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Agriculture Development Branch Staff Directory

Author: Betty Summerhayes - Product Development Specialist/OMAFRA
Creation Date: 01 March 2008
Last Reviewed: 08 July 2008

Format pdf - 273 KB

Table of Contents

  1. Staff Directory
    1. Management Team
    2. Agroforestry
    3. Aquaculture, Alternative Livestock and Poultry
    4. Beef and Veal
    5. Business Management
    6. Canadian Agricultural Skills Service
    7. Dairy Cattle
    8. Feed and Pasture
    9. Field Crops
    10. Greenhouse
    11. Horticulture Crops
    12. Horticulture Technology
    13. Sheep and Goats
    14. Specialty Crops
    15. Swine
    16. Agriculture Issues Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Marketing Communication Officer
    17. Product Development Specialists
    18. Administrative Service Representatives;
    19. 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

Annette Anderson
Greenhouse, Agroforestry
and Specialty Crops
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3286
Fax: 519-826-3567
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
E-mail: hugh.berges@ontario.ca

John Finlay
Horticulture Crops
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-6941
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: john.finlay@ontario.ca

John Forsyth
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: john.forsyth@ontario.ca

Clarence Haverson
Business Management
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3285
Fax: 519-826-3254
E-mail: clarence.haverson@ontario.ca

Adam Hayes (Acting)
Field Crops
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
Telephone: 519-826-3257
Fax: 519-826-3567
E-mail: adam.hayes@ontario.ca

Rick Norkooli
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: rick.norkooli@ontario.ca

 

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Agroforestry

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

 

Vacant
Agroforesty Specialist
Kemptville
Box 2004, 59 Ministry Road K0G 1J0
Telephone: 613-258-8302
Fax: 613-258-8392

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Aquaculture, Alternative Livestock and Poultry

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
Fergus
536 County Road 18
Wellington Place, R. R. #1 N1M 2W3
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

 

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

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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

 

Brian Lang
Veal Specialist
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
  • Cost of production
  • Management strategies for raising healthy calves
  • On-farm food safety programs

 

Vacant
Beef Feedlot Specialist
Clinton
100 Don Street, Box 159 N0M 1L0
Telephone: 519-482-5976
Fax: 519-482-5031


Areas of Focus
  • Measuring performance of feedlot and pasture cattle
  • Economic impact of feeding beef cattle (cost of production budgets)
  • Provincial Administrator, Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program

 

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

 

Christoph Wand
Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goat Nutritionist
Woodstock
Unit A, 401 Lakeview Drive N4T 1W2
Telephone: 519-537-8422
Fax: 519-539-5351
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

 

Vacant
Beef Program Lead
Guelph
1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2

 

Other OMAFRA Beef Staff

Barry Potter, Client Services Branch
Livestock Specialist 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

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Business Management

John Bancroft
Market Strategies Program Lead
Stratford
581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
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

 

Peter Coughler
Succession Planning and Business Agreements
Program Lead
Brighton
95 Dundas Street East
R.R. #3 K0K 1H0
Telephone: 613-475-4908
Fax: 613-475-3835
E-mail: peter.coughler@ontario.ca

 

Areas of Focus

  • Family dynamics of succession and transition planning
  • Lifestyle issues of retirement planning
  •  

    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

     

    Rob Gamble
    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: rob.gamble@ontario.ca

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

     

    Gary Mawhiney
    Human Resources Management
    Program Lead
    Guelph
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-7446
    Fax: 519-826-3254
    E-mail: gary.mawhiney@ontario.ca

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

     

    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

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    Other OMAFRA Business Staff


    Julie Poirier Mensinga, Client Services Branch
    Agricultural Business Management Specialist (Bilingual), Northern Ontario
    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

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    Canadian Agricultural Skills Service

    Sarah Carney
    Marketing and Communications Officer
    Canadian Agricultural Skills Service
    1 Stone Road West 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-3173
    Fax: 519-826-4058
    E-mail: sarah.carney@ontario.ca

    • Coordinate the marketing and promotion of the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program for Ontario

    Anne Marie Diotte
    Program Coordinator
    Canadian Agricultural Skills Service
    1 Stone Road West 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-3220
    Fax: 519-826-4058
    E-mail: annemarie.diotte@ontario.ca

    • Coordinate the delivery of the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS) program for Ontario

     

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    Dairy Cattle

    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

     

    Blair Murray
    Dairy Genetic Improvement Specialist
    Kemptville
    Box 2004, 59 Ministry Drive K0G 1J0
    Telephone: 613-258-8300
    Fax: 613-258-8392
    E-mail: blair.murray@ontario.ca

    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

     

    Tom Wright
    Dairy Cattle Nutritionist
    Fergus
    536 County Road 18
    Wellington Place, R.R. #1 N1M 2W3
    Telephone: 519-846-3404
    Fax: 519-846-8178
    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 Cattle Production Systems
    Program Lead
    Woodstock
    Unit A, 401 Lakeview Drive N4T 1W2


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    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
    581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
    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

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    Field Crops

    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

     

    Tracey Baute
    Field Crop Entomologist Program Lead
    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: tracey.baute@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

     

    Horst Bohner
    Soybean Specialist
    Stratford
    581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
    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

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    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 Crops

     

    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
    581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
    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

     

    Vacant
    Soil Management Specialist Field Crops
    Ridgetown
    University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
    Agronomy Building N0P 2C0
    Telephone: 519-674-1621
    Fax: 519-674-1564

