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Showing off at College Royal, an agricultural tradition

Animal husbandry and health event dates back to 1930s

- October 24, 2023

A student participates in a sheep class as part of the 2023 College Royal. (Nick Pearce photos)
A student participates in a sheep class as part of the 2023 College Royal. (Nick Pearce photos)

Nearly 100 students and eight faculty and staff members participated in College Royal earlier this month during homecoming weekend on the Agricultural Campus. 

It was Dal President Kim Brooks's first time attending the event, a long-standing tradition of agricultural showmanship celebrating the unique culture on campus.   

"t was an incredible mix of informative and fun," says President Brooks. "This is such an important and time-honoured tradition on our Agricultural Campus, and it really showcases our students' dedication to agriculture and animal health."


President Brooks with a participant.

On the flipside, the event was the last for David Gray, the Faculty of Agriculture's outgoing dean and campus principal. 

“College Royal has always been one of the standout highlights for me on campus,” he explains. “A campus tradition going back to the 1930s, it helps our students understand how important it is to take our responsibility for animal care and welfare seriously and to respect the animals we work with. It’s also a fun learning activity and a great way to build lifelong friendships.”

The student-managed event takes place each year in October and is a highlight on the Truro Campus. Repeat co-chairs Abigail Moir and Karlee Saulnier made a quick connection on campus and knew they wanted to do this together.

“Karlee and I really enjoyed pulling the event together and witnessing the joy shared on show day,” says Abigail, an agricultural business student from Pictou County. Karlee is from Grand Pre, N.S. and is studying animal science.


Co-chairs Abigail Moir and Karlee Saulnier.

Judges were past students. Terry McKay (Class of '91) oversaw the sheep class, while Luke McLellan (Class of 2010) was responsible for the dairy class.


Co-chairs with judges Luke McClellan, centre left, and Terry McKay.

View more images from this year's event below: