The Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation (AICF) announced Christina Straathof (BSc (Agriculture)’12) as one of the first recipients of the prestigious Dr. Karl C. Ivarson Agricultural Scholarship. Straathof, who is now studying at the University of Alberta, was awarded the $10,000 prize allotted for MSc students. Along with the PhD-level recipient, both are recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, areas of study, leadership and career interests. In leaving a bequest to AICF to establish this award, Dr. Ivarson wished to support students from his home province of Alberta in their pursuit of studies in agricultural sciences.

The winning research

Straathof’s research program focuses on residual feed efficiency (RFI) and maternal nutrition in beef cattle in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. The goal of this research is to provide the beef industry with pertinent knowledge regarding the interaction of RFI and maternal nutrition with important production characteristics including fertility, carcass traits and growth traits.

A way of life

Agriculture has always been an important facet of Ms. Straathof’s life and influenced her choice of academic studies. She grew up on a dairy farm in Ontario and completed over 50 projects during the 13 years she was a  4-H member. She is currently the secretary/treasurer of the University of Alberta Multi-Species Judging Club, a member of the university’s Collegiate 4-H club, and is an active hockey official. She enjoys being a positive role model to youth through community involvement, her work with the 4-H organization and as a coach for women’s hockey.

An Albertan soil scientist’s commitment to agriculture

The Dr. Karl C. Ivarson Agricultural Scholarship is made possible through a generous bequest to the AICF by noted Albertan soil scientist, the late Dr. Karl C. Ivarson. Corrina Dawe, President of the Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation, congratulated the exceptional students who are the recipients of this scholarship. “[Dr. Ivarson] was passionate about his commitment to supporting the future of agriculture and the advancement of students studying agricultural sciences … ” noted Ms. Dawe.

Further information on the Dr. Karl C. Ivarson Agricultural Scholarship and other AICF initiatives is available on the AICF website.

About the AICF

The Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation is a national charity, established in 1987, whose mission is to inspire knowledge and understanding of the importance of sustainable agriculture to society. It is dedicated to providing Canadians with information, programs and activities that support a thriving agricultural sector.

The content of this article is from the press release issued by the AICF on December 4, 2013.