Russell’s Tamara Hamilton works for Farm and Food Care Ontario. She was also a recipient of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers scholarship.
Ottawa Valley Seed Growers
Guest Column
For the fifth year in a row, volunteers at the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association are proud to offer up to three $2,500 scholarships. Youth of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec planning to pursue an agricultural career and entering at least their second year of post-secondary studies are invited to apply.
Past scholarship recipients have come from across the Ottawa Valley and surrounding area from Seeley’s Bay to Pakenham, Vankleek Hill and places between. The common factor among all recipients has been their commitment to community and the agriculture industry. 4-H involvement is common among recipients
Tamara Hamilton received the OVSGA Scholarship in 2019, as she prepared to complete her undergraduate studies in Bio-Resource Management at the University of Guelph. Tamara was raised just outside the village of Russell, where she grew up immersed in 4-H, the dairy farm and the agricultural industry.
Today, Tamara works as a communications coordinator with Farm and Food Care Ontario. It is a role for which she is ideally suited with her farm background and education, outgoing personality and passion for working with people. She is excited to be part of an organization dedicated to building public trust in Ontario food and farming. Watch for Tamara when Breakfast From the Farm comes to the Ottawa Valley this summer.
Tamara’s recent work experience includes stints of event coordinating at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and at the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. Summer jobs included a variety of OMAFRA and seed company positions. The variety was intentional, as “changing summer jobs each year enabled me to learn different perspectives, make new connections and expand my knowledge,” she said.
Aside from the agriculture in- dustry, Tamara enjoys spending time with cameras and dogs. She is currently training her third puppy from the Lions Founda- tion Dog Guides Canada. It was her introduction to the dog training world that renewed her passion for photography, leading to lifestyle photography adven- tures and photoshoots.
Tamara suggests “Never doubt yourself! You are unique, and your life experiences are worth talking about with oth- ers. Don’t stop yourself from applying to some of these excel- lent opportunities. As a famous
Russell’s Tamara Hamilton works for Farm and Food Care Ontario. She was also a recipient of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers scholarship.
Canadian hockey player said, ‘you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’”
Students are encouraged to heed this advice when completing applications. There may be a specific series of questions to answer, but don’t stop there, tell us more about yourself. We want to know about your accomplishments, the courses and activities you enjoy, the skills you have developed and plans for your future career in agriculture.
It is important to note that although applicants require completion of at least one year of post-secondary studies, regis- tration in an agricultural studies program is not a requirement. OVSGA recognizes that there are a multitude of skills required for success in the agricultural industry, so we also support students in accounting, communications and economics to mechanics, engineering and more. Directors at OVSGA look forward to showcasing more of Ottawa Valley’s very talented and dedicated youth planning ahead for a career in agriculture, for they are the future of the industry. Scholarship applica- tions are welcomed before the 4 p.m. deadline on June 30, 3021.
