Seventeenth Annual Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Prize Awarded

Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week has been a main stay for the agricultural industry in Grey and Bruce Counties since 1966. 13The featured commodities have evolved as the area’s agricultural focus has changed, but the mandate to provide information to producers and agribusiness has remained firm. Producers have supported our programming for 59 years, so 17 years ago, the committee created an annual $1000 Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Prize in conjunction with the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), to give back to our supportive farming community. The award recognizes new veterinarians entering food animal practices serving producers in Grey and Bruce Counties, recognizes the individual’s past accomplishments, but also encourages their future contributions, and commitment to our rural communities.

On June 9, 2025, the OVC Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2025 had their Convocation and Veterinary Oath Ceremony. The GBFW Committee is delighted to announce that Dr Cole Radbourne is the recipient of the 2025 GBFW award.

Cole has had a lifelong connection to agriculture and is a third-generation dairy farmer, living and working with his fiancé on a farm in Grey County, near Owen Sound. His deep-rooted connection to the land and livestock has shaped his path and inspired him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Before completing his DVM, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph. Throughout this time, he remained closely involved in the agricultural industry, working mainly in the dairy genetic industry with various roles.

Throughout his time at the Ontario Veterinary College, he worked hard to get hands-on experience and community involvement.

Alongside his studies, he remained actively involved in the agricultural industry, working as a cattle breeder for EastGen, a genetic advisor for STgenetics, and an animal care specialist with Semex. These roles allowed him to support producers with innovative genetic tools and deepen his understanding of herd health and performance.

Dr Radbourne has started his career as a veterinarian with Metzger Veterinary Services in Chesley, where he’ll continue to serve rural producers with quality care. Growing up on a dairy farm, he has seen firsthand the value of strong veterinary support in maintaining healthy, productive herds. Cole plans to build a career in rural medicine, working alongside producers who call Grey and Bruce County home, to improve herd performance and animal health. He adds, “For me, veterinary medicine isn’t just a career - it’s a way to give back to the agricultural community that shaped me.”

Cole feels deeply honoured to receive this award. Since he is Grey County born and raised, he commented that the award holds special meaning. He has a deep respect for our agricultural communities. In Cole’s words, “Thank you to the Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Committee and its supporters. Your generosity strengthens animal health, supports family farms, and helps rural veterinary care thrive. I look forward to giving back to this community in the years ahead.