Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Association

Who We Are

TBARA (Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Association) was incorporated in 2003 as an association based on 12 key points:
• 1. uniting all persons interested in agriculture
• 2. gathering and exchanging ideas and information
• 3. undertaking technical, statistical and scientific research in the field of ag
• 4 - 12. various activities generally to improve agriculture in the community

Operating the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station (TBARS) turned out to be the primary role the association has played in the past, but clearly we have a mandate to members to potentially do more than that. Now that the administration of the station has been turned over to Lakehead University, TBARA will still play an important role in guiding the research at the station through the 2 Advisory Councils that are in place to govern the funding and operation. We should also be able to expand our involvement in activities important to the agricultural community regarding technical and scientific projects that may not involve just the specific work at the station. In addition we have worked to improve the administration of the Tile Drainage and Land Clearing program together with Carol Maki, the paid administrator. We think this refocus together with some dry weather and cooperation from a contractor should accelerate the program in the region. It is an exciting time.

About the Station
Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station (TBARS), located in the city of Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario, was founded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in 1991. The University of Guelph (Kemptville College) managed the station from 1996 to 2002. Since 2003, TBARS has been operated by the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Association, a not for profit corporation, with part funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. Our most recent funding is for research on ‘Efficient and Economic use of Fertilizer Nutrients’.

TBARS is committed to the establishment, operation, promotion, and transfer of agricultural research for the further development and diversification of the agricultural industry through small plot research and extension. We take pride in introducing a number of crops/crop varieties and beneficial management practices in our operational area. Berseem clover, camelina and winter peas and lentils are some of the new crops at TBARS.

To learn more about the Station, or get in touch with TBARA, please contact any of the following Board of Directors:

President Kevin Belluz
Vice President Bernie Kamphof
Treasurer Arnold Breukelman
Secretary Karen Davies
NOFIA Rep Fritz Jaspers
Board Members Shannon VanLenthe & Jeff Schelhaas