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It was an evening of tradition and camaraderie as close to 100 Barley Rings were presented to members of the Class of 2026 during the 16^th annual Barley Party Thursday, April 9^th.

The Barley Ring is a tradition on campus and a symbol that continues to identify and unify alumni with close to 2000 rings worn worldwide.

“The Barley Ring is more than a symbol—it represents a lifelong connection to the Faculty of Agriculture, to one another and to the proud agricultural traditions that shape our community,” said Dean Dr. Heather Bruce. “It is an honour to welcome the Class of 2026 into this enduring legacy.”

The textured design features a pattern of barley around the band of the ring. Barley has been a widely planted and harvested crop in Nova Scotia and was one of the first crops planted on the Agricultural Campus in 1890. Some students feel the pattern looks like a tractor tire or even animal footprints.

“Getting my Barley Ring was definitely a full circle moment,” said Alexandra Carkner. “It's crazy to think it was only four years ago I was starting at Dal AC and three weeks ago I was called an alumnus for the first time!” Alexandra is an Honours grad from the Bachelor of Agricultural Science program with a major in Integrated Environmental Management. In September, she will be beginning a graduate certificate in Environmental Engineering Applications! 

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Barley Rings to returning alumni who chose to receive their ring along with their graduating student.

For Percy King it was a surprise for his father Danny (Class of ’97) orchestrated by he and his mom Alicia (Class of ’97)

“The idea to surprise my dad with a ring this year came from him losing his first one,” explained Percy. “Being able to look back and say I was able to receive my Barley Ring alongside my dad is special but also because both my parents have helped me so much along the way to get to this point in my life.”

Percy, an agricultural business management diploma grad, plans to travel to western Canada for a couple of years to gain hands-on experience in the industry with special interest in beef production from cow calf to feedlot operations.  He intends to return to his family’s farm in Antigonish—Six Maples Farm, an eighth-generation operation—to help expand and strengthen the business alongside his family.

Leah Newcombe received her ring alongside her dad Scott Newcombe (‘92), Uncle Ian Newcombe (‘88), Aunt Andrea Palmer (‘96), as well as Andrea’s dad Allan Palmer (‘66).

Leah is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in animal science with a minor in agricultural business management and is currently working full time as a farm consultant.  She works with dairy farmers in western Nova Scotia.

“Agriculture is a huge part of my family which includes a lot of AC alumni,” she explained.  “They are my biggest role models and inspirations. Receiving our rings together made the moment very memorable and meaningful to celebrate not just my journey but the shared passion for agriculture. “

Leah would like to eventually purchase her own dairy farm and continue building her career in the industry.

Aiden Brownell received his ring alongside mother Heidi, (Class of ’95) while Carmen Oulton shared the evening with her mom and dad Krista and Thom Oulton both Class of ’97.

As part of the Faculty of Agriculture's ring tradition, the Alumni Association allows for an honorary ring to be presented annually during Barley Party to an individual who does not meet the criteria to be eligible for a Barley Ring, but who is extremely deserving of the honour. These individuals are ambassadors and supporters of the institution. They have made outstanding contributions to the Faculty of Agriculture community and truly depict the characteristics of an AC alum.  The 2026 recipient was Dr. Sam Asiedu.

“Sam is very deserving of the honorary Barley Ring as he is an Aggie at heart,” said Breagh Ross, Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Alumni Association and Class of 2015. “He was the type of professor that taught with a huge smile on his face and always made sure his students had knowledge and hands-on experience in each of his classes,” she added.  “I will always remember trying plantain in class and going on field trips to PEI to see potato producers and processors.”

From heartfelt family moments to the recognition of outstanding contributors like Dr. Sam Asiedu, the Barley Party celebrated not only individual achievements but also a shared commitment to the future of agriculture.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!