Horizons Fall 2017

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Will Smit: Retirement After 35 Years

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Kayley Champagne: Cashmere Collection Fashion Show Finalist

Fall 2017

Olds College Horticulture Growing Strong Fall 2017 1

Horizons

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Fall 2017 Edition

Horizons is published three times per year by Olds College Corporate Communications & Marketing. The magazine is mailed to alumni and friends of Olds College. Ideas and opinions published in Horizons do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, the Alumni Association or Olds College. Letters and editorial contributions are welcome.

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Editor: Randy Butler,

Communications Advisor, Corporate Communications & Marketing, Olds College

Contributors: Randy Butler, Ed Amos, Sarah Boyer, Kayley Champagne, Leona Dargis, Jason Page and Kaley Segboer.

Additional content provided by Olds College staff, faculty and alumni.

Photography: Lorelai Hoffarth Photography, Noel West.

Additional photography provided

by Olds College staff, faculty, alumni and archives.

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In Memory Remember and honour a loved one.

Recent donations were made in memory of: Richard (Dick) Thomson

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Table of Contents

Memorials

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Alumni News: HOF Welcomes Phil Thomas

22 Horticulture: Increased Demand Leads to Program Growth

Message from the OCAA Board

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2018 Nominations Open: OCAA Hall of Fame, Hall of Merit

24 Agronomy: Student Displays Passion for Lifelong Learning

2017-2018 OCAA Board of Directors

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Introducing Stuart Cullum: New President for Olds College

8 Olds College Brewery: What’s On Tap 9 Digital Horizons: Sign Up Now to Receive Horizons in the Mail!

10 End of an Era: Instructor Will Smit Retires After 35 Years 12 Landscape Horticulturalist Apprenticeship: Olds College Takes Gold at Skills Canada 13 International: ESL Students Embrace Central Albertan Culture 14 Respecting Our Roots: Olds College Establishes Indigenous Student Spaces 16 Beyond: Mountain View County Pledges Support to Olds College’s Werklund Agriculture Institute 18 The 21st Century Homestead: College Alumna Sets Up in Yukon 21 Olds College Affinity Program

26 A History of Partnership: Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H 27 Dr. Nikki Cook: Woman of Excellence

Continuing Education

The OCAA Board respectfully notes the passing of these Olds College alumni and staff, and extends our condolences to their families and friends.

If you would like to inform us of a passing, please contact: Ph: 403.556.8232 Toll-free: 1.403.661.6537 development@oldscollege.ca

28 Student Wellness: Government Announces Long Term Support 30 Professional Development: Low Stress Animal Care and Positive Veterinary Care 31 Continuing Education: Technical Large Animal Rescue Training 32 Millennium Equestrian: Alumni Establishes Boarding, Training and Rehabilitation Centre 34 Research and Innovation: What Can TAC Do For Livestock Producers?

35 Rodeo: Celebrating 50 Years 36 Fashion: Kayley Champagne, White Cashmere Collection Finalist 38 2017 Golf Classic Sponsors: Thank You 39 Upcoming Events | Stay Connected

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Dale Bell 1978 Wayne Boulton 1969 Stanley Checkel 1975 Elizabeth Christianson 1965 William Coulton 1947 Ray Cutler

Pauline Cutler 1946 James Derbyshire 1962 Harvey Doering 1956 Harold Downey 1929 Hazel Duncan 1962 Alvin Erdman 1957 Gordon Evans 1952 Donald Graham 1946 George Guder 1962 Donald Hall 1945 Walter Haustein 1957 Allen Henderson 1984 Lorna Hengen 1966 Lawrence Kahler 1962 Victor Kennedy 1946 Mary Ann MacLennan 1933 Victoria McNiven 1944 Doreen Miller 1953 Stephen Montgomery 1954 Glen Morrison 1949 Marie Newton 1946 Bert Powlesland 1945 Gerald Schuler 1957 Opal Seifert 1951 Mikayla Stephen 2015 Emma Swanson 1934 Mary Taylor Margaret Thomson 1934 Bruce Turcott 1978 Leslie Waddell 1947 Judith Walker 1957 Mary Whitby 1931 James Whiteside 1962 Norman Williams 1952, 1957 John Wilson 1947 Ray Wing 1966 Fall 2017 3

Alumni News

HOF Welcomes Phil Thomas The highlight of the Alumni Reunion has become the Olds College Alumni Association Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This year’s Hall of Fame inductee, Phil Thomas, is well known throughout the Agriculture industry.

A graduate of the class of 1962, Phil also has a Master's Degree in Plant Breeding, and was an inductee into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Phil had a long career with Alberta Agriculture, beginning as an Assistant District Agriculturist for the Lac St. Anne district. He also spent time working in the Bonnyville and Vermillion areas.

From 1970 to 2001, Phil was the provincial Oilseed Specialist, meaning that he was responsible for oilseed crop research and technology. Phil travelled the world to over 50 countries promoting the benefits of growing canola. He was also tasked with writing countless publications including post-secondary study courses and learning manuals, position papers, regulations, and scientific papers on canola, earning himself the nickname, “Mr. Canola.” Many of these courses and learning materials were studied at Olds College by students in training courses and workshops specializing in seed technology.

Phil also found time to volunteer in the community, volunteering with Minor Soccer, Medicine Lodge Ski Club, and various other organizations.

On behalf of the Olds College Alumni Association, congratulations Phil Thomas, our 2017 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee.

Message from the Olds College Alumni Association Board of Directors Greetings Alumni!

The Alumni Association is gearing up for a busy year. We had a fresh new board start in October with both new and returning faces. This summer saw a brilliant reunion where we welcomed Phil Thomas into the Hall of Fame. We are now accepting nominations for our 2018 Hall of Fame inductee! Don't forget that we also have the Hall of Merit for alumni under 40.

The museum has opened again as the students arrived back to school. I would like to offer big thanks to the Museum Committee for the hard work that they have put into getting the museum into such good shape. It is certainly worth stopping in to check out some of our history.

In the last issue of Horizons, we announced The Olds College Alumni Association has pledged $1.25 million to the Werklund Agriculture Institute. Through this pledge our Alumni Association and our beloved Alumni Museum, Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit will have a permanent home in the new Werklund Growth Centre. We will be reaching out to alumni in the near future to share more information on this exciting fundraising initiative.

Nikki Szakaly Past President, Olds College Alumni Association 4 Olds College Horizons

2018 Nominations Open

Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit

2016 – 2017

Board of Directors President Vacant

The Olds College Alumni Association gives special recognition to alumni or former college staff who have distinguished themselves by going above and beyond in making important contributions to their community.

Contributors may range from the local community to international in scope, but must be outstanding in quality as “over and above” standard employment responsibilities. The award recipients are recognized at a special Awards Reception that is held at the annual Olds College Alumni Reunion. The categories include: Hall of Fame

Contributions to society

Gives special recognition to alumni or former college staff 41 years of age or older who have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of significant contributions to Olds College, the community, society and/or their chosen vocation.

Aside from activities or impacts related to his or her vocation, how has your nominee contributed to society in general, either personally or through involvement within their community, family, church, or service organization?

Hall of Merit

Olds College’s role in your nominee’s success

Recognizes alumni or former college staff 40 years of age or younger who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to Olds College, the community, society, and/or their chosen vocation to date.

Nominations are to include a description, in as much detail as possible, on the nature and scope of the nominee’s impact with respect to:

Contributions to Olds College (other than financial) How has your nominee volunteered or otherwise supported or contributed to the success of Olds College, the Olds College Alumni Association, advisory committees, Board of Governors, Olds College Advancement, graduates, ambassadorship, promoting Olds College, or making an overall difference to Olds College.

Contributions within his or her chosen vocation How has your nominee demonstrated quality leadership, volunteerism, or otherwise contributed to the success and betterment of organizations related to his or her vocation?

Contributions on the provincial, national, or international stage What noteworthy provincial, national or international contributions has your nominee achieved?

In addition to addressing the nature and scope of your nominee’s impact with respect to each of the preceding criteria, please ensure that your submission includes an explanation of how Olds College helped your nominee achieve his or her success.

Nomination for the Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit awards may be submitted to the Alumni Office anytime for recognition at the Annual Olds College Alumni Reunion.

If you have questions regarding the nomination process, contact the Olds College Alumni Association at alumniassociation@oldscollege.ca or find the nomination form online at oldscollege.ca/alumni

Past President Nikki Szakaly, Class of 2013, LWLC Secretary Laurinda Parkinson, Class of 1969 - Fashion and Design Treasurer Bill Diprose, Class of 1962 Agriculture 2 in 1 Director Marguerite Watson, Class of 1962 - Home Economics Director Merv Blair, Class of 1962 Agricultural Production Director Marjorie Kehoe, Class of 1946 - Home Economics 2 in 1 Director Keith Kinnear, Class of 1999 - Agriculture Business Director Dennis Malloy, Class of 1962 - Agriculture 2 in 1 Director Phil Thomas, Class of 1962 Agriculture 2 in 1 Director Brent Thygesen, Class of 2012, Land Admin Cert., Land Agent Diploma Olds College Faculty Association Representative Mike Schell, Instructor, AET/HET, Class of 2002 Students’ Association of Olds College Representative Riley Sharp, Internal Vice President Get involved! alumniassociation@ oldscollege.ca or 403.507.7952

Fall 2017 5

Introducing Stuart Cullum

New President for Olds College On July 1, 2017, Stuart Cullum took over the reins as Olds College President and CEO. Stuart joined Olds College in November of 2016 as Chief Innovation Officer, where he was responsible for leading the College's innovation agenda by aligning academic and research programming with industry and government priorities. He brings a wealth of experience as a primary producer, investment manager and not-forprofit and post-secondary executive leader including academic leadership roles at Lethbridge College and NAIT. Photo credit: Lorelei Hoffarth Photography

6 Olds College Horizons

“After completing an extensive executive national search, we were very pleased that Stuart Cullum accepted the position to serve as the 13th President of Olds College,” said Leona Staples, Chair of the Olds College Board of Governors. “Mr. Cullum brings a depth of knowledge and experience from the agriculture industry and his past career experiences have also provided him with a strong network across the post-secondary system in Canada.”

“I’m thrilled and honoured to have been selected to serve as President and CEO of Olds College,” comments Stuart. “Olds College is an institution that has positively impacted students’ lives and careers for more than a century. It has had a tremendous impact on the community of Olds and central Alberta, and continues to play an essential leadership role for the Alberta economy and the agriculture sector. Building on the strengths of its people, programming and partnerships, I look forward to continuing to steward the impact of Olds College.”

President Stuart Cullum and his wife, Bobbi

In his role as Chief Innovation Officer at Olds College, Stuart was instrumental in the development of the Werklund Agriculture Institute (WAI) campaign project. The vision is that the WAI will be a hub for leadership, education and applied research in smart agriculture. “It’s an exciting time for Olds College and the agriculture sector. We continue to see the emergence and acceleration of technology and science in agriculture applications; economic and environmental benefits are often the drivers. It is critically important that the translation occurs effectively to producers and agri-businesses, this translation is enabled through our teaching and learning programs, and our applied research. At the end of the day it is about increasing the quality and quantity of agri-food production in a responsible way. Our Ag sector is good at doing this and Olds College is proud to play a role,” comments Stuart.

“Working with the talented team of staff and faculty at the College, we want to create an Olds College smart agriculture ecosystem where we can establish a platform that will support agriculture technology and science development, scale up and demonstration. We will create this platform through leveraging our land, agriculture operation, and academic and applied research programming.” Stuart continues, “Underpinned by the Werklund Agriculture Institute, this ecosystem will create a cutting edge learning environment for our students. I’m looking forward to continue to work with our faculty, staff, donors and partners as we position Olds College as a leader in smart agriculture.”

A native of Three Hills Alberta, Stuart grew up on the farm. “The best part about growing up on a farm was the ability to engage in so many different experiences. You were never bored - if you were bored you’d be put to work,” comments Stuart with a chuckle. “I also learned from my parents a true appreciation for how food is grown and how to take care of the land and animals in order to be successful.”

