The pleasant nature and successful reputation of OAC students has proliferated to the extent of Hawaii. Amidst the dolphins, and through a snorkel off the coast of Lahaini, Maui (Hawaii), a Nevada cattle farmer raved about the OAC students he has hosted on his ranch for 32 years. Students travel the U.S. Midwest as part of a field course offered in the Department of Plant Agriculture.

The man declared himself to be exceptionally impressed with the quality and comportment of the Guelph agriculture students. He described the OAC students as being the best prepared, most interested, and most engaged students he receives.

With only positive things to say about the Guelph students, the man praised their professionalism, enthusiasm for agriculture and interest in his operations.

This news came from Ken Coates, Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation, and professor at the University of Saskatchewan.

The 2014 Midwest Tour is a field trip course in Plant Ag for classes CROP*4260 and PLNT*6450. Students depart from the University of Guelph and travel throughout a select area of the U.S. Midwest, exploring agricultural production and agri-business in North America. This year, the trip is 14 days, and includes visits to farms, industries, and markets in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana.

Professor Clarence Swanton supervises the field course. For more information visit the website: www.uoguelph.ca/~mwtour/