Alberta invests $7M to expand hands-on agriculture training at Lakeland College
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Vermillion, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – The Alberta government is investing more than $7 million to expand and modernize agriculture training facilities at Lakeland College, saying the upgrades will help prepare students for careers while strengthening the rural workforce.
The money will be used to expand the college’s beef yard and relocate its horse pen facilities at its Vermilion campus.
The current beef yard was originally built to accommodate 60 students and 100 cows. It now serves more than 80 students and 220 cattle. The expansion will bring the facility in line with current demand while allowing for future growth.
The horse pen relocation will replace aging infrastructure with modern facilities intended to improve animal care, enhance safety and provide students with more up-to-date, hands-on training.
Tara Sawyer, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, says these projects are designed to improve both student learning and animal welfare.
“Alberta’s agriculture sector depends on skilled people, strong producers, and practical training that reflects the realities of modern agriculture,” said Sawyer, in a statement.
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The province says the funding will also strengthen Lakeland College’s student-managed learning model and support applied research aimed at benefiting livestock producers and the broader agriculture sector.
“Institutions like Lakeland College keep rural communities strong by connecting Albertans to education and careers close to home,” added Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education.
Lakeland College president and CEO Alice Wainright-Stewart welcomed the funding, saying it will enhance the hands-on experiences that set Lakeland apart.
“This support is instrumental in advancing the revitalization of our student-managed farm lab, including critical upgrades to our beef yard facilities and the relocation of our horse pens, ensuring our immersive learning environments reflect the needs of today’s industry,” she said.
Lakeland College and external funding partners have already committed $1.83 million toward the beef yard and horse pen project.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July, with completion expected by November 2028.
Photo Credit: Tara Sawyer (Facebook)
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