Education Awards 2021

WestGen is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 WestGen Education Awards. Each of these selected students will receive $2000 to assist them with their post-secondary agriculture studies. The selection committee was extremely pleased with the quality of applicants this year, and encourages those not selected to apply again next year. Supporting youth and the development of the Western Canadian cattle industry are mandates of WestGen’s Endowment Fund, and we look forward to watching these students become successful in each of their chosen career paths.

Kassi ArchambaultSalmon Arm, BC

I grew up in Salmon Arm, BC and while I don’t live on a farm or come from a farming background, I have been involved in the agriculture industry for as long as I can remember. Like many others, I found my passion for agriculture and more specifically for the cattle industry through my involvement in the 4-H program.

I am currently attending the University of Alberta where I am in the third year of my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal Science. In the future, I am hoping to pursue a career in ruminant nutrition or somewhere in the animal health field.

I am very grateful to have been selected by WestGen as a recipient of this 2021 Education Award to help me continue my university education and pursue my future career in the Canadian agricultural industry. Thank you!

Isaac BoonstoppelGrunthal, MB

I would like to thank WestGen for selecting me as one of the recipients of the Education Awards. I was born and raised on a small dairy farm in Scotch Lake, New Brunswick. In the spring of 2015, my family moved to buy a larger dairy farm located in Grunthal, Manitoba. I have been involved in Dairy 4-H since I was 7 years old and have been part of the MB, WCC team since 2016. These events, working at home, and being a part of the Lakeland SMF team has fuelled my desire and knowledge of the dairy industry and aided me in making connections with others throughout Western Canada.

My future plans include continuing my education at the University of Saskatchewan with an Ag-Business degree. I would also like to travel and work in New Zealand. Long term future goal is to own and operate my own dairy farm.

Isabell ReutterGrunthal, MB

I would like to thank WestGen and the awards selection committee for choosing me as one of the education award recipients this year. I was born and raised on a dairy farm just outside of Grunthal Manitoba. Growing up I was heavily involved all around the farm and in the barn which is where my interest and passion for the dairy industry began. Being on the farm and as I got older working on other dairy farms taught me a lot about cow comfort, nutrition, health, and reproduction, and the new technologies involved and available for optimizing production and care.

I am currently attending the University of Manitoba and am in my third year of the Animal systems program. In the future I hope to get admission into the WCVM where I hope to focus my career and studies on large animals and the dairy industry.