Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Dr. Gord Surgeoner Named to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame

Gord Surgeoner, widely known for his significant contributions over a long and varied career as a scientist, educator and agri-food booster in biotechnology and cutting-edge manufacturing, is about to be inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in Milton.

The Fergus native said Wednesday he felt honoured, highly appreciated the recognition, but was "humbled, too" because of the illustrious inductees that have preceded him.

Ironically, Surgeoner said what stands out most over a long and varied career, where he's been in constant contact with farmers, is the wealth of knowledge they have, including those without university degrees.

"There's a famous quote: Don't let you're your studies interfere with your education," he quipped.

"(I'm) very impressed with Ontario farmers and I've learned an incredible amount from them," Surgeoner said.

Not only are farmers good at what they do, but they're among the innovators he's spent a working lifetime associating with, said Surgeoner, president of Guelph-based Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, an organization promoting biotechnology and other emerging scientific expertise.

He's among four Ontarians to be inducted June 8 into the Hall of Fame Gallery at Milton's Country Heritage Park. The others are Bobcaygeon-based agricultural banker George Arnold; Dublin's Art Bolton seed producer and the late St. Marys fertilizer industry leader Robert Hutton, who died last year.

Surgeoner was an entomologist and environmental biology professor at the University of Guelph from 1976 through 2005, where he focused in particular on researching insect-borne disease control. He had a particular fascination for and expertise about mosquitoes. Among highlights, he received the Ontario Agricultural College's distinguished teaching award in 1989.

Between 1990 and 1998, he chaired the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition.

The Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Association noted in a release he was a "champion of new technologies to improve health, the environment, the growth of new business as well as new opportunities in the farming sector" over his career.

Between 1990 and 2000, he served as an advisor for Guelph-based AgCare, a resource and environment organization, which merged in 2011 with the Ontario Farm Animal Council. He also helped launch Ontario Agri-Food Technologies in 1998.

Surgeoner continues to regularly address agricultural organization on farm issues, and has two such speaking engagements on the horizon.

Views: 299

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

What Separates the Top-Tier Pork Producers from the Rest?

Some would say the pork industry is on the other side of the biggest financial downturn the industry has seen for the last 30 years. Others say we are not quite there yet. In a Farm Credit peer benchmarking review, Chris Ford, vice president corporate swine lender with Farm Credit, looked back over the past several years to see what differentiated pork operations that have done well and those that have struggled. 1. Production is king. “Producers who have adhered to strong biosecurity measures, embraced technology and have taken a mindset of getting as much production out the door as possible have had as much success as anybody in this industry,” Ford says. 2. Good bookkeeping matters. “Those who have done a nice job with financial acumen and understanding where they’re at from a financial standpoint have survived this downturn,” Ford says. “As a lender, we see that every day. Those producers that keep good sets of books and understand their cost of production make the best decisions

3rd Annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark Raises $20,000 for Iowa Food Banks

Hundreds of Iowans gathered at Principal Park on June 21 for the third annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, raising more than $20,000 to support food banks across the state. The family-friendly event was presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) in partnership with the Iowa Cubs and Fareway Stores. “Events like BBQ & Brew show how strong our communities are when we come together for a common cause,” said Doug Gruver, IPPA board member and two-time event volunteer. “Giving back is at the heart of what we do as pork producers. Whether it’s raising food or raising funds, we’re proud to serve Iowans beyond the farm. This event is also a great opportunity to showcase the high-quality product we raise in Iowa and the incredible BBQ talent and passion of the teams who compete.” This year’s event featured 24 backyard barbecue teams competing for $12,000 in prize money across three pork categories: loin, ribs, and butt. Fareway Stores played a critical role in making the event pos

Ontario pasture lands get $5M boost

Canada and Ontario are investing $5M to improve community pastures, boost sustainability, support cattle farmers, and enhance soil health through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Soy Canada annual meeting emphasizes opportunity and innovation amid industry challenges

Soy Canada’s annual meeting focussed on solutions that position Canadian soy for success during industry presentations and discussions at this year’s event. The theme, Gather and Grow, challenged participants to focus on finding opportunities amid global challenges created by conflict, uncertainty and volatility.

Canada’s dairy, poultry and egg farmers welcome the passage of Bill C-202

 Canada’s dairy, poultry and egg farmers welcome any effort aimed at ensuring no further supply managed concessions are made in trade negotiations, such as Bill C-202, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service