Discover how Ontario Agricultural College has shaped agricultural education and innovation over 150 years. Join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone.
Starting from May 1 until the end of the year, the Ontario Agricultural College will be lauding its 150-year history, marked by a variety of events, projects, and activities that reflect its numerous achievements and vision for the future. Engaging history tours through the university campus, prosperous Food Day Canada celebrations, and a memorable capstone celebration during the Alumni Reunion Weekend in June are among the array of events taking place. The Ontario Agricultural College community, which includes alumni, faculty, staff, students, and industry partners, are encouraged to reconnect, share memories, and embrace the next 12 months of grand celebrations.
“the entire University of Guelph community is thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in our history,” Dr. Charlotte Yates, U of G President and Vice-Chancellor expressed in the release. “OAC has a proud and rich legacy of developing leaders and cultivating innovation in the global agri-food sector.”
The OAC’s inception saw 28 diploma students holding classes on a 550-acre farm owned by the province. Fast forward to today, the OAC has grown exponentially to over 3,300 students across two campuses in Guelph and Ridgetown, leveraging an extensive network of research centers owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) that spans the province.
Initially known as the Ontario School of Agriculture and Experimental Farm, it changed its name in 1880 to better reflect its purpose and future ambitions. Throughout its history, the university has always positioned the OAC as a leader in innovation, research, and teaching, providing steadfast support for the agri-food sector.
“Today, the influence of OAC extends far beyond agriculture. It bolsters the backbone of our global agri-food system,” said John Cranfield, acting Dean of OAC in the May 1 release kick-starting the anniversary celebrations. “OAC is a beacon of support for those dedicated to nurturing the land, sustaining our communities, and safeguarding the environment for the forthcoming generations. With strategic partnerships across various sectors, including government and organizations championing agriculture, food, the environment, and rural communities, OAC is equipped to continue its crucial mission.”
When the college welcomed its first cohort of students, the Ontario government foresaw the college securing a prominent place on the world stage. In 1874, it was one of the first institutions in Canada to amalgamate scientific research into farming practices, which significantly modernized agriculture across the country. This noble commitment continues today through the Ontario Agri-food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and the university.
Over the course of 150 years, the university highlights that the OAC has seen the world change in fundamental ways, and stories throughout its history reveal how it transformed into the innovation education powerhouse it is today.
- In 1903, the establishment of the Macdonald Institute on the OAC campus marked a significant progression for women into the community and higher education.
- During both World Wars, OAC professors taught military leaders how to efficiently use war rations to feed the soldiers.
- In 1946, OAC opened its doors to its first international students from India who joined to learn the latest innovations in animal husbandry, beekeeping, and soil biology.
- In 1964, OAC became a founding college of U of G, marking a new phase of growth that would eventually help it meet international standards.
- In 1997, OAC expanded its reach by conducting research and offering programs at two locations, as Ridgetown campus officially became part of the institution.