Stuart and his wife, Bobbi, ran their own cow/ calf and turkey operation until 2009. “Having been young producers, we understood the pressures and rewards of being agri-business owners,” comments Stuart. “That perspective has been invaluable for my career, and especially now as we look to advance the way Olds College educates learners in the agriculture sector.”

In accepting the position of Olds College President, Stuart, his wife Bobbi and daughter Dani moved to the Olds area where they now reside on an acreage. Their son Blake stayed in Lethbridge, where he is attending the University of Lethbridge.

Fall 2017 7

Olds College Brewery

What’s on Tap In addition to our four core beers; Hay City Wheat Ale, Aggie Ale, Old Skhool Brown Ale, and Prairie Gold IPA, the Olds College Brewery has a number of seasonal beers available in the retail store, including limited edition brews from the Student Craft Beer Series and the new Brewmaster “School’s Out” Series.

Student Craft Beer Series The Student Craft Beer series allows students of the Olds College Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program to create and sell their own beers. From the recipe, through the brewing process, to the naming and marketing of the beer, these beers are a product of the skill, determination, and imagination of our students.

Brewmaster "School's Out" Series Our head Brewmaster, Jason (J.P.) Popesku, has created a series of limited run, special edition brews that appeal to the beer connoisseur.

Adventurous, bold, and difficult to find locally, the beers produced for the Brewmaster “School’s Out” Series are only available in our Retail Store in 500 ml bombers. Currently, there are two “School’s Out” beers available.

These beers are brewed in smaller batches, and as a result are available in limited quantities.

Pick one up today and try them for yourself!

Also Available, for a limited time: Altbierta Altbierta is a rich, malt-forward, amber German lager brewed with 100% Red Shed craft malts from Penhold, Alberta. This tasty lager features smooth biscuit and bread flavors with a moderate bitterness.

Oldstoberfest Reminiscent of Oktoberfestbiers created in Munich for Oktoberfest in Germany, this beer was created specifically for Oldstoberfest. This sessionable golden lager boasts a light malt sweetness and a crisp, dry finish. Despite the malt sweetness, there is balanced bitterness and light floral hop presence. This seasonal favorite is sure to please!

Experience More: ocbeer.ca 8 Olds College Horizons

Digital Horizons

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Editor’s note – If you wish to continue to receive your Horizons magazine in the mail, please contact us by telephone at 403.556.8232, Toll free at 1.800.661.6537 extension 8232, or by email at development@oldscollege.ca.

At Olds College, we pride ourselves on being innovative, and on the leading edge of trends in everything we do. Our alumni know that we operate this way in our classrooms, and our staff and faculty do outside of the classroom as well. Due to the overwhelming demand to be more environmentally conscious, and the wishes of our readers in the survey conducted in our Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 issues, Olds College Horizons will be distributed to you directly to your computer, tablet, or smart phone via email.

The first issue that will be sent out with our new electronic focus will be the Summer 2018 issue, so you will have one more issue after this magazine coming to your mailbox before we make the change.

Again, if you would prefer to keep receiving a paper copy of Horizons, please contact us and ask to remain on the Horizons mailing list.

We do recognize that not everyone has access to email, and that some do not check their email frequently and would prefer to continue to receive a hard copy of the magazine. If you feel as though you will not see your Horizons magazine in a timely fashion due to electronic distribution, please contact us and let us know that you would prefer to continue to receive Horizons in your mailbox.

Fall 2017 9

End of an Era

Instructor Will Smit Retires After 35 Years 1982 was a year to be remembered. In Canada, the Constitution Act was signed, in the United Kingdom Prince William was born, and in stores the first compact disc (CD) player was commercially available. We may not have realized it at the time, but it was a huge year for Olds College as well. 1982 was the year that Will Smit began his illustrious teaching career in our Trades department. Will specialized in our Heavy Equipment and Agricultural Equipment Technician Apprenticeship programs.

