Ontario’s livestock sector is taking new steps to support the next generation of animal health professionals. At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Annual General Meeting on November 25, nine students in veterinary and veterinary technology programs were announced as the first recipients of a new farmer-funded scholarship.
The program was launched earlier this year in response to a growing shortage of large animal veterinarians across Ontario. This shortage continues to affect livestock health, food safety, and day-to-day farm operations.
Supporting Future Veterinarians
Each of the nine students received a $2,000 scholarship. The awards are supported by OFA and several livestock organizations, including:
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Dairy Farmers of Ontario
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Beef Farmers of Ontario
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Veal Farmers of Ontario
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Ontario Sheep Farmers
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EastGen
These partners created the scholarship to help build veterinary capacity in rural communities. It also complements OFA’s other student awards.
“Access to veterinary care is essential for livestock health, food safety, and farm productivity,” said Drew Spoelstra, OFA President. “Ontario’s farming community is proud to support students who will help meet these critical needs.”
Meet the Student Recipients
Dairy Farmers of Ontario Recipients
Alison Eyre, Athens ON – A first-year OVC student who grew up on a dairy farm. She hopes to return to Eastern Ontario to practice large animal medicine.
Lily Copp, Erin ON – A first-year OVC student who works at Kitcholm Farms. She plans to focus on dairy herd health after graduation.
DFO Chair Mark Hamel said veterinarians are key partners in herd health, disease prevention, and animal welfare.
Beef Farmers of Ontario Recipient
Hope Grootenboer, Murillo ON – A first-year OVC student in the northern cohort. She plans to work as a mixed animal veterinarian in the Thunder Bay area.
BFO President Craig McLaughlin noted that large animal vets are essential to herd productivity and food security.
Veal Farmers of Ontario Recipient
Erica Robertson, Kent Bridge ON – A final-year OVC student who grew up on a multi-generation family farm. She plans to pursue a career in large animal medicine.
Ontario Sheep Farmers & EastGen Recipient
Samantha Dixon, New Hamburg ON – A second-year OVC student with a strong background in sheep genetics. She hopes to combine her research interests with a veterinary career focused on herd health.
Both Ontario Sheep Farmers and EastGen highlighted Samantha’s dedication to advancing animal health and innovation.
Veterinary Technician Scholarship Recipients
Four vet tech students also received awards:
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Mavis Carberry, Guelph/Eramosa
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Alexa Elford, Kimberley
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Claire Koch, Baden
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Sidney Sicard, Markdale
These students have strong experience in 4-H, livestock handling, and community leadership.
Strengthening Rural Veterinary Services
Ontario Veterinary College Dean Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel praised the collaboration. He noted that these scholarships will help more students enter large animal and rural practice, where the need is greatest.
The new scholarship program is one step toward improving veterinary access across Ontario. It recognizes student achievement and encourages more graduates to work in livestock-focused roles.
Additional details about the program and this year’s winners are available at ofa.on.ca/community/bursary-program.
