Inspiration comes in many forms. For Emily Smith, it was cow #319 at the Ruminant Animal Centre (RAC) on the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.
Emily, originally from Ontario, knew she wanted to move out of province for school. Smaller class sizes and access to an on-campus farm topped her list. Soon she was enrolled in the Bio-veterinary science program in the Faculty of Agriculture.
“Emily was so excited for the opportunity to be part of an operational farm as part of her undergraduate degree and seized every opportunity to build her large animal experience and a strong application for vet school,” said Farm Operations Manager Jean Lynds (Class of ’90).
“I know Emily will embrace her next chapter at Atlantic Veterinary College with the same enthusiasm she brought to us, and she will be an amazing veterinarian!”
- Every graduate has a story. This is one of them. Follow along as we share more each day throughout Spring Convocation.
Getting to know the campus herd
In her first year, Emily and a friend participated in the Adopt-a-Cow program, which enables students to have one-on-one experience with the campus herd. They adopted DAL Wickham Ellie or Ellie #319 because of her “cute nose.”
Adopt-a-Cow is a volunteer program offered to students throughout the academic year. Students can come in on their own schedules and spend time with their cow by washing, brushing or clipping them.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to learn the production cycle by following along with the cow they adopted,” explained Jean. “This is a great program for us as well as its extra hands to help groom and keep the herd clean,” she added.
I even left my phone number at the farm so that if she calved early in the morning, I could be called in.
Over the remainder of the semester, Emily found herself spending all her extra time at the farm with Ellie #319. When Emily learned #319 was pregnant with twins, she could not contain her excitement.
Ellie was due in mid-February which happened to fall on Reading Week. Much to her family’s disappointment, Emily decided to stay on campus over reading week to make sure she didn't miss her calving.
“I wanted to see it so badly I even left my phone number at the farm so that if she calved early in the morning, I could be called in. Of course, because I stayed, she didn't calve till the week after Reading Week,” Emily lamented.
When Ellie #319 gave birth to two healthy and strong bull Holstein X Angus calves, Emily continued to spend all her extra time with her. Because she spent so much time on the farm, she became familiar with its routines and staff.
“Emily was an active volunteer at the RAC from day one and eventually joined our team as a valued student employee,” added Jean. “Emily was also a student recruitment ambassador who shared her positive campus experience, with special emphasis on the farm, with other prospective students,” she said.
This past March Emily obtained a tattoo of #319’s ear tag on her arm to honour Ellie and remember the difference she wants to make in her life.
“I credit Ellie for being the reason why I have so much experience on the farm and love it as much as I do,” said Emily. “She was a huge part of why I want to go into large animal production and animal medicine in the future.”
Emily will cross the stage during spring convocation with her degree in Bio-veterinary science with a minor in equine science and a certificate of animal welfare.
She is also co-chair of graduation celebrations and was elected Life President of the Class of 2026. The Life President is the main representative of the Class who will work with other life officers and the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association to ensure the interests of the Class are being observed in the matters of finance, publicity, reunions and fundraising.
Future Plans
This summer Emily will be working at an emergency vet clinic in Dartmouth and then heading to the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island in the fall to compete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
“I received early admission but decided to defer so I could finish my time at the AC in a way that felt right to me,” she said.
Having this financial support meant a great deal to me.
Emily was a recipient of a renewable entrance scholarship as well as the Angus & Tena MacLellan Memorial Scholarship
“Having this financial support meant a great deal to me,” said Emily. “Knowing my goal was vet school, and therefore an additional four years, any financial assistance was greatly appreciated,” she explained. “This support allowed me to enjoy my time on the AC more and dedicate more time to my studies as I knew I had this support behind me.”
What began as a simple “Adopt a Cow” experience became a defining part of Emily’s undergraduate journey, shaping her passion for large animal care and reinforcing her career path.