Olds College has received a $200,000 donation from Farm Credit Canada (FCC), officials said Thursday.
The four-year financial commitment will enable Olds College to establish an AgExpert Data Lab inside the Smart Ag Innovation Centre at the school.
Officials describe the lab as a “technically advanced workplace, available for students, instructors and industry partners, and the Smart Farm Integration Team to meet, collaborate and learn.”
In a press release issued April 25, college president Stuart Cullum, said, “Thanks to this investment from FCC, we continue to develop our Olds College Smart Farm.
“The AgExpert Data Lab brings together data from our agriculture operation, allowing us to analyze and demonstrate innovative technology and practices for entrepreneurs, companies and producers and for student learning.”
In the same press release Fred Wall, vice-president of marketing with FCC, said, “The Smart Ag Innovation Centre will be the hub for digital ag in Canada and FCC is thrilled to be a partner through the AgExpert Data Lab.
“The lab will teach the next generation of farmers how to collect and properly manage farm data. That knowledge helps producers make informed decisions, driving both individual and industry success.”
In addition to the creation of the AgExpert Data Lab, the donation will help fund the Olds College Smart Farm.
“The Smart Farm uses cutting edge technology to provide a hands-on learning environment for students of the college and an opportunity for industry to develop, integrate and test new agriculture technology and practices,” said Cullum.
“The donation also provides students access to the AgExpert platform which includes AgExpert Accounting and AgExpert Field.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, said in the same press release that, “Canada’s vision of being a leader in agriculture and a top food exporter is supported by partnerships like the one between Olds College and FCC.
“As agriculture adapts to the needs of Canadians and the global community, smart farms and the data lab can have a tremendous benefit for everyone who depends on this sector.”
In the same release, current Olds College student Martina Holtkamp said she is excited about the investment.
“As a student in the Bachelor of Applied Science - Agribusiness Degree, I am very excited be able to see how technology is evolving the agriculture industry,” said Holtkamp.
“Having access to the AgExpert Data Lab on campus will be an amazing opportunity for students. It’s a very exciting time to be studying agriculture here at Olds College.”
