crops, including biological controls
• Co-editor of Publication 371-Growing Greenhouse Vegetables
• Collaborate on research projects to address pest management priorities
• Greenhouse vegetable minor use initiatives and development of minor use priorities through the National Minor Use Committee

Melanie Filotas
IPM Specialist Specialty Crops
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Phone: 519-426-4434
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: melanie.filotas@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• IPM programs for specialty crops, with a focus on sweet potatoes, herbs, lavender, gingseng and tobacco
• Pest management solutions for new, transitional or low acreage crops
• Collaborate on research projects pertaining to IPM of specialty crop pests
• Registration of pest control products on specialty crops through the Minor Use program

Shalin Khosla
Greenhouse Vegetable Specialist
Harrow
Greenhouse and Processing Crops
Harrow Research Centre
2585 County Road 20 N0R 1G0
Telephone: 519-738-1257
Fax: 519-738-4564
E-mail: shalin.khosla@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production (crop management, root zone and micro-climate management) and marketing information for greenhouse vegetable production systems
• Collaborate on greenhouse vegetable production and energy research and demonstration projects
• Co-editor of Publication 371 Growing Greenhouse Vegetables

Todd Leuty
Agroforesty Specialist
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor
N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3215
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: todd.leuty@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and marketing information for trees on farms including windbreaks, shelterbelts, Christmas trees, nut crops, forest-grown crops, intercropping, riparian plantings, biomass production, hardwood plantations
• Collaborate on research and demonstration projects
• Contact for Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, Society of Ontario Nut Growers, Forest Products Society, MNR Stewardship Councils and Conservation Authorities, Forestry Colleges and Universities

Jennifer Llewellyn
Nursery Crops Specialist
Guelph
University of Guelph
Edmund Bovey Building
N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 52671
Fax: 519-767-0755
E-mail: jennifer.llewellyn@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and marketing of commercial nursery crops
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for nursery and landscape
• Nursery-Landscape REPORT (weekly, online newsletter for monitoring and management of pests on outdoor ornamentals April-October)
• Collaborate on nursery-landscape related research projects
• Editor of Publication 383, Nursery and Landscape Plant Production and IPM

Graeme Murphy
Greenhouse Floriculture IPM Specialist
Vineland
Box 7000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
Vineland Station L0R 2E0
Telephone: 905-562-4141 ext. 106
Fax: 905-562-3413
E-mail: graeme.murphy@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• IPM programs for commercial greenhouse flower crops, including biological controls
• Collaborate on applied IPM research projects
• Registration of new pest control products through the Minor Use program

Mahendra Thimmanagari
Crop Bioproducts Specialist
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor. N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-4593
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: mahendra.thimmanagari@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Identify opportunities for industrial uses of crops for bioproducts (eg. bioenergy, biofuels, biomaterials, biochemicals)
• Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects in bioproducts
• Provide knowledge translation and technology transfer on latest developments in bioproducts
• Barriers affecting the commercialization of bioproducts

Jim Todd
Transition Crop Specialist

Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Phone: 519-426-3823
Fax: 519-428-1142

E-mail: jim.todd@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Provide agronomic advice related to crop diversification in the tobacco growing region
• Identify new crop opportunities and markets
• Cooperate in research/demonstration
  

Sean Westerveld
Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Specialist
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Phone: 519-426-4323
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: sean.westerveld@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Commercial field-grown ginseng and medicinal herbs and production of woods-grown ginseng and forest herbs
• Ginseng Production Agriphone
• Nutraceutical and functional food potential for ginseng and medicinal herbs
• Edit Publication 610 - Ginseng Production Recommendations
• Collaborate on ginseng and medicinal herb research trials

Horticulture Crops

Margaret Appleby
IPM Systems Specialist
Brighton
R.R. # 3, 95 Dundas Street East K0K 1H0
Telephone: 613-475-5850
Fax: 613-475-3835
E-mail: margaret.appleby@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Develop IPM systems and programs
• Transfer new IPM technology to horticultural growers and consultants by means of demonstration projects, meetings and publications
• Work closely with growers' organizations and consultants to set research priorities, improve IPM practices and address emerging issues
• Represent Ontario at a national level for pesticide risk reduction program of AAFC's Pest Management Centre

Eugenia Banks
Potato Specialist
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3678
Fax: 519-826-4964
E-mail: eugenia.banks@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Conduct research and on-farm demonstration trials that will enhance the production and quality of potatoes
• Assess new techniques and technologies relating to production and IPM issues
• Develop and deliver timely information, tools and advice to assist in production, IPM and marketing decisions for potatoes
• Liaise with Ontario Potato Board, crop consultants, agribusiness and researchers as a resource person on production issues
• Organize the annual Ontario Potato Conference

Kathryn Carter (A)
Tender Fruit and Grape Specialist
Vineland
Advisory Services Building
Box 8000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
L0R 2E0
Telephone: 905-562-1639
Fax: 905-562-5933
E-mail:kathryn.carter@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and marketing of tender fruit and grape crops
• Wind machine research to reduce winter injury
• Evaluate new pear, peach and nectarine cultivars and production systems
• Establishment and cost of production

Jennifer DeEll
Fresh Market Quality Program Lead
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Telephone: 519-426-1408
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: jennifer.deell@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Collaborate on research that will enhance the quality of fresh market produce
• Link new technology in fresh-cut produce and packaging with food quality concerns
• Improved postharvest handling, storage and package systems

Pam Fisher
Berry Crop Specialist
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Telephone: 519-426-2238
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: pam.fisher@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production, pest management and marketing of berry crops
• Soil moisture monitoring and fertigation
• Tools and resources for berry pest management
• Edit the Ontario Berry Newsletter
• Edit Publication 360,
• Fruit Production Recommendations

Kristy Grigg-McGuffin (A)

Pome Fruit IPM Specialist
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Telephone: 519-426-4322
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: kristy.grigg-mcguffin @ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Advanced IPM programs and resources for the apple industry
• Minor use proposals and projects for apples
• Identification and management of new pest problems

Leslie Huffman
Apple Specialist
Harrow
Harrow Research Centre
2585 County Road 20 N0R 1G0
Telephone: 519-738-1256
Fax: 519-738-4564
E-mail: leslie.huffman@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and marketing of the apple crop
• Evaluating new cultivars and production systems
• Strategic alignment of the industry to increase competitiveness in a world market
• Enhanced food safety initiatives and reduced pesticide use

Janice LeBoeuf
Vegetable Crops Specialist
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Box 400, 120 Main Street East N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1699
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: janice.leboeuf@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production, IPM and marketing decisions for fresh market and processing vegetable crops including tomatoes, peppers, sugar beets, table beets, eggplant, and chicory
• Liaise with consultants, agribusiness, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario, processors, and researchers on production issues
• Assist in focusing resources and efforts to strategic priorities in these crops
• Assess new techniques and technologies relating to production and IPM issues

Wendy McFadden-Smith
Tender Fruit and Grape IPM Specialist
Vineland
Advisory Services Building
Box 8000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
L0R 2E0
Telephone: 905-562-3833
Fax: 905-562-5933
E-mail: wendy.mcfadden-smith@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Resistance management
• Development of risk reduced pesticide usage within anIIPM system
• Efficacy of new products

Marion Paibomesai
Vegetable Crops Specialist
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-4963
Fax: 519-826-4964
E-mail: marion.paibomesai@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and IPM of fresh market and processing vegetable crops including cole crops, onions, carrots, celery, and leafy vegetables
• Provide IPM training and guidance to delivery personnel
• Conduct research projects

Vacant
Vegetable Crops Specialist
Ridgetown
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Agronomy Building N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1616
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: elaine.roddy@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production and IPM information for sweet corn, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, beans, peas and asparagus
• Conduct on-farm demonstration trials pertaining to fertilizer use efficiency and IPM
• Edit publication 360, Vegetable Production Recommendations
• Weekly in-season vegetable crop updates for growers, processors and agribusiness

Horticulture Technology

Denise Beaton
Crop Protection Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-6594
Fax: 519-826-4964
E-mail: denise.beaton@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Invasive alien species for both horticulture and field crops
• Pest control products
• Represent OMAFRA on provincial, national and international organizations dealing with pest control products and plant health issues
• Liaise with industry, provinces, federal government and other countries on issues related to plant health and pest control products

Kristen Callow
Weed Management Program Lead - Horticulture Program Lead
Greenhouse and Processing Crops

Harrow Research Station

RR 2, 2585 County Road 20

N0R 1G0

Telephone: 519-738-1232
Fax: 519-738-2929
E-mail: kristen.callow@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

 

Collaborate on applied research and demonstration projects to validate/determine practical integrated weed management solutions for horticulture production systems

Address weed management issues in horticulture production systems

Monitor for and implement strategies for new invasive weed species

Michael Celetti
Pathologist Horticulture Crops Program Lead
Guelph
University of Guelph
Edmund Bovey Building
N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 58910
Fax: 519-767-0755
E-mail: michael.celetti@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Identification, detection and management of plant diseases for the horticulture industry
• Represent OMAFRA on provincial, national and international organizations dealing with plant disease issues

Jim Chaput
Minor Use Co-ordinator
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3539
Fax 519-826-4964
E-mail: jim.chaput@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Co-ordinate activities related to preparation and submission of emergency uses and minor use label expansions of pest control products in the province of Ontario
• Minor use of pest control products
• Represent OMAFRA on provincial, national and international organizations that deal with minor use issues

Jason Deveau
Application Technology Specialist
Simcoe
Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
N3Y 4N5
Telephone: 519-426-8934
Fax: 519-428-1142
E-mail: jason.deveau@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Collaborate on research to evaluate and integrate new technologies for agriculture inputs
• Represent OMAFRA on provincial, national and international organizations that deal with policies relating to agricultural inputs

Hannah Fraser
Entomology Horticulture Program Lead
Vineland
Advisory Services Building
Box 8000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
L0R 2E0
Telephone: 905-562-1674
Fax: 905-562-5933
E-mail: hannah.fraser@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Collaborate on research to evaluate and integrate new solutions for pest management
• Prevent the introduction and facilitate the eradication or management of insect pests and/or associated diseases
• Co-editor of Hort Matters Newsletter providing weekly in season information to the horticulture industry

Christoph Kessel
Nutrition Horticulture Program Lead
Guelph
University of Guelph
Richards Building
N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 52480
Fax: 519-824-5730
E-mail: christoph.kessel@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Fertigation scheduling and monitoring to optimize nitrogen use efficiency
• Fertility and production guidelines for specialty vegetables for the ethnic market
• Improve manure and organic nutrient availability guidelines for Horticultural crops

Deanna Németh (A)
Nutrient Management Horticulture Crops Program Lead
Vineland
Advisory Services Building
Box 8000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North
L0R 2E0
Telephone: 905-562-1170
Fax: 905-562-5933
E-mail: deanna.nemeth@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Best management practices for Greenhouse producers, and principals of nutrient/manure management
• Co-editor of Hort Matters newsletter providing weekly in season information to the Horticulture Industry
• Program Chair for the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention

Anne Verhallen
Soil Management Specialist Horticulture
Ridgetown
Box 400 N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1614
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: anne.verhallen@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Editor of the Cover Crop Best Management Practices book
• Field demonstration trials in cover crops, soil quality and irrigation scheduling
• Provide technical support in the area of wind erosion control, compaction, irrigation scheduling, cover crops and other soil management issues related to the production of horticultural crops
• Coordinator of Sound Advice website technical radio reports

Vacant
Organic Crop Production Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-4587
Fax: 519-826-4964
E-mail:

Areas of Focus

• Production and marketing of organic products
• Strategic alignment of the organic sector to increase competitiveness

Sheep and Goats

Delma Kennedy
Sheep Specialist, Genetics, Reproduction and Performance
Elora
6484 Wellington Road 7 N0B 1S0

Telephone: 519-846-3398
Fax: 519-846-8178
E-mail: delma.kennedy@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Coordination of Sheep Flock Improvement Program
• Animal selection and breeding strategies
• Out of season breeding techniques

Anita O'Brien
Sheep and Goat Specialist
Kemptville
Box 2004, Concession Road K0B 1J0
Telephone: 613-258-8299
Fax: 613-258-8392
E-mail: anita.obrien@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Economic efficiencies in sheep and goat production systems
• Management practices to control predators
• Sheep and goat handling practices and welfare

Christoph Wand
Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goat Nutritionist
Rm 125 - LFO Secretariat
Building #70, Animal and Poultry Science
University of Guelph N1G 2W1
Telephone: 519-824-4120 ext. 53670
Fax: 519-826-9873
E-mail: christoph.wand@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Labour and nutrient efficient feeding systems
• Nutritional techniques to reduce environmental impacts
• Nutritional techniques to develop lamb as a functional food/nutraceutical

Swine

Doug Richards
Swine Grower-Finisher Specialist
Clinton
Box 159, 100 Don Street N0M 1L0
Telephone: 519-482-3133
Fax: 519-482-5031
E-mail: doug.richards@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Marketing information impacting the competitiveness of the pork industry
• Economic impact of swine production (swine enterprise budgets and tools)
• Technology transfer to the swine industry

Jaydee Smith
Swine Production Systems
Program Lead
Ridgetown
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Animal Science Building, Box 400
120 Main street East N0P 2C0
Telephone: 519-674-1542
Fax: 519-674-1564
E-mail: jaydee.smith@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Production efficiency
• Sustainable production and profitability
• Cost of production modeling for finishing operations
• Centralia Swine Research Update website maintenance
• Pork News and Views Newsletter

Vacant
Swine Nutritionist
Elora
6484 Wellington Road 7
Elora N0B 1S0
Telephone: 519-846-3401
Fax: 519-846-8178

Areas of Focus

Nutritional models for minimizing nutrient output and environmental impacts

Efficient feeding systems for swine

New technologies in swine nutrition

Vacant
Swine Sow-Nursery Specialist
Stratford
RR 3, 63 Lorne Avenue East - Suite 2B N5A 6S4
Telephone: 519-271-6280
Fax: 519-273-5278
E-mail:

Areas of Focus

• Sow herd management
• Sow herd record keeping and business management
• Labour management in swine production sector

Agriculture Issues Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Marketing Communication Officer

Agricultural Issues Coordinator

Dorienne Cushman
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3323
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail:dorienne.cushman@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Issues management in the agriculture sector
• Agriculture five year forecast
• Review of best practices of technology transfer in other jurisdictions
• Support for government policy development in the agriculture sector

Executive Assistant

Carmela Cupelli
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N2G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-6396
Fax: 519-826-3567E-mail: carmela.cupelli@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Manage the Director's office, including issues management and communications
• Coordination of information flow and approvals for the Branch
• Coordination of Branch initiatives, policy, program, budget and briefing activities
• Develop and monitor guidelines/protocols and performance measures

Marketing Communication Officer

Susin Micallef
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-2337
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: susin.micallef@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Marketing and communication resource for Branch program areas
• Co-ordinate development of Branch promotional material
• Creation of tradeshow materials and exhibits

Product Development Specialists

Laurie Butter
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-4049
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: laurie.butter@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Co-ordination of factsheets and publications for crop-related material
• Co-ordination of tradeshow materials and exhibit creation
• Development of crop-related promotional material and technical resources
• Crops website

Betty Summerhayes
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3105
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: betty.summerhayes@ontario.ca

Areas of Focus

• Co-ordination of factsheets and publications
• Co-ordination of tradeshow materials and exhibit creation
• Development of promotional material and technical resources
• Livestock website

Administrative Service Representatives

Vaughan Allan
Horticulture Technology and Field Crops
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3318
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: vaughan.allan@ontario.ca

Patricia Grummett
Sustainable Production-Beef Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Alternative Livestock and Aquaculture
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3240
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: patricia.grummett@ontario.ca

Ellie McLean
Sustainable Production-Dairy Cattle, Swine and Poultry
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3119
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: ellie.mclean@ontario.ca

Kathie Noble
Business Management
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826- 3132
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: kathie.noble@ontario.ca

Marjolijin Everett
Greenhouse, Agroforestry
and Specialty Crops
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3319
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: marjolijin.everett@ontario.ca

Access OMAFRA

We're at your service

Agricultural Information Contact Centre
OMAFRA's Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC) provides quick access to our information and expertise. AICC agents have the experience and background to answer agriculture and agribusiness questions. If needed, they will also put you in touch with a provincial specialist.

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
Telephone: 1-877-424-1300 E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca

Northern Ontario Regional Office
Our northern Ontario regional office provides access to OMAFRA's Agriculture Development Advisor (Bilingual), Julie Poirier Mensinga, and Agriculture Development Advisor, Barry Potter, as well as Agriculture Development Advisors in six locations who are available to deal with issues and concerns unique to the north.

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Telephone: 1-800-461-6132

Publication Order Centre and OMAFRA Resources Centre
You can access both paid and free publications from any ServiceOntario or OMAFRA Resource Centre. To get a list of products, contact one of the numbers listed below or visit the OMAFRA website.

Hours of operation, Guelph ServiceOntario Centre:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Publications can be ordered through the ServiceOntario Publications website at www.ServiceOntario.ca/publications, or contact ServiceOntario Publications by phone at:

• 1-800-668-9938
• 416-326-5300
• TTY 1-800-268-7095

Telephone: 1-800-267-8097 or call the AICC at 1-877-424-1300 for the OMAFRA Resource Centre nearest you

OMAFRA Website
A wealth of resources is at your fingertips 24 hours per day for all areas of agriculture. OMAFRA factsheets, newsletters, bulletins, podcasts and links are posted on the web and the site is continually updated. Subscribe to our on-line services and receive monthly updates on new livestock, crop and business information.

Hours of operation:
24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Internet: www.ontario.ca/omafra