Kevin W. Ker - Owner of Ker Crop Management Services(see KCMS website)
A consulting business established in 1997 that focuses on tree fruit and viticultural production advisory services. KCMS has two full time and four part time employees involved in research, advisory services, education and extension throughout Canada.
Prior to launching KCMS, K.W. Ker had over 20 years experience in research and extension service with the public sector (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, University of Guelph, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs) as a Research Associate, Pest Management Advisor (Pome Fruit, Tender Fruit and Grapes), Horticultural Crop Advisor and Provincial Specialist for Viticulture and Grape IPM.
During his tenure with OMAFRA Kevin authored and co-authored numerous government information packages on grapes (factsheets on Grape IPM and specific insects and diseases affecting grapes) and served as the chair of the Grape and Wine Research and Services Sub Committee. Kevin continues to work closely with government agencies on all aspects of research and extension services.
Client base includes wineries, grower cooperatives, individual producers as well as associations and educational institutions and government.
In addition, KCMS has produced documents and provided advisory services (including specialized site suitability evaluations for tender fruit and viticulture) for various government agencies and interest groups throughout Ontario and across Canada.
Currently, KCMS is involved in a number of National Research Council projects internally and as a consultant to other clients. KCMS has delivered presentations and educational sessions to groups across Canada and the United States and most recently in Australia as a presenter and workshop leader at the 5th International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture in Melbourne. Topics have included Canopy Management, Vineyard design and development, Grape Pest Management, Grapevine Nutrition, Cultural Practices, Rootstock selection and evaluation, Pruning/Vine Training Workshops.
KCMS has produced economic studies (costs of establishment etc - privately and in conjunction with government agencies); information for insurance agencies on crop evaluation and land remediation aspects; crop estimates for the Wine Council of Ontario; vineyard site plans for wineries and individuals; site suitability evaluations for tender fruit and viticultural crops, testimony to government tribunals and evaluations for lending institutions, among other projects.
KCMS is expanding in 2000 to provide professional soil and tissue sampling services along with fruit maturity testing and analyses for the grape and wine industry.
Industrial Associate
Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute
Brock University, St Catharines Ontario
Since its’ inception, KCMS has been involved with course development and delivery for the B.Sc. Oenology and Viticulture program offered at Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).
In November 1999, Kevin Ker was appointed an Industrial Associate to the Institute (the first IA appointment at the university for any program). Along with serving in an advisory capacity tot he director of CCOVI and Brock University administration, Kevin has been retained by Brock and Niagara College to oversee the design, cultivar selection and implementation of the new teaching vineyard located at the Glendale campus of Niagara College (first vines to be planted in spring 2000)
K.W Ker is a course instructor and developer for the degree program at Brock University. He has written and delivers the fourth year plant protection course along with co teaching with Dr Andy Reynolds the two Viticulture Management (Grapevine Biology and Cultural Practices) courses for undergraduates. Currently, K.W. Ker also served as thesis supervisor for 2 Honours students in the CCOVI program 1999 - 2000.
K. W. Ker Employment Profile Prior to establishment of KCMS
Horticultural Crop/Pest Management Advisor - Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Agriculture Division, Vineland Station, Ontario. 1984 to 1997
Responsibilities
-Development and delivery of educational programs and provide advisory services on current crop production technology as the Horticultural Crop Advisor for tree fruit and grapes
-Organisation, training and supervision of staff for delivery and development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on fruit crops
-Designated as the Provincial resource specialist for grapes (IPM and cultural practices) and Horticultural Crop Advisor/Pest Management -Advisor for pome fruit and tender fruit
-Member of Grape and Wine Sector Review Team co-ordinated by Policy and Programs Division
-Production, revision and presentation of information packages to media, industry, client and educational groups
Accomplishments
-Expansion and development of Grape IPM across Ontario with over 95% producer and industry access to recommendations
-Author of numerous crop production and crop protection factsheets for Grapes and Tree Fruit
-Resource input for 1994 Grape and Wine Sector Review document
-Review and assessment of jOCA submissions from Niagara
-Development of strategic working document for Niagara JOCA team
Development of Communications Package for Agriculture and Rural Division promotion summer 1993 (Crop Technology representative)
-Developed and implemented improved communication process with agrochemical industry, marketing boards and producers
-Development of automated weather network for Niagara for Grape and Wine Adjustment program
-Resource for Estimated Production Costs - Fruit Crops publication produced by Policy Analysis Branch
-Regular contributor to local media (print, radio, television) regarding government programs and situations unique to the Niagara region
-Chair of Grape and Wine Research and Services Committee 1994-1997
-Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association (NPF&VGA) Convention 1989-91.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph 1980-1983, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food 1983--1984.
Responsibilities
-Expand availability of IPM tree fruit program to producers in Southwestern Ontario
-Survey and document fruit pest complex and design delivery system to reduce pesticide use and encourage environmental sustainability
-Supervise and train OMAF staff in IPM techniques and program delivery
Accomplishments
-One of first specialists hired in Ontario to expand and provide IPM access to Ontario fruit growers (South-western Ontario - London to Windsor)
-Expanded monitoring program by six fold enabling greater producer access to information resulting in reduced pesticide use, reduced potential environmental contamination and improved financial savings for the producer.
EDUCATION AND AWARDS
1992 Bachelor of Education
Deans Honour List
Nominee for Althouse College Gold Medal in Education
Faculty of Education - Althouse College
University of Western Ontario
1984 Master of Science - Environmental Biology
University of Guelph
1980 Honours Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
University of Guelph
KCMS Services