What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in engineering from the University of Guelph, but I like to think that the bulk of my education came from the 37 years I spent in private industry, college and university research, and government extension.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I was raised on a mixed farm in southwestern Ontario, where we had a small herd of milking cows, swine, farrows to finish, finished some steers and grew cash crops.
What territory will you cover?
As a consultant, I will be doing the bulk of my work in the province of Ontario, but really there is no limit as to where I might work.
What are your new responsibilities?
For the past 34 ½ years, I have been a professional engineer employed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). In this role, I provided information to livestock producers (mostly dairy and beef) on planning new facilities or renovations or additions to existing facilities. This included advice on farmstead planning, barn layout, comfort and welfare, ventilation and manure handling. I also worked with veterinarians and other company representatives in troubleshooting livestock housing and ventilation problems.
I plan to continue to do similar work in a consulting capacity. My work will consist mostly of advising livestock producers in the planning process for new facilities or renovations or expansions to existing facilities.
What previous positions have you held?
- Engineer, dairy and beef housing and equipment: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) – 34 years
- Lecturer and researcher: University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus – two years while working for OMAFRA
- Research assistant: University of Guelph – one year
- Product engineer for a swine ventilation and equipment company (Fristamat) – two years
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I have had many individuals who have had a big impact on my career, but three stand out:
- Harry Huffman: A ventilation engineer who taught me about livestock ventilation but also the importance of being professional
- Jack Rodenburg: A dairy specialist who taught me the dairy industry inside and out, and the importance of production and efficiency
- Dr. Neil Anderson: A dairy veterinarian who taught me how to view my work from the cow’s point of view
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I will be a help by using my years of experience to plan new facilities or renovations or additions to existing facilities. This includes advice on farmstead planning, barn layout, comfort and welfare, ventilation and manure handling.
Why did you choose this company?
I had worked together with the owner extensively throughout my extension career.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I would like to continue to use my expertise to help livestock producers be efficient, productive and animal welfare friendly. PD
