News
Behind the scenes with Ph.D. candidate Caroline Reisiger
Research Roundup Spring 2025
Tell us about your background and what brought you to the University of Guelph!
I did both my BSc (Plant Science, ‘20) and MSc (Molecular and Cellular Biology, ‘22) at the University of Guelph. I originally came here with the goal of learning about and studying plants. It is one of the best schools for plant agriculture and is close to home; my parents have a Christmas tree farm in Brant County. I am now working in the Forage and Service crops lab led by Kim Schneider and am in the 3rd year of my PhD.
What is the goal of your research?
The goal of my research is to improve grazing recommendations in Ontario and explore the environmental implications of different practices, with work focused on nitrogen fertility, utilization targets and alternative forages.
What projects are you focusing on in your PhD to achieve this goal?
I have three projects that I am currently working on. My main research focus is a 64-acre pasture trial and complementary plot trial in Elora looking at slow-release nitrogen rates, as well as optimal grazing intensity. I am looking at the economic and environmental outcomes of these practices, including pasture carrying capacity and carbon sequestration potential. On a second research project, I am working with OMAFA and a network of 18 farmers across Ontario gathering on-farm data for a pasture measurement tool (the rising plate meter) and on forage utilization which will be used to develop grazing targets. I am also working on another project with OMAFA, using research plots in Simcoe and Elora to determine the forage potential of various switchgrass and bluestem varieties, as there has recently been increasing interest in native pastures and alternative forages.
How do you hope your research will help producers and the Canadian Beef Industry?
Forage production, specifically grazed forages, are an important part of the Canadian beef industry. Many operations in Ontario graze their cattle on perennial cool-season pastures. Growing high quality feed and reducing supplemental feed cost are key concerns in the industry and using added slow-release N in cool-season pasture production may allow producers to grow more feed on less land. Developing pasture yield and utilization targets as well as tools to measure these on -farm will help producers get the most out of their rotationally grazed fields while maintaining stand persistence. For farms looking to expand their grazing toolkit or add ecological value to their land, understanding the agronomics of native warm-season grasses will be important.
What is your goal after completing this degree?
My goal is to lead a research group - either in industry, at a nonprofit or in academia - in the field of plant science. I am very interested in designing and implementing research projects with the goal of improving agriculture outcomes for society.
What are your funding sources for this project?
My research is funded by OMAFA and Beef Farmers of Ontario. Part of my program funding comes from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program and OAC Awards.
Is there anyone else working with you on this project?
There are so many people working on these projects! I have had several amazing summer students who have helped me during my project, including two students returning this summer, Basil Voros and Amelia Farrow. I work closely with my advisor Dr. Kim Schneider and with my co-advisor Dr. Eric Lyons. At OMAFA, I regularly collaborate with Christine O’Reilly and James Byrne. My work at the Ontario Crops and Ontario Beef Research Centres in Elora would never happen without forage technician Donna Hancock or beef station technical foreman Tysson Amidon.
