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Using Technology to Advance Livestock Production
WERKLUND SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY — BALANCING TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Olds College has an incredible legacy of having taught students about primary agriculture for over 100 years. One of the goals of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology is to honour that legacy while also remaining relevant and innovative, and providing work-integrated learning experiences across all programs. The agriculture industry is undergoing a major paradigm shift, requiring not only strong agronomic or animal husbandry skills, but a good understanding of technology and business. Graduates in the Ag Management program now leave the school well-rounded with training in primary production as well as management, accounting and finance. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness is a prime example of the work-integrated learning commitment made by Olds College. In the program, students receive training in human resources, marketing, applied research, strategic business management, international marketing, financial management and more — and complete an eight-month directed field study. Students come from all over the world for this program because it provides such a broad base of experiences and opportunities to learn and specialize. Companies are equally impressed with this program as it gives them the opportunity to find interns and new staff that have the training and practical experience they are looking for. The new home for the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology will be called the Ag Tech Learning Hub and will be ready for students in the Fall of 2022.
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Hands-on experience is built into every program. The Land and Water Resources diploma provides students with an opportunity to have work-integrated training in applied environmental sciences during the field school. Careers in land reclamation, environmental stewardship and rural planning all answer the growing demand for skilled workers focused on environmental sustainability. Additionally, Olds College is the only institution in Alberta that trains surface land management professionals in land access. This is an incredible opportunity as having the skills to help facilitate relationships between land owners, industry and government for access and rights-of-way allows students to fill this critical role.
$2 MILLION GIFT SUPPORTS ENHANCED STUDENT LEARNING
Bob and Carollyne Collier have a history of generosity to Olds College. Previous gifts include a $300,000 bursary to fund five annual scholarships as well as money to build The Hive, a state-of-the-art student lounge. In 2022, the Colliers gifted the Werklund School of Ag Tech $2 million to enhance student learning and experiences. Bob was a life-long entrepreneur and admires the innovation taking place at the College. The funds will go towards the development and delivery of enhanced academic programming, providing students with opportunities to attend conferences, forums, educational courses, guest lecturers and speakers. Additionally, the funds will help support smart ag applied research and the development of the Olds College Smart Farm as a leading-edge learning, demonstration and applied research environment for students, producers, and the agriculture sector in Alberta and around the globe. In recognition of their recent $2 million gift, the heart of the new Ag Tech Learning Hub will be named the Bob & Carollyne Collier Student Commons, and will be a central gathering space for students, faculty and guests of Olds College. Thank you to the Colliers for their generous gift — it will impact students for generations to come.
Seeding Our Future.
Experience the innovation. Be sure to attend AgSmart 2022 in Olds, Alberta — August 9-10, 2022 agsmartolds.ca
Invest in the future.
Become a Smart Farm Investor, Partner, Neighbour or Friend today!
Stay informed. Visit oldscollege.ca/smartfarm to learn more about ongoing Smart Farm activities.
oldscollege.ca/smartfarm
