Nuffield Canada has announced the selection of four outstanding individuals as 2026 Nuffield Scholars: two from Alberta, and one each from Quebec and Ontario.
Each will receive a $20,000 scholarship to pursue self-directed research programs involving international travel and experiential learning.
This initiative, supported by Nuffield Canada and its sponsors, aims to foster innovation and leadership in Canadian agriculture.
Scholars are required to undertake a minimum of 10 weeks of international travel within 24 months to explore an agriculturally relevant issue of their choice.
They will then present their findings in a comprehensive report and at the Nuffield Canada Global Knowledge Exchange.
Steve Larocque, Chair of Nuffield Canada and a 2008 Scholar, describes the Nuffield journey as “life-changing,” providing a platform for scholars to research, explore, and collaborate on innovative ideas that drive advancements in Canadian agriculture.
Winners:
Jolene Noble is from Manning, Alberta. Jolene’s study topic will look at stacking enterprises to increase opportunities, resiliency and profitability on the family farm.
Ashley Nicholls is from Dewinton, Alberta. Ashley will study the impacts of human management systems on the longevity and wellbeing of agricultural employees.
Antonious Petro is from Montreal, Quebec. Antonious will examine how financing tools, incentive programs, and economic planning models de-risk and support the long-term adoption of regenerative agriculture.
Kristen Kelderman is from Carrying Place, Ontario. Kristen’s research will explore how farmers navigate grief to reveal the deep roots between identity, loss, and resilience – and how tending to emotional landscapes is vital to the success and future of the farm.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
