Warren Grapes Scholarships
The Quebec Farmers’ Association awarded its annual Warren Grapes Educational scholarships to deserving students pursuing post-secondary studies at its annual Information Day event at Macdonald Campus on March 30.
This year, five $1,000 scholarships were awarded to:
Sonia Auger: Graduating from the Farm Management and Technology program in April at Macdonald Campus, Sonia Auger is the 2026 class president. During her time at Mac she has done an internship in Switzerland, working on a Swiss farm, in what she described as an “incredible experience.” She has also participated in several U.S. dairy challenge events. She plans to become an agronomist and eventually take over her family farm in Ste. Françoise de Lotbinière, a dairy operation run by parents, which was first established by great-grandparents.
Alice Charlebois: A third-year FMT student from Coteau du Lac, Alice Charlebois never attended an English school before enrolling at Mac. She did not grow up on a farm, but rather in a farming milieu. Upon graduation from FMT she plans to attend l’Université de Laval, where she will enrol in the four-year agronomy program. She says she is particularly motivated by the idea of using data and analytical tools and new technology to improve farm efficiency and establish measurable improvements for agricultural businesses before one day starting her own farm.
Florence Bolduc: A soon-to-be graduate from the FMT program, Florence Bolduc is another example of a non-farm kid who has taken a keen interest in agriculture, working for several years now on a large dairy farm in St. Stanislas-De-Kostka, where she has obtained first-hand experience working with a large herd. She plans to continue her studies in agronomy and agricultural finance. Although she did not grow up on a farm, she says agriculture has given her purpose, confidence and a community. And she believes that agriculture is a place for women.
Grace Tannahill: A second-year FMT student, Grace Tannahill comes from a dairy family in Ormstown, Que., where she worked on her grandfather’s farm and where she was introduced to 4-H, becoming a director on her local branch. She has developed a strong interest in dairy nutrition and young herd development. She believes the future of any dairy farm starts with raising strong, healthy calves. She hopes to work closely with dairy producers as a nutritionist or herd management specialist.
Madison Peddie: A member of the latest generation in a long line of dairy farmers, Madison Peddie plans to take over her family farm in Howick, Que., where she will be the seventh generation to farm the land — and the first female to run the operation. She has been active in 4-H, where she has shown livestock across Quebec, at the TD Classic in Toronto, the World Dairy Expo, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair numerous times and The Big E, The Easter States Exposition, in Massachusetts. These competitions have focused her family’s interest in improving their herd genetics. She also has a keen interest in promoting and improving mental health services available for farmers. Farms that produce high-quality food need farmers who are in good physical and mental health, she says. That is what makes strong agricultural communities and keeps farms in business.
The Warren Grapes Agricultural Education Fund was created in 1998 with the aim to promote agricultural education among the English-speaking community in Quebec.
The fund was named after Warren Grapes, who was a past president of the Quebec Farmers’ Association. He grew up on a farm in Sawyerville, in the Eastern Townships. And for a time was the president of the Townshippers’ Association. He was also a graduate of Macdonald College.
He became a teacher, offering a course in agriculture at Champlain Regional College in Lennoxville. And taught for many years.
The fund was named in his honour after his death to highlight his dedication to agricultural education in Quebec.
Since the first winners were announced in 1999, 166 scholarships have been awarded.
The scholarships are funded by the generous donations made by QFA members.
Photo Cutline:
QFA president John McCart handed out the Warren Grapes scholarships on March 30 to the winners: Madison Peddie (left to right), Grace Tannahill, Florence Bolduc, Alice Charlebois and Sonia Auger.
