Features
Putting knowledge into action
In his second year at the Agricultural Campus, Keenan Kavanaugh is gaining knowledge that has already influenced positive changes at his family鈥檚 potato farm.
By Fallon Bourgeois
As the son of a sixth-generation potato farmer, Keenan Kavanaugh鈥檚 heart and mind are never far from the farm.
For the second-year Plant Science student, studying at the Faculty of Agriculture marks the first time he鈥檚 been away from his family鈥檚 potato farm, Thomas Kavanaugh & Sons, in Grand Falls, NB. And while he misses it, university life is suiting him just fine.
鈥淚鈥檓 taking full advantage of being a student,鈥� says Keenan with a laugh. 鈥淚 love the farming industry, but once I finish university, I will likely be working there until I retire. It鈥檚 certainly a lifestyle that you have to be passionate about.鈥�
Through the support of a Harrison McCain scholarship, Keenan is able study at the Agricultural Campus longer. A win-win situation for both him and the family business; it鈥檚 an opportunity he鈥檚 thrilled about
鈥淚nitially I was considering the two-year diploma. But the financial support of the scholarship encouraged me to obtain my Bachelor鈥檚 degree, which offers both practical and theoretical learning,鈥� says Keenan. 鈥淚 realized early on in my studies that I didn鈥檛 understand the science behind the farm. The more I learn, the greater impact it will have.鈥�
In fact, Keenan has already made a recommendation that could be a long-term solution to producing healthier potatoes. 鈥淥n a trial basis, I suggested that we use an alternative to our current rotation crop. The goal is to have it serve as a biofumigant and reduce soil borne pathogens to improve and lessen potato defects.
鈥淚 have the best resources at my fingertips,鈥� says Keenan. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 not in class or studying, I鈥檓 doing research and connecting with my professors to bounce questions and ideas off them. I couldn鈥檛 ask for a better learning environment.鈥�
In March, Keenan was one of a handful of young farmers from New Brunswick invited to theCanadian Young Farmers Forum in Vancouver. The national conference brings young farmers together, increasing their knowledge in agriculture and developing leadership skills for their future careers.
Keenan notes opportunities like these are necessary tools for success. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about being a good farmer, you need to be a good business person too.鈥�
Whether it鈥檚 in the classroom or the field, Keenan鈥檚 drive, tenacity and commitment to farming are clear.
鈥淚鈥檝e never questioned my future as a farmer. It鈥檚 a part of my identity and family history. I鈥檓 extremely grateful for these opportunities 鈥� what I鈥檓 learning today will have an impact on the future of our farm.鈥