Livestock Research Innovation Corporation elects new leadership

Guelph ON, – Don Gordon has been elected as the new Chair of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC). Gordon, who farms in Durham Region and represents Dairy Farmers of Ontario on the LRIC board, assumes the role after serving two years as LRIC’s Vice President. 

He takes over from outgoing chair Brian Miller, a Huron County farmer and the poultry industry representative on the board. Moving into the Vice Chair role is RJ Taylor, Managing Director of the Ontario Aquaculture Association and co-owner of Cedar Crest Trout Farms. Taylor represents partner organizations on the LRIC board. 

“The goal of LRIC is to create a robust future for Ontario’s livestock sector through collaborative, creative and practical research and innovation,” says Gordon. “It’s a pivotal time for the livestock industry globally as the world tackles big issues like greenhouse gas emissions and antimicrobial resistance, and it’s our job to take an active role in defining and promoting the key role our industry plays in the planet’s future.” 

LRIC provides its members with an end-to-end research system, communications of discoveries in the context of livestock reality, identification of emerging issues and a focus on a further horizon that includes proactively examining and understanding challenges and opportunities for the sector. 

“Innovation in the livestock industry goes beyond just sector-specific solutions, and part of LRIC’s mandate is to encourage greater collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to research, and to take a forward-looking view on behalf of the industry,” adds Taylor. “We’re also actively involved in encouraging change in getting research into practice, which is a key part in helping the industry evolve and grow.” 

LRIC’s other board members include Richard Horne (Beef Farmers of Ontario), Tara Terpstra (Ontario Pork), Jean Szkotnicki (Canadian Animal Health Institute – retired), Ian Ross (Grand Valley Fortifiers), Jim White (consultant), and Franco Naccarato (Meat & Poultry Ontario). 

Livestock Research Innovation Corporation was established in 2012 with support from Ontario’s beef, pork, dairy and poultry sector organizations and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. LRIC’s mission is driving innovation. The organization takes a value chain approach to research and innovation by providing leadership in research priority setting, coordination and process, identifying and communicating emerging issues, and strengthening networks across the sector.