On August 4, 2017 - 35 years plus one day later - Will worked his last day at Olds College, having helped to train hundreds of Olds College graduates for their careers, and having impacted dozens of fellow faculty and staff members along the way.

During Will’s first year at Olds College: •

•

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Many of our most recognizable buildings, including the Land Sciences Building, Landscape Pavilion, John Deere Training Centre, and the Student Alumni Centre, were not built yet.

All of our students who lived on campus resided in Frank Grisdale Hall.

•

Seedlings were planted on campus that are now mature trees.

•

Our first President, Glen Crombie left Olds College, making way for Dr. Daniel J. Cornish to take over. In total, Will saw six Olds College Presidents.

“It would be easy to sit back and joke about how long Will was an instructor here - he was my first Olds College instructor after all,” reminisces Dan Daley, Olds College Dean of Trades. “But more impressive than the length of time he spent here, is that during that entire time, Will was always one of the first to understand the way new equipment worked.”

Will took the time to learn everything there was to know about the equipment he had to teach on. Despite changing technology and growing equipment, Will always seemed to be an expert on everything when it came to the equipment, and his students were the benefactors of that knowledge.

“He was a great instructor,” recalls Daley, “but also a great colleague.

He was always positive, helpful to new staff and students, and you could always tell when it was break time, because you would hear Will’s laughter echoing throughout the building.”

Will was the Colleges longest serving faculty member at the time of his retirement. He is now enjoying spending quality time with his family, especially his wife Sylvia, and their grandkids.

Will is still working at home on the farm, catching up on some repair work that is needed, and he hopes to find somewhere warm to wait out the cold Alberta winters. He might even invite Sylvia to join him.

Congratulations on your retirement Will!

Fall 2017 11

Landscape Horticulturalist Apprenticeship

Olds College Takes Gold at Skills Canada

The 23rd Annual Skills Canada National Competition was held on June 1 and 2 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Skills Canada is a national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices. Every year, more than 500 young Canadians from across the country compete in over 40 skilled trade and technology contest areas.

Fourth year Olds College Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship student Raymond de Kok earned the right to represent Team Alberta at the national competition by coming in top position in the Skills Alberta provincial competition. Raymond teamed up with coworker Adrian Sinke to represent Team Alberta in the Landscape Gardening Competition. The pair were mentored by Olds College alumnus Stephen Carlton and Olds College instructor Elizabeth Kawahara.

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Over the two-day event, the landscape horticulturist teams constructed a project that included a perimeter retaining wall, a deck, planter boxes, a patio, and plant material. The competitors were only allowed twelve hours to complete their project. Team Alberta finished the competition as Skills Canada National Champions, bringing home the Gold Medal and defeating teams from six other provinces.

International

Embracing Albertan Culture In July, the College typically seems quieter than throughout the school year, but this year was a different story. The International Department welcomed a group of 30 international students for four weeks during July. The 30 students ventured to Olds College from Mexico and brought with them an infectious energy as they learned about central Alberta, our culture, and our people. The group included post-secondary students, recent graduates, administrators and faculty members from across Mexico.

The students are a part of the Proyecta 10,000 program, an ambitious and transformational program offered by the Government of Mexico. The goal of the program is to have 10,000 Mexican undergraduate students, teachers and researchers study English as a Second Language (ESL) in Canada by 2018. In addition to studying ESL, the students have partaken in a number of cultural activities and field trips.

“The students made incredible progress on their English speaking skills,” beams Pablo Ortiz, Head of International at Olds College. “It helped to have to use English outside of the classroom.

They had to learn quickly to do a lot of day to day activities in the community, even going shopping presented a learning opportunity.”

In addition to studying ESL, the students had a number of uniquely Albertan experiences, including visiting Johnson Canyon near Banff, taking part in the Calgary Stampede, visiting the badlands of Drumheller, and even a trip to Edmonton to see the architecture of the Legislature, the Alberta Art Gallery, and the new downtown Rogers Place arena.

The students stayed in the Centennial Village student housing facility at the College, giving them the opportunity to truly experience central Albertan life.

“We are happy to have been in Olds instead of a big city,” explains student Maria Escobar. “Big cities are more geared towards tourists, and I was happy to see the real Canada instead of tourist spots.”

Staff volunteers took the group under their wing as well. Business Services employee Natalia Chiles taught the students the Texas Line Dance, and the students showed her a Mexican line dance in return.

When asked what he enjoyed most about his time in Alberta, Ricardo Garcia Galindo had a hard time narrowing it down.

“The Northern Lights were beautiful, it was like watching the sky sing, and in Johnson Canyon the size of everything was overwhelming. It is easy to see how small we really are when surrounded by so many bigger things. As much as I enjoyed the nature and enjoyed improving my English, I learned a lot about humanity as well. Sometimes people can look at others and think that they are different or that they have better opportunities, but we all want the same things - a better life, a happy family - we all want to be happy, and I met so many friendly people here.”

On their last day at Olds College, the group hosted a poetry reading in The Learning Commons. As part of their ESL training, the group was asked to write a poem in Spanish and translate it to English. A number of the students chose to present their beautiful poems in a public reading that was open to the College and the local community, including Ricardo, who presented his poem, “First World”.

Three of the students who took part in this program have committed to sit as part of our International Students Volunteer Committee going forward. They will be video conferencing with new international students, sharing tips on how to get the most of their experience at Olds College, especially as it pertains to making connections both within the College and in the community at large.

Fall 2017 13

Respecting our Roots

Olds College Establishes Indigenous Spaces for Students At Olds College, our goal is to foster an environment of mutual respect and trust among all learners. Indigenous students, along with members of faculty and staff, at the College have expressed a desire to have spaces on campus that reflect the rich history and culture that our Indigenous people bring. With respect to the recommendations put forth in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report (2015), it is both our desire and responsibility to support our indigenous learners in an honest, respectful and welcoming manner as they pursue their studies at Olds College.

We strive to learn from our indigenous students and their families and embrace opportunities to learn about indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. In step with our indigenous learners, we work to build credible and sustainable relationships with our indigenous communities.

Part of our mandate has been to work to help strengthen rural communities. This includes rural Indigenous communities such as Lubicon Lake and Sucker Creek, where Olds College held a Utility Tree Worker training program to help residents develop skills that help them gain employment. Other similar programs are currently in development.

This summer, the College developed two new spaces within its existing facilities to not only enhance our indigenous students’ experience at Olds College but also to show respect and provide educational opportunities for non-indigenous learners.

“It has taken us some time to reach this place. Our indigenous students and communities have brought forward their hopes and desires for themselves and/ or their children while studying at Olds College.

With their input, we have created these spaces that are to be inclusive learning environments where indigenous students can gather and celebrate and meet with elders but equally important these are spaces where non-indigenous students can come to learn more about our first peoples,” explains Nicola Millions-Hollamby, Instructor in the Olds College Land Agent Program. “I am excited to see a keen interest and desire to understand and celebrate rich indigenous cultures and ways of knowing that many of our indigenous students and their families bring to this campus.”

In June, members from both Siksika and Ermineskin First Nations worked together to erect a tipi in the Olds College Wetlands. A Siksika member crafted the canvas and directed the raising of the tipi, while a small group from Maskwacis provided the poles, stakes and pegs and helped to raise the structure. In only a few minutes, all 21 poles were erected, and the cover was draped over the structure. The space is available for students and the public to visit during the Olds College Constructed Wetlands hours.

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In September, the College opened the Indigenous Centre gathering place. All college students are invited to enjoy the space, unless it is being used for indigenous social gatherings, teaching and elder visits.

The books above the centre’s fireplace are part of a larger Indigenous Centre's and will be rotated on a regular basis. The Seven Sacred Teachings grace the walls of this room and guide the activities that occur in this space. Indigenous artwork is also a key feature of the room, which also includes a circular seating area in the centre of the room, reminiscent of talking or sharing circles, which many indigenous peoples use in their home communities. Artwork in the room was either purchased from indigenous artists or donated specifically for this space.

Olds College staff have worked closely with indigenous students over the last three to five years in establishing these spaces. