SPONSORS
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SPONSORS
This symposium honours Dr. Jim Wilton's contribution to research and industry adoption of genetic technolgies in beef cattle with 38 years of service at the University of Guelph.
The symposium will feature past students and colleagues as well as current researchers that Jim has influenced and will focus on the research accomplishments that have occurred with a look to future technologies and what is next for the industry. Further information regarding the symposium can be obtained by contacting Stephen Miller.
Speakers
- Jacques Chesnais
Semex Canada- Hiroaki Iwaisaki
Nigata University, Japan- Bob Kemp
RAK Genetic Consulting, Alberta- Dave Notter
Virginia Tech, USA (Raithby Lecturer)- Brian Pogue
Beef Improvement Ontario
- Tim Caldwell
- Matthew Kelly
- Mark Lowerison
- Stephen Miller
- Yuri Montanholi
- Vern Osborne
- Andy Robinson
- Larry Schaeffer
- Flavio Schenkel
- Kendall Swanson
- Andrew Zwambag
Anyone with an interest in beef cattle genetic improvement will not want to miss this event. The combined expertise and experience in a one day free symposium provides a unique opportunity for breeders and professionals in the beef cattle industry.
The symposium will be held at The Arboretum, University of Guelph on March 21, 2007 commencing at 9:00 a.m. Following the symposium a retirement dinner celebration is scheduled commencing at 6:30 p.m. (tickets required for dinner).
If you are planning on attending the symposium, you must RSVP by March 15, 2007.
Schedule of Events
- 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
J.W. Wilton Symposium
The Arboretum, University of Guelph
Complete Program- 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Raithby Lecture
Dr. David Notter, Virginia Tech, U.S.A.
"Improving efficiency in ruminant animal production. A genetic perspective."
Lifetime Learning Centre 1714, OVC- 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Retirement Dinner Celebration
For tickets and/or retirement dinner information contact Gail Costigan (up to March 7) or Rhonda Alger. Tickets should be purchased by March 15, 2007.Directions to The Arboretum.
A Brief Overview - Dr. Jim Wilton
Jim Wilton has distinguished himself as a professor for over 38 years. He has contributed to the teaching programs of the University, to research programs, to graduate training, to extension of research results outside the university, and to service both within and outside the University.
- Awards and Honours
Dr. Wilton has received recognition for his achievements through awards from the Canadian Association of Animal Breeders, the Japanese Society for Promotion of Science Fellowship, the American Society of Animal Science, the Canadian National Advisory Board for Beef Cattle Improvement, the Beef Improvement Foundation Pioneer Award, and the Canadian Society of Animal Science Fellowship Award. His efforts have had an impact on Ontario, Canada, and the world.
- Teaching
Dr. Wilton taught an average of at least two courses per year during his 38 years at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He was involved at the college level in the undergraduate diploma programs, and a member of the departmental teaching committee. At one point he was advisor to the Animal Science Club.
- Research
Dr. Wilton’s research was primarily in beef cattle, but he was also involved in dairy cattle, swine, and sheep projects. He was well supported in his research programs having attracted over $6 million in almost 150 federal and provincial grants. His research has resulted in over 140 peer reviewed publications, 218 scientific presentations, and 52 graduate students. He was a member on another 64 graduate student committees. Many of his students are employed in the livestock industries across Canada and around the world. His research was aimed at improving the economic status of beef cow operations through optimizing their beef breeding programs. This included genetic selection systems that optimize reproductive success in beef cows, improve the economic return of growing beef animals, and more recently, ensuring that Ontario beef products match current consumer needs. Jim served as coordinator for the OMAFRA Beef Research program in 1975-1977, and again from 1986 to 1992.
- Extension
Dr. Wilton realized the importance of transferring the results of research to the industry. He wrote a booklet for beef cattle producers in 1989. He also wrote 163 articles for various industry publications, 103 presentations to industry groups, and 40 TV and press interviews. Dr. Wilton has been key in the growth and success of Beef Improvement Ontario which computes across breed genetic evaluations of beef animals for Ontario producers and international clients. Jim helped to develop Bio-Mate, a web-based resource of bull information that producers can use to select sires for their herds. Jim was also the leader for the Beef Test Station in Arkell from 1978 to 1994 and for the Ram Test Station during that same period.
