OLDS — The partnerships between the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology (OCAT) and various entities in the grain industry just keep occurring.
The latest, with Hebert Grain Ventures (HGV), was announced on Aug. 17. HGV is based in Fairlight, Saskatchewan, about 237 kilometres southeast of Regina, near the border between Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
In a news release, the two parties announced they’ve hammered out a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The goal is to spur innovation and growth in the agriculture industry in Alberta and Saskatchewan by integrating education with efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
“HGV, a Canadian-based farming partnership, is committed to addressing the challenges of agriculture and fulfilling its mission to enhance the land, financials, industry, and community for future generations,” the news release says.
“This partnership will encompass joint efforts in farming, precision agriculture, student development, research, and economic growth.
“By combining their expertise and resources, both organizations aim to cultivate lasting advancements in the industry.
"Students, producers, and professionals will benefit from a state-of-the-art learning environment that encourages hands-on experience and the application of cutting-edge technological advancements.”
One major area of collaboration will be sponsoring grants for applied research projects regarding emerging technologies and practices in agriculture.
“This dedication to research and development will facilitate the testing and validation of new technologies, with an emphasis on data management, environmental sustainability, and variable rate technologies,” the news release said.
"Partnering with HGV is an exciting step for us in our mission to transform agriculture for a better world,” Todd Ormann, OCAT’s vice-president of development said in the release.
“By working together, we can accelerate agriculture technology and company development while providing a cutting-edge learning environment for students, producers, and the agriculture sector."
HGV has also established a scholarship program for students enrolled in agricultural programs at Olds College. Its purpose is to provide financial support to outstanding students, recognizing their potential as future leaders in the field.
HGV will also offer select students summer internships, thereby providing them with valuable practical experience and skill development opportunities.
“Today's students are tomorrow's ag leaders and, through this MOU, I believe we're preparing them to constantly adapt to the ever-changing nature of agriculture today,” Kristjan Hebert, president of the Hebert Group said in the release.
“Through cutting-edge research and hands-on learning, these students will have the mindset and the skills needed to move the industry forward.”
