Bringing Our BISON HOME

There’s a new herd on campus

Armin was, and continues to be, a huge inspiration to us and we will do our best to make him proud of what he has established."

Students in the SMF Bison Unit Lakeland College

Lakeland College’s bison herd began 2023 in their new home south of Vermilion thanks to a donor-driven land purchase.

The newly purchased land consists of eight contiguous quarters, bison handling facilities, outbuildings, fencing and full services. This expansion enhances Lakeland’s animal science technology program, offering students the opportunity to work hands-on with a commercialsized mixed farm operation.

The land purchase and establishment of a bison herd at Lakeland was made possible thanks to the visionary support of Armin and Rita Mueller, owners of Canadian Rangeland Bison and Elk, whose $4 million gift of money and bison was announced in 2020.

During the announcement three years ago, Armin said he considered their gift to Lakeland to be an investment in the future of the bison industry. He was excited that students will learn more about bison and take that knowledge with them throughout their careers.

“I think this will really help strengthen the Canadian bison brand,” he said.

Sadly, Armin passed away in October 2022. Students in the bison unit of the Student-Managed Farm –Powered by New Holland shared their condolences with Armin’s family.

“Armin was, and continues to be, a huge inspiration to us and we will do our best to make him proud of what he has established. Armin will always be in our hearts, and we will continue to learn from and develop the courses and herd that he, his wife Rita and their family so generously made possible at Lakeland.”

Learn more about Lakeland’s first SMF bison unit on page 28.

Excel is published by Lakeland College’s Department of Donor Relations.

Excel is also available on Lakeland College’s website at lakelandcollege.ca/excel

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Editor: Melissa Barr

Writers: Melissa Barr, Taylor Hermiston and Katie Ryan

Creative Design: Chelsey Schlosser

Cover Photo: Wright at Home Photography by Nicole Wright

Contributions:

Special thanks to all alumni who contributed to this edition of Excel. Letters, photographs and news are welcome. We reserve the right to edit contributions. Submitted photographs must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. If you’re celebrating a personal or professional milestone, or have other news to share, please let us know! We’d be happy to include your news in the Class Notes section. Please address all correspondence to Alumni Office or contact Kayleigh Schmid at 780.871.5526 or kayleigh.schmid@lakelandcollege.ca

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