Horizons Fall/Winter 2019/20

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Regenerative Ag Research Project

08

Local Couple Creates Legacy Gift

Fall/Winter 2019/20

Inaugural AgSmart a Success Fall/Winter 2019/20 1

Planned Giving

Growing Greater Futures By making a planned gift to Olds College, you plant seeds for a brighter future and ensure that opportunities for education and research will be available for years to come.

You have the opportunity to make a significant gift that will transform Olds College for generations.

Your agricultural legacy can begin today!

Types of Planned Gifts: • • • •

Bequests through your will.

Real property such as a farm or ranch.

Securities including stock, bonds and mutual funds.

Life insurance policies.

For more information, please contact Olds College Development at development@oldscollege.ca or by telephone at 403.556.8232.

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Table of Contents 04 Alumni Reunion 05 President's Message

20 ATB Financial Supports Olds College with $250,000 Donation

06 Olds College Smart Farm Regenerative Ag Project

22 Improving Trades Program to Meet Demand

08 Local Couple Create Legacy Gift for Olds College

24 Brewery Partners with Fair Trade Olds to Produce Holiday Brew

10 New Werklund School of Agriculture Technology

26 “Bugs Eating Bugs�

Research Awarded with Mitacs Grant

12 Meat Processing Certificate Celebrates 50th Anniversary 14 National Meat Training Centre Production Manager to Compete with Team Canada 16 Inaugural AgSmart Farm Show a Success

28 Government of Canada Supports Innovation in Agriculture and Olds College 30 Olds College Retail Meat Store, Brewery 31 New Ag Tech Programs

18 Animal Health Technology Program in High Demand

Horizons Fall/Winter 2019/20

Horizons is published by Olds College Corporate Communications & Marketing. The magazine is mailed to alumni and friends of Olds College.

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Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2019/20 3

All Olds College Alumni are invited to join us for a weekend of celebration and networking at the 2020 Olds College Alumni Reunion, July 18 & 19, 2020!

This is your opportunity to relive your years at Olds College, re-establish lost connections, and meet fellow Alumni.

This year, we are recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1970.

Visit oldscollege.ca/reunion for more information and to register!

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Olds College

President's Message As an agriculture focused post-secondary institution, Olds College understands that it is our responsibility to offer career-focused programming that supports industry and creates a highly skilled workforce for Alberta. A workforce that will fill the new jobs emerging in our sector, grow new companies needed to strengthen our economy, and attract much needed investment to Alberta.

To do this, Olds College is constantly engaging with our industry partners, listening to their current needs and understanding future requirements. This process of engagement helps us ensure our programs are relevant and future focused, and that our graduates are equipped with the skills they need to be successful.

In this issue of Horizons, we’ve highlighted how many of our programs have adapted over the years in response to student demand and the needs of industry. We are also happy to share some of the exciting partnerships that have helped us continue to grow our applied research projects on the Olds College Smart Farm, and evolve the student experience.

It is an exciting time to be in agriculture, with so much new technology and data available to us. At Olds College we are focused on creating an exceptional learning environment for our students, as we work toward achieving our social purpose of transforming agriculture for a better world.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Horizons!

Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College

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Photo caption: students conduct a biophysical assessment on the Olds College Smart Farm.

Smart Farm Phase Two

Regenerative Ag Project at the Olds College Smart Farm The Olds College smart agriculture team has started an exciting new Regenerative Agriculture research project on the Olds College Smart Farm.

Part of phase two of the Smart Farm, the team is using the newly donated land west of Carstairs, Alberta to set up the project.

“Regenerative agriculture is a system of cropping practices based on conservation and rehabilitation that ideally will lead to producing higher yields and more nutrient rich food,” comments Dr. Joy Agnew, Director, Applied Research, Olds College. “There are also positive environmental impacts that we will be measuring including organic carbon content in the soil, improvements to watersheds and increased biodiversity.”

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“The Smart Farm land by Carstairs is the perfect area to conduct this research as it has both cultivated crop land and native pasture land,” comments Jason Bradley, Director, Smart Agriculture, Olds College. “Our goal is to be able to demonstrate to farmers, students and industry the positive impacts of regenerative ag practices.”

The regenerative ag project has already welcomed Olds College land and water students who came out as part of their pasture and forage class to provide a biophysical assessment. “Faculty are excited to see how they can incorporate regenerative ag into their labs,” comments Bradley.

On the cultivated portion of the land, the Olds College team is planning to evaluate different seeding methods, specifically broadcast versus disc drilling, and the different levels of soil disturbance.

“There are more student learning opportunities now due to this demonstration that didn’t exist before. Instructors are keen to create class content specifically around this topic,” says Bradley.

The team also planted two different crop cocktails this year: Union Forage Ultimate Annual Blend, which includes a total of eight different plant varieties, and a Fall Rye/ Sweet Clover mix. Having this in place allows the team to practice Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing (AMP); cattle are moved to a new 0.3-1.5 acre paddock every 24-48 hours to graze the land before moving on. By doing this the team will be able to look at the different impact that continuous grazing versus multi-paddock adaptive grazing has on the soil health, plant health, animal health and animal behaviour.

Instructors, students and the farm and research teams have been instrumental in getting this demonstration up and running. From a farm operations viewpoint, Bradley has worked closely with the instructors in the planning and implementing of each project, collaboratively and collectively, completing mapping, health assessments and cropping decisions together. As a brand-new way of thinking, the faculty, farm and research teams have embraced regenerative ag and continue to implement it, eager to learn more as they monitor the results.

On the native pasture, the team is looking to work with an industry partner to conduct some rejuvenation research on native grass, specifically, how to rejuvenate without disturbing the soil.

The innovations don’t stop there; the team is overseeing countless ground-breaking projects that are working towards the goal of regenerative agriculture. A solar powered water trough and delivery system was installed, allowing the team to put the water where they want the cattle to be.

Photo caption: cattle on the Olds College Smart Farm enjoying one of two crop cocktails.

“By using the offsite water system we can keep the cattle away from the creek and the dugout, which is important because it keeps manure and urine out of the water, prevents stream bank erosion and sediment loading,” explains Bradley.

The farm team has also designed and built the first stages of a riparian exclusion fence – high tensile electric fence infrastructure to prevent cattle from accessing or crossing the creek. They also included a solar powered electric fence system with remote monitoring and control. In the near future, the team plans to implement wireless remote monitoring capabilities for these fences as well as remote water level monitoring.

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Photo caption: (Above) Marge and George Steckler stand beside a wooden tray that Marge's father Frank Fraser made as a student at Olds College. (Next page) George Steckler checks out the weather station located on his farm.

Passion for Agriculture

Local Couple Create Legacy Gift for Olds College George and Marge Steckler have farmed west of Didsbury, Alberta for over 46 years. They bought their farm, that includes half a section of land in 1972.

“Back then we paid $45,000 for the farm,” comments George with a smile.

“Land prices have definitely gone up since then.”

Today, George and Marge have retired from farming, but their passion for agriculture is still alive and well. The Stecklers recently decided they wanted to ensure their agriculture legacy would go toward helping students at Olds College.

Working with the team at Olds College, the Stecklers created an endowment fund that will provide bursaries to eligible students enrolled in agriculture programs. George and Marge are also providing a gift of land to the College that includes their family farm west of Didsbury along with an estate gift.

“Kids today need an education,” comments Marge. “We wanted to help students be able to afford the opportunity to go to school.”

“Farming today is expensive,” says George. “If you look at the current cost of land, it's almost impossible to start farming on your own. Current farms are expanding into more of a corporate model. It’s big business these days.”

8 Olds College Horizons

George continues, “The big farm operations need workers who know how to run million dollar machinery and how to utilize technology. If kids want to get involved in farming, they need an education, it really is key. It’s exciting to hear about the new ag technology programs at the College and all of the new opportunities for students to get involved in agriculture.”

Originally from Saskatchewan, George grew up working on the family farm. He earned his journeyman welder ticket and moved to Calgary, Alberta for work in the late 60s. It was in High River, that George was introduced to Marge through mutual friends.

Marge and George married in 1968 and moved west of Didsbury in 1973.

next generation, and it’s nice to know that our name will continue on through this donation.”

Marge has deep ties to Olds College, it is the place where her parents met. Marge’s mother, Frances Williams graduated from the Home Economics program in 1941, and her father, Frank Fraser, was a student in the agriculture mechanics program until he was conscripted to WWII.

George adds, “Olds College is our neighbour, it gives us pleasure to know our good, viable farmland will continue to be used for farming long after we are gone. I look forward to seeing students out on the land, and to check out what they are doing. To see students benefit from our land will be wonderful.”

“I’ve heard about Olds College my entire life,” comments Marge. “I remember reading my mom’s yearbook when I was younger.” George also has ties to the College, he worked on the agriculture mechanics building when it was being built, and did some welding on the handrails in Frank Grisdale Hall, the former student residence.

The College has already begun installing some smart farm technology on the Steckler farm. Currently, a Farmer’s Edge weather station has been set up to monitor dew point, humidity, wind speed and moisture levels. The data is fed back to the Farmers Edge dashboard, that is used at the Olds College Smart Farm.

Over their farming journey, George and Marge have seen a lot of changes in agriculture. “One of the biggest transformations was the introduction of fertilizer,” comments George. “Back in Saskatchewan nobody used fertilizer, we just relied on summer fallow. When I moved to Alberta, we started using anhydrous fertilizer, it was a game changer. Now today, you can get roundup ready canola seeds, it’s amazing how technology is advancing.”

“The Steckler’s gift is simply transformational,” comments Patrick Machacek, Vice President, Development and Strategy, Olds College. “George and Marge have truly created a legacy gift that will have a lasting impact on our students and programming for years to come. Their gift of land is expanding our Smart Farm here at Olds College, and perhaps more importantly, their endowment gift will provide generations of students with financial support to gain a world-class ag education.”

“We enjoyed farming,” says Marge. “We had a great life on the farm; it provided us with independence to work for ourselves.” An avid gardener and sewer, Marge also helped out at harvest driving truck when she wasn’t working at the Didsbury Hospital.

“I can’t think of anything better than for us to provide a venue of land and funds to students attending Olds College,” comments Marge. “It feels right to help the

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Investing in Youth and Education

New Werklund School of Agriculture Technology Photo caption: (Top) Michael Frankiw, Olds College Student, Debbie Thompson, Vice President Academic & Student Experience, David Werklund, Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College and Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education celebrate the announcement of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology.

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On September 20, Olds College announced the launch of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology. Through the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology - students will have access to new ag tech programs, including the Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy Diploma and Agriculture Technology Integration Post-Diploma Certificate.

Students will also have access to hands on, high tech learning experiences through the Olds College Smart Farm, the Smart Ag Innovation Centre, and the new ag tech learning hub that is scheduled to be opened for the start of classes in the fall of 2022.

“This is a historic day for Olds College.

The launch of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology, is a profound statement of our commitment to building Alberta’s position as a global leader in agriculture and technology,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College.

“On behalf of Olds College, I would like to sincerely thank David Werklund and Susan Norman for investing in Olds College, our students and the future of agriculture.”

Canadian entrepreneur, oilfield industry leader and dedicated philanthropist, David Werklund and his partner Susan Norman, have been supporters of Olds College for several years. Mr. Werklund has a lifelong passion for the agriculture industry that began during his upbringing on a rural Alberta farm.

“Susan and I are delighted that the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology will lead the way to a revolutionary change in agricultural learning,” comments David Werklund. “We have a passion for innovation and new technologies and we firmly believe in investing in youth and education. Olds College was a natural choice for us because of its longstanding commitment to agriculture education and our shared vision towards engaging more of Alberta’s youth in the business of agriculture through leading technological advancement.”

The new agriculture technology programs will prepare students for careers that require a deep understanding of the connectedness between agronomy, technology and data sciences. Applications opened for the new ag tech diploma and post-diploma certificate October 1, 2019, with the first intake of students on campus fall 2020.

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Program Milestone

Meat Processing Certificate Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Photo caption: Brad McLeod, Program Manager and students

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This year marks the 50th celebration of the Olds College Meat Processing Certificate. Over the years, this program has seen many changes as the needs of the industry evolve and the type of applicant interested in the certificate varies. After fifty years of successfully leading students through a fifteenweek program, the instructors at Olds College have a lot to say about the importance of this certificate and the influence it has on the meat industry.

The Meat Processing Certificate was built by three passionate men in 1969 who wanted to make a difference in the industry. John Neilson, the first program coordinator, George Osley, the first program instructor, and Richard Johnson, who took over in the 1980s and taught until the late 90s, built the framework that this program still stands on today.

Today, the program is managed by Brad McLeod, now celebrating over nineteen years of experience in the role of Program Manager. Brad was originally a graduate of the program, working mainly in abattoirs until he returned to the program at a management level. Brad works closely with Aaron McLaughlin, the Production Manager, who has now been working with the program for five years.

As the National Meat Training Centre for Canada, the College runs this program three times a year, packing the whole process stream, from slaughter to merchandising, into fifteen weeks.

The course is broken into four major

components: meat cutting, value added processing, food safety and sanitation and lastly, meat industry communication. Students also get to choose whether they wish to go down the slaughter stream or merchandising stream, based on their interests.

Accepting eighteen students per semester, this program often has a waitlist as it is the only one of its kind in North America.

“We are the only certificate program that offers courses in slaughter all the way through to merchandising,” comments Brad McLeod, Program Manager, Meat Processing. With a miniscule number of other schools offering vaguely similar programs, the Meat Processing Certificate here continues to prevail as the only training centre of its kind. The group of eighteen students will often have no Albertans, as people travel from across the globe to take this certificate, Canadians, Americans and international students alike. Last semester, the program welcomed a gentleman all the way from the Philippines.

Over the years, the program has changed and adapted to the needs of the industry. Initially, the certificate did not include the slaughter portion, as this came as a later addition. Until four years ago, the program was purely a slaughter and meat cutting course; however, it was then adapted to include merchandising alongside these other skills.

“We have really seen the view of the meat industry change in the past six to seven years,” comments Brad. “The type of people who are interested in taking the certificate has also changed. The majority of our students want to open their own business. As we see consumers wanting greater transparency in where their food comes from, the demand for highly skilled butchers is increasing.”

Therefore, the changes in the program were aimed at getting more people in the door with a wider focus on the industry, including those who wanted to start their own business or work in retail.

Once students have completed their fifteen weeks at the College, they are equipped with the skills to work wherever they like in the industry. Whether they choose to become a meat inspector, instruct their own plant or work for others, the instructors watch students work in all avenues and do their best to keep in touch with them.

“Seeing someone go through the program and being able to help them live out their dream is very rewarding.

It is a fulfilling job to see former graduates start their own plants, succeed in the field and really appreciate the experience they had here at Olds College taking the certificate,” says Brad.

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National Meat Training Centre

Production Manager Set to Compete with Team Canada Olds College's very own Aaron McLaughlin, Production Manager and instructor of the Meat Processing Certificate, has been selected to compete with Team Canada for the World Butchers’ Challenge.

Aaron is one of eight Canadians who will be attending the competition next September in Sacramento, California. As this is the first year that Canada is submitting a team, Aaron is eager to be part of a new challenge and help bring awareness to the Canadian meat industry.

“I have always wanted to be a part of the World Butchers Challenge, and the fact that Canada is now getting a team together is really exciting. I think it will bring a lot of positive attention to the meat industry in Canada,” comments Aaron. The group has started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for their team in the hopes of showing that butchering is truly a viable and thriving career.

Photo caption: Aaron McLaughlin, Instructor, Olds College poses with his Team Canada teammates.

The World Butchers’ Challenge started in 2011 as a competition between three countries. Today it has grown to sixteen teams competing for bragging rights to be the best in the world. Each team must complete a series of tasks in just over three hours: a side of beef, side of pork, a lamb and five chickens, making a full display within the time limit.

Each country competing will submit a judge, who will then evaluate each team on various categories excluding their home country.

As this is a national team, all eight members are located across Canada, making it difficult for the group to get together. In addition to their solo training at home, the team will meet up six times before the competition to figure out exactly what their role will be. The team is looking for major sponsors to assist with their expenses, Canada Beef being one of them. Olds College will also be helping out their production manager, by offering their facility to help train the team before the big day.

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Smart Agriculture Innovation

Inaugural AgSmart Farm Show a Success Agri-Trade and Olds College’s new event, AgSmart welcomed over 2,000 people to the two-day agriculture technology expo. Held on August 13 and 14, 2019 agriculture ambassadors, exhibitors and visitors gathered to experience live demos, educational sessions, food trucks and beer gardens.

There was a variety of new agriculture technology demonstrations, including the Dot Autonomous Farming System, AgraCity and LandView Drones, Ag Maximizer Hay Dryer, Youth in Ag Tech, WEEDit Technology Demonstration, Bale Wrapping Demonstration and Smart Farm Tours to name a few. AgSmart welcomed 75 exhibitors who featured their high-tech products and latest innovations.

“We are very happy with the turnout for AgSmart 2019,” comments Stacy Felkar, Event Co-Manager, AgSmart. “We have been hearing a lot of positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors. On behalf of AgSmart, I would like to thank all of our partners, sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event a success.”

The full-access passes allowed attendees two-day access to AgSmart demonstrations, exhibits, keynote speakers, workshops and the Great Albertan BBQ. Stacy Felkar continues, “we had the pleasure of having keynote speakers Robert D. Saik the CEO of Dot Ready Retail and CEO of the Saik Management Group, and Greg Johnson from the Tornado Hunter, as well as 40 agriculture speakers lead different education events.”

The Great Albertan BBQ was held in the Olds College Wetlands and guests enjoyed a field to fork BBQ, presented by ATB Financial. Drew Gregory, an award-winning Albertan country music sensation and farmer, entertained the crowd at the Great Albertan BBQ. Over a span of four days, AgSmart had 77 volunteers made up of Olds College staff, faculty, alumni and students, as well as community members and groups. In total, volunteers dedicated 588 hours to ensuring AgSmart ran smoothly. AgSmart would not have happened without the commitment of our amazing volunteers.

Olds College would like to give a special thank you to everyone who came to enjoy the innovative aspects of AgSmart!

AgSmart 2020 will take place August 11 and 12 at Olds College. To learn more visit agsmartolds.ca or visit AgSmart on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Continued Success

Animal Health Technology Program in High Demand January 2020 marks the two year anniversary of the reformatted Animal Health Technology program at Olds College. In the new blended format, students first semester of programming is offered online, followed by three consecutive semesters on campus. Following the fourth semester, students complete a six-week practicum with industry. After graduation, students write the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association national exam, which is a requirement to work in the industry.

“By changing our delivery model to a blend of online and in-person courses, we were able to increase the amount of students accepted into the program each year,” comments Dalin Bullock, Dean Animal Science and Horticulture. “By having students complete their first semester online, we can now accommodate 50% more students into the program by operating the program year round and providing three intakes per year, instead of the traditional two.”

With this unique curriculum design, students graduate faster, save a semester of living costs, and see less overall student loan burden.

“The Animal Health Technology program at Olds College is well known throughout the veterinary industry in Alberta. This program has been known to produce top-notch AHT’s, and I’m happy to report that I believe that reputation has been upheld with the new accelerated AHT format,” comments Marissa Lemay, RVT and 2019 graduate of the AHT program.

“The fast-paced layout of this program still encompasses the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an Animal Health Technologist or Registered Veterinary Technologist in Alberta, while giving students more hands-on and involved learning. The ability to investigate different areas of the veterinary world in this program was incredibly valuable in shaping the path that my own career has taken.

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this program at Olds College.”

The new model also introduced the “Stream Your Dream” component to the end of the final semester. In this class, students are able to pick a specialization in the industry to experience more in-depth instruction in that specialty.

Students are able to work with large animals, small animals, exotics, and/or in emergency care. Students work with College partners like, AARCS, Red Deer Emergency, Riverstone Vet Services, Moore Equine, Burwash Equine, Energy Equine, and Calgary Wildlife in a practicum-like setting for hands-on training and experience. This portion of the Animal Health Technology program is unique to Olds College, adding to the appeal of the program.

Thanks to partnerships with Old MacDonald Kennels, Alley Cats Rescue, Klassic Kennels, Whisker Rescue, and the Central Alberta Humane Society, students are able to provide rescued dogs and cats with medical care and basic behavior training before returning to the rescues for adoption. Through these partnerships, students have been able to provide care for over 100 rescued animals.

“The Animal Health Technology program continues to be one of our most indemand programs,” continues Dean Bullock. “Every year we continue to have a waitlist of students wanting to get into the program.”

To learn more about the Animal Health Technology Program visit oldscollege.ca.

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20 Olds College Horizons

Research and Education

ATB Financial Supports Olds College with $250,000 Donation Olds College is thrilled ATB Financial has committed $250,000 to support agriculture technology research and education. The five-year financial commitment will be used to grow the College’s high-tech Smart Farm, and sponsor AgSmart, a two-day ag technology expo.

“The Olds College Smart Farm provides an environment where producers, industry partners, College researchers, faculty and students can explore the challenges and opportunities facing the ag sector and together investigate solutions and determine how we can use technology, data and expertise to evolve our existing agriculture practices,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “On behalf of Olds College, I would like to thank ATB Financial for investing in the future of agriculture and our students.”

“At ATB, we understand agriculture is as important to our future as it was to our past,” said Curtis Stange, President and CEO of ATB Financial. “We know the industry is rapidly changing with technology playing a growing role and we are proud to support initiatives like the Olds College Smart Farm that harness technology and innovation in such an integral sector. This will further position Alberta and its producers as leaders and keep them competitive while producing world-class products. ” The Olds College Smart Farm is an exciting initiative that incorporates the latest technologies aimed at improving productivity, while efficiently and sustainably using resources. It is a living lab for hands-on learning; a place for innovation, validation, demonstration and scaling of smart connected agriculture technology. Working with industry partners, local producers and students, the Smart Farm provides valuable research that is evolving and shaping future agriculture practices.

Co-produced by Olds College and Agri-Trade, AgSmart is a two-day event that provides farmers with an opportunity to interact with cuttingedge high-tech ag players and experience the latest innovations firsthand. The inaugural event was held last August, plans are underway for the 2020 show that will take place August 11 and 12 at the College.

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Curriculum and Delivery Changes

Expanding Trades Program to Meet Demand For over 50 years, Olds College has provided instruction in Agricultural and Heavy Equipment to students across North America. Since that first year in 1968, Agricultural Equipment Technicians and Heavy Equipment Technicians have become a cornerstone of the Trades and Apprenticeships offerings of Olds College. As equipment has continued to grow, the agriculture industry continues to rely on increasing technology, efficiency and higher yields to ensure profitability. As equipment continues to evolve with technology, skilled Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technicians are more important than ever.

Today, the Agricultural & Heavy Equipment comprehensive program provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals in engines, hydraulics, braking, electrical, starting, charging, fuel systems and more. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to be fully introduced into both the Agricultural Equipment Technician (AET) and Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) trades. To ensure the program is aligned with the needs of industry, the College works with the Program Industry Advisory Committee consisting of journeyman and employers currently working in the industry.

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In response to growing demand, Olds College recently increased the capacity of the program from 30 to 60 students. This change was implemented for the fall 2019 intake, with all available seats filled.

“We are making some very exciting changes with the curriculum and delivery of this in-demand program,” comments Dan Daley, Dean, School of Trades. “For the fall 2020 intake, students will be able to register for the Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma and choose between a focus on Agricultural or Heavy Equipment.”

Dean Daley continues, “with the advancement and sophistication of new machinery, and in order to ensure our students have the knowledge and skills to be successful in entry level positions within the industry, the two year diploma with a specialized focus allows students to gain the experience that is required.”

Starting in the fall of 2020, the Agricultural Equipment Technician and Heavy Equipment Technician trades will be sharing the same curriculum in Period 1, with our apprenticeship programs. This Pre-Employment Technician Program gives students the foundation to enter the workforce and become an apprentice through gaining technical training and experience before starting their formal apprenticeship program. As a result, students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to explore both trades in their apprenticeship training.

Upon completion of the program, students who meet apprenticeship requirements for Period 1 of the trade are eligible to write their first period apprenticeship exam and begin their journey as a registered apprentice in either trade selected.

“Our goal at Olds College is to ensure our students have everything they need to be successful. We are committed to providing an excellent student experience, while working with industry to ensure that their needs are being met as partners and potential employers, “ comments Dean Daley.

To learn more about these exciting programs, visit oldscollege.ca.

Fall/Winter 2019/20 23

Holiday Partnership

Brewery Partners with Fair Trade Olds to Produce Holiday Brew A delicious new holiday beer is brewing at the College. Olds College Brewery has partnered with the Olds Institute’s Fair Trade Olds Committee to produce a special seasonal holiday brew, Yule Love It Coffee Chocolate Stout. Working with the Fair Trade Olds Committee, the Brewery was able to source fair trade certified coffee beans from Nicaragua and Colombia, and cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic.

“What makes this project extra special, is that it is in celebration of the Fair Trade Committee’s 10 year anniversary,” comments Bev Toews, Fair Trade Olds Committee Member. “We are delighted to have partnered with the Olds College Brewery to create a delicious new beer, that features ingredients that were ethically produced, both socially and environmentally. The Yule Love It Coffee Chocolate Stout features local ingredients and fair trade products for the ingredients that are not available locally.”

In 2009, the town of Olds became the first fair trade town in Alberta, a designation received from Canadian Fair Trade Network and Fairtrade Canada.

Part of receiving the designation, included the creation of a community steering committee: The Fair Trade Olds Committee.

Photo Caption: Fairtrade certified coffee beans from Nicaragua and Columbia, and cocoa from Dominican Republic

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“The coffee chocolate stout was brewed on October 31 and was well received upon preliminary tasting,” comments Jason Popesku, head Brewmaster and creator of the Yule Love It Coffee Chocolate Stout recipe. “The coffee beans were first roasted by Canterbury Coffee and made into a cold brew before being added into the mix near the end of the boil; this allows a smooth coffee flavour without harsh acidity.” Popesku continues, “the natural cocoa powder was supplied by Camino Cocoa and also added in near the end of the boil to create a hot cocoa-style brew by extracting the flavour while minimizing their acidity with the temperature.”

For the bulk of the batch, the recipe called for 120 kilograms of malt. For this, the team used about 85 per cent Red Shed malt, a local company in Penhold run by Hamill Farms. Red Shed produces smallscale artisanal malts, so the College tries to support them as much as possible. With low hops and high-quality ingredients, the brewery team anticipates that this beer will sell out quickly in the coming months.

The Yule Love It Coffee Chocolate Stout will be ready for consumption and on the market during the first week of December. It will likely be available in the Olds retail store, Just Jacks Restaurant on campus as well as local bars, restaurants and retailers.

Visit the Olds College website to view a list of local retailers carrying Olds College Brewery beer or check out their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on where you can get your hands on this year’s seasonal brew.

For more information on fair trade, go to www.cftn.ca and www.fairtrade.ca.

Fall/Winter 2019/20 25

Canola Research Funding

“Bugs Eating Bugs� Research Awarded with Mitacs Grant Dr. Paul Tiege, a Crops Research Scientist and Bugs Eating Bugs Project Lead, and his Research Associate, Dr. Shabeg Briar were awarded with a Mitacs grant, the first to be presented to an Alberta college.

Dr. Paul Tiege, Crops Research Scientist

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Tiege secured research funding from Alberta Innovates and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, an organization that represents the interests of Alberta-based canola producers. Olds College was able to leverage the funding from the Canola Producers to secure the Mitacs grant, making Olds College the first College in Alberta to receive one. The Mitacs grant provides funding for a research student to join the project. The key to securing the Mitacs grant is having a project that is funded by an industry partner, in this case, the Alberta Canola Producers Commission.

“The Mitacs grant helps industry leverage their research and development investments by providing matching funding for a student worker for four months at an educational institution,” says Dr. Joy Agnew, Director of Applied Research, Olds College Centre for Innovation.

Agnew continues, “Mitacs has been around for a long time mainly at universities, but they just started a pilot program for colleges which is why this is the first Mitacs Grant awarded to a college in Alberta.”

“Our ultimate hope is that this study lays the groundwork for expanded research directed to harnessing natural parasites toward pest insects. As resistance increases and the number of new products plateaus, farmers are faced with an uncertain future of maintaining production efficiency. Demonstrating new modes of action for existing pests is one way that we can help to delay resistance and help farmers stay competitive,” explains Tiege.

“I am extremely pleased that Olds is the first college recipient of Mitacs funding.

Our farmer-focused agriculture research program delivers unparalleled training and experience for students, and Mitacs recognizes this opportunity,” Tiege explains.

In searching for an environmentally sustainable approach to protect Canadian crops, the researchers began by collecting alfalfa weevils in Brooks, AB, flea beetles and other samples from Lethbridge, AB, as well as samples from the Smart Farm fields at Olds College. At this point in the study, researchers are determining what species of worm is most effective at infiltrating and killing the pests, and at what concentration it is most effective.

Researchers control the pesticide and then try varying concentrations of each species of nematode. This is done multiple times to get scientific replicates for it to be scientifically sound.

The Mitacs grant of $7,500 supported the research team’s summer student Darius Ramarattan, who is pursuing a BSc in microbiology at the University of Calgary. A Mitacs grant requirement is that the student gets hands-on time with the industry partner, so Ramarattan was able to work with the Alberta Canola Producers Commission.

Ramarattan explained, “this project really opened my eyes to microbiology outside of the lab, and beyond petri dish projects.” Tiege adds, “this project is giving Darius lab and field experience in an area he wasn’t even aware of before he came to the College, and is opening his eyes to new career and research paths.”

Crop producers in Canada have growing resistance to products used on their crops, such as herbicides and pesticides. Olds College aims to find a new mode of action to combat pests through naturally occurring organisms that farmers can use in the future. This method of pest removal will control the pests in a natural fashion and will be harder to grow resistance to. This study is trying to determine if these little juvenile worms, scientifically known as nematodes, effectively kill pests that end up on leaves of canola crops, and crops in general. Specifically, researchers are assessing the effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematodes as agents of control as foliar pests.

During their field testing, researchers complete sweeps throughout multiple fields to catch the pests. After, they put them in petri dishes with leaves and water for a food source. Researchers insert their juvenile worm samples and they crawl inside the pest. The bug becomes unhappy because the juvenile worm releases a bacteria, which causes the pest to break down. This process is known as an entomopathogenic nematodes; ento meaning insect, and pathogenic refers to a bacteria that releases a pathogen. Within 72 hours after the infective juvenile nematodes are introduced, the host can be seen to burst open and release hundreds of more infective juvenile nematodes. The juvenile worm becomes larger and matures into an adult on the food of the pest, and they can be seen moving through the microscope.

This project is currently in the lab portion of the study, where they are determining which of the nematodes discovered will work the best to combat common crop pests. In the long term, researchers hope to add another potential weapon for farmers to use to protect their crops.

For more information on research initiatives at Olds College, visit oldscollege.ca/research.

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Industry Investment

Government of Canada Supports Innovation in Agriculture and Olds College Olds College welcomes over a $1.9 million investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada to support innovation in Western Canada’s agriculture sector and to promote enhanced production and global competitiveness.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced over $1.9 million in Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) funding towards Olds College to bolster Alberta’s agriculture industry.

An investment of $1,931,843 will support phase two of the Olds College Smart Farm (OCSF), a living lab for the development, testing, validation, and scale-up of agricultural technologies.

Federal funding will help OCSF buy and install agricultural equipment and advanced sensor technologies, as well as recruit agricultural and technical specialists to direct Smart Farm activities and use of data.

The equipment and technologies will generate information and data to benefit farm operations, support research, and provide high-tech, hands-on learning for faculty and students. The investment in the Olds College Smart Farm is anticipated to create 20 jobs, generate $2.5 million in business research and development (BERD), and assist agriculture companies to achieve $90 million in revenue growth and $27 million in export sales growth.

Olds College also received $10,000 to host the 2019 AgSmart event, which brought over 2,000 farmers, students, and academics out to learn more about how technology and data applications increase productivity and profits, while reducing environmental impact.

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“The Government of Canada recognizes agriculture as a source of well-paying jobs and ground-breaking research.

Through these investments in Olds College, agriculture producers across Western Canada will be better equipped to address increasing consumer demands by harnessing new technologies and innovations,” comments The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister Natural Resources adds, “the government is investing in the future of farming and the adoption of new technologies and processes in order to stay at the forefront of technological change. By investing in Canadian agricultural innovation, we are helping the sector gain the competitive edge it needs to continue to thrive at home and in global markets.”

“The agriculture industry plays a critical role in the success of our country. Now more than ever, agriculture is experiencing a data revolution. As a post-secondary institution, Olds College has an important role to play to create an environment where producers, industry partners, faculty and students can look at the challenges facing the agriculture industry and together explore solutions that will evolve our agriculture practices,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College.

“Built upon our existing agriculture operation, the Olds College Smart Farm is a place to develop, validate and demonstrate agriculture technology and practices.

On behalf of Olds College, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for investing in the future of agriculture.”

Phase one of the Olds College Smart Farm launched in 2018, which created 110 acres of farm land to be used by industry, students, and researchers to develop new ''smart connected'' technologies for crop farming. The first phase of the OCSF attracted over $1 million in cash contributions from 14 industry partners with multiple projects being developed in its first four months.

The RIE program stream builds on the Innovation and Skills Plan, the government’s path forward to help make Canada a world-leading centre for innovation that creates well-paying jobs and grows the middle class.

Fall/Winter 2019/20 29

National Meat Training Centre

Retail Meat Store

Stop by the Olds College Retail Meat Store to experience one of the largest selections of fresh meat cuts in central Alberta.

We carry a wide variety of cuts of beef, pork, chicken and lamb, and value added products like beef jerky and pepperoni sticks. Prepared meals such as pulled pork, marinated roast beef and meat pies, along with a wide selection of sausage and sandwich meats, all created by our expert staff and students of the Meat Processing certificate program.

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 12 to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stat Holidays: Closed For more information, vist oldscollege.ca/shop.

Teaching Brewery

Olds College Brewery The brewing industry in Alberta is still booming and the Olds College Brewery is proud to be a part of this growing and vibrant industry. With four ‘core’ brands, a wide selection of seasonal brews and limited edition student creations, the Brewery Retail Store is sure to have something to meet your tastes.

Hay City

Old Skhool

Our core American Wheat Ale is a delicious sessionable beer that is crafted from Canadian wheat and barley. This refreshing ale is crisp and clean, with a mild malt sweetness.

Full of rich, nutty and roasty flavours, this American style brown ale has just the right balance of hop character to pique the interest and balance the malt complexity. Pairs perfectly with cold winter days while remaining light enough to spend some time on the summer patio.

Aggie Ale Dank and citrusy hops are backed by a toasty caramel malt body with hints of bready overtones. Aggie Ale is generously hopped with a blend of Pacific Northwest style hops throughout the brewing process to let you know what the students are all about. This brew pairs perfectly with a completed midterm, or end of a long week.

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Prairie Gold This Pacific Northwest-styled IPA combines a full, malty backbone to balance an aggressive hopping schedule. Caramel and light bready flavours from the malts intermingle with the powerful citrus, resin and tropical fruit character of the hops.

An intensely hoppy beer elegantly balanced for quaffability.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12 to 6 p.m.

Stat Holidays: Closed For more information, vist oldscollege.ca/shop.

Explore our new Ag Tech Programs *NEW* Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy Diploma The Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy program is an exciting NEW diploma focused on agronomy and technology. Graduates from the Diploma in Precision Agriculture - Techgronomy will be prepared for careers that require a deep understanding of the connectedness between agronomy, agriculture machinery/purpose built network management, and data sciences.

*NEW* Agriculture Technology Integration Post-Diploma Certificate This dynamic post-diploma certificate in Agriculture Technology Integration is designed to provide students with an understanding of how related technologies and components interact to provide accurate information and real-time monitoring and controls to the agriculture producer.

oldscollege.ca/agtech Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2019/20 31

D A E T S E M O H Join us: April 17, 2020 oldscollege.ca/homesteadfeast Tickets on sale in January

4500 - 50 Street Olds, Alberta, Canada T4H 1R6

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