Episode 5: Leadership, Knowledge, and the Next Generation (with Rene Van Acker)

Overview

In this episode of The Future Herd, Jesse Hirsh sits down with Rene Van Acker, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Guelph, to explore the evolving role of universities in shaping the future of agriculture and food.

At a time when climate volatility, technological disruption, and political short-termism are redefining the operating environment for farmers and institutions alike, the conversation asks what responsibilities academic leaders carry. Van Acker reflects on the University of Guelph's agricultural heritage and its culture of practical engagement, where research is designed not just to generate knowledge, but to put that knowledge into action.

The discussion explores the importance of extension and public engagement, the power of cross-sector collaboration, and the growing role of students as drivers of innovation. It also confronts climate change directly: while political rhetoric may fluctuate, farmers are experiencing increasing weather volatility firsthand, and institutions need to embed long-term foresight into planning processes that often default to short-term thinking.

This episode is a thoughtful exploration of leadership, institutional responsibility, and generational momentum in the agri-food sector.

Key themes

• Why collaboration is foundational to long-term agricultural resilience
• The evolving role of extension and knowledge mobilization
• Interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurialism in agri-food
• Leadership as the creation of "open space" for new futures
• Students as engines of innovation and transformation
• Climate volatility as the defining foresight challenge

Guests

Rene Van Acker is President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Guelph. His perspective connects institutional leadership with the practical demands of agricultural research, extension, and cross-sector collaboration.

Notes

The episode centers a core institutional challenge: how to align long-cycle research, public engagement, and student leadership with fast-moving operational pressures across the food system.