A newly graduated veterinarian who began working in the Walkerton-Hanover area in May has been awarded the 16th annual Grey Bruce Farmers' Week prize.
The Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Committee announced Dr. Jacky Normandeau as its 2024 award winner. The prize, which recognizes new veterinarians entering food animal practices serving producers in Grey and Bruce counties, comes with $1,000. It is meant to shine a light on its recipient's past accomplishments and future contributions to the region.
Normandeau graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in June. She is now working at the Walkerton-Hanover Veterinary Clinic and is said to be "very excited" to be practicing in Grey Bruce.
"It's a lovely area with very friendly people. I'm most looking forward to getting out on the road and meeting everyone at their farms to help with their production animals and horses," Normandeau said in a statement.
The young vet grew up outside of Uxbridge, Ontario and spent her high school years working on a hobby farm and a local dog kennel. While attending university, Normandeau milked cows on a dairy farm, collected turkey eggs at a large pedigree facility, and worked at a small thoroughbred breeding facility. She said she has known since she was six-years-old that she wanted to drive around in a vet truck, caring for all kinds of animals.
The Farmers' Week prize is handed out annually in conjunction with the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College.
