INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE
PRAIRIE INNOVATION CENTRE CONTINUES
The Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture is Assiniboine’s vision for the future of agriculture training and a Manitoba-made response to labour market gaps in the industry. As Assiniboine continues to engage partners who see the value in the future of agriculture in Manitoba, we have been fortunate to announce several new supporters in late 2021 and early 2022.
THE MANITOBA CROP ALLIANCE The Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) came aboard the Prairie Innovation Centre project with a $100,000 contribution to the Collaboration Zone, an integral piece of the Centre where education and industry connection will meet. MCA is an important organization in Manitoba’s agricultural landscape, representing five key commodities in the province: spring and winter wheat, sunflowers, corn, barley and flax. “The birth of MCA unified multiple organizations—a great example of evolving with industry needs, much like the college is looking to do with the Prairie Innovation Centre,” said Tim Hore, Dean, School of Agriculture and Environment. “The Prairie Innovation Centre is an important piece of tomorrow’s ag landscape, and we are grateful for support from partners like MCA, who are crucial to the success of the Centre.”
Assiniboine has a long and successful history of delivering agricultural programming that is responsive to the need for highly trained workers across the province. The Prairie Innovation Centre will be a hub for agricultural innovation and collaboration, and stand as the academic heart of agricultural and environmental education in Manitoba. “Students are the future of agriculture,” said Fred Greig, Chair of MCA. “MCA is proud to support the Prairie Innovation Centre Collaboration Zone at Assiniboine Community College as it will enable students to form strong connections within the agriculture industry. The new facility will greatly expand the College’s programming capabilities to educate more students, and will provide new opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate with each other and with industry professionals.”
RON AND VERA HELWER AND SHUR-GRO FARM SERVICES In November 2021, the college received a $500,000 contribution from Ron Helwer and Shur-Gro Farm Services, a long-time presence in Westman agriculture.
“I think it’s a great expansion, and it makes sense for the Westman area. Increasing local graduates in agriculture programs, that’s great for everyone, not just our business,” said Helwer, who is an honorary cochair of the Prairie Innovation Centre campaign cabinet.
“Ron is an agricultural institution in his own right, so it’s a thrill to welcome his support for what we know will be the future of agricultural education “To us, Assiniboine is really important and we are really pleased and in our province,” said Derrick Turner, Director, Advancement & External proud to be involved. When I look at where our people get educated, Relations at Assiniboine. “He’s a business leader and an influential voice Assiniboine plays a huge role. We are very supportive of the college. within the agriculture community, and we know that his partnership, People is what makes the business.” outside of any dollar figure, is invaluable.” Being a leader in the agriculture industry for more than 50 years, Ron Ron’s legacy in Westman began in 1968 when he and his late wife, Vera, recognizes the need to adapt with the sector. moved to Brandon where they started Shur-Gro Farm Services and raised their three kids. “The Centre aims to expand training capacity to better meet labour market demands, and it will also be a hub for agricultural education, innovation and applied research,” said Tim Hore, Dean, School of Agriculture & Environment. “This will give us the ability to collaborate and work with industry to transfer that knowledge to the ag sector.” 8