    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
    581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
    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

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    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

     

    Keith Reid
    Soil Fertility Specialist
    Stratford
    581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
    Telephone: 519-271-9269
    Fax: 519-273-5278
    E-mail: keith.reid@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

     

    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

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    Greenhouse

    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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

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    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

     

    Dr. 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
    Pome Fruit IPM Specialist
    Simcoe
    Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
    N3Y 4N5
    Telephone: 519-426-4322
    Fax: 519-428-1142
    E-mail: kathryn.carter@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

     

    Dr. 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

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    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
    Vegetable Crops Specialist (Acting)
    Guelph
    1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-4963
    Fax: 519-826-4964
    E-mail: kristy.grigg@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
    Apple Specialist

    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
    Ridgetown
    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

     

    Dr. 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

     

    Elaine Roddy
    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

     

    Ken Slingerland
    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: ken.slingerland@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

     

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    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    Leslie Huffman
    Weed Management Horticulture
    Program Lead
    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
    • Weed management information
    • Berry Alternative Weed Management Systems project
    • Edit publication 75, Guide to Weed Control and publication 505, Ontario Weeds
    • Drift reduction technology to reduce herbicide drift damage

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    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

     

    Hugh Martin
    Organic Crop Production Program Lead
    Guelph
    1 Stone Road West, 1st Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-4587
    Fax: 519-826-4964
    E-mail: hugh.martin@ontario.ca

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

     

    Donna Speranzini
    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: donna.speranzini@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
    IPM Modelling Specialist
    Ridgetown
    Box 400 N0P 2C0

     

    Vacant
    Application Technology Specialist
    Vineland
    Box 8000, 4890 Victoria Avenue North L0R 2E0

     

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    Sheep and Goats

    Anita O'Brien
    Sheep and Goat Specialist
    Kemptville
    Box 2004, Concession Road K0G 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

     

    Delma Kennedy
    Sheep Specialist, Genetics, Reproduction and Performance
    Guelph
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-3290
    Fax: 519-826-3254
    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

     

    Christoph Wand
    Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goat Nutritionist
    Woodstock
    Unit A, 401 Lakeview Drive N4T 1W2
    Telephone: 519-537-8422
    Fax: 519-539-5351
    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

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    Specialty Crops

    Ahmed Bilal
    IPM Specialist Specialty Crops (Acting)
    Simcoe
    Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3
    N3Y 4N5
    Phone: 519-426-4434
    Fax: 519-428-1142
    E-mail: ahmed.bilal@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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    Dr. 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
    • Crop bioproducts
    • Cooperate on applied research and demonstration projects related to crop bioproducts
    • Barriers affecting the commercialization of bioproducts

     

    Dr. Jim Todd
    Transition Crops 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
    • Alternate crops for Ontario, particularly in the tobacco growing region
    • Collaborate on research on industrial usesof tobacco
    • Collaborate on research on bioenergy using biomass crops (eg. anaerobic digestion)


    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

     

    Vacant
    New Crop Development Specialist
    Simcoe
    Box 587, Blueline Road and Highway # 3 N3Y 4N5

     

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    Swine

    Ed Barrie
    Swine Sow-Nursery Specialist
    Stratford
    581 Huron Street N5A 5T8
    Telephone: 519-271-6280
    Fax: 519-273-5278
    E-mail: ed.barrie@ontario.ca

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

     

    Greg Simpson
    Swine Nutritionist
    Fergus
    536 County Road 18
    Wellington Place, R. R. #1 N1M 2W3
    Telephone: 519-846-3401
    Fax: 519-846-8178
    E-mail: greg.simpson@ontario.ca

    Areas of Focus
    • Nutritional models for minimizing nutrient output and environmental impacts
    • Efficient feeding systems for swine
    • New technologies in swine nutrition

     

    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 Grower-Finisher Specialist
    Clinton
    Box 159, 100 Don Street N0M 1L0
    Telephone: 519-482-3133
    Fax: 519-482-5031

    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

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    Agriculture Issues Coordinator, Executive Assistant, Marketing Communication Officer

     

    Agricultural Issues Coordinator


    Joanne Handley
    Guelph
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-3323
    Fax: 519-826-3254
    E-mail: joanne.handley@ontario.ca

    Areas of Focus

    • Livestock Border Closure Contingency Plan
    • Issues management in the livestock sector
    • Review of technology transfer in other areas
    • Livestock/agriculture five year forecast

    Executive Assistant

    Carmela Cupelli
    Guelph
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N2G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-6396
    Fax: 519-826-3567

    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.com

    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

    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

    Laurie Butter (Acting)
    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

     

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    Administrative Service Representatives

     

    Megan Balsillie
    Greenhouse, Agroforestry
    and Specialty Crops
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-3319
    Fax: 519-826-3567
    E-mail: megan.balsillie@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

    Sharon Mazziotti
    Horticulture Technology and Field Crops
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826-3318
    Fax: 519-826-3567
    E-mail: sharon.mazziotti@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

    Mary Teskey
    Director and Horticulture Crops
    1 Stone Road West, 3rd Floor N1G 4Y2
    Telephone: 519-826- 3196
    Fax: 519-826-3567
    E-mail: mary.teskey1@ontario.ca

     

     

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    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 Northern Agricultural Business Management Specialist (Bilingual), Julie Poirier Mensinga, and Northern Livestock Specialist, Barry Potter, as well as Agricultural Representatives 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

     

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    For more information:
    Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
    Local: (519) 826-4047
    E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca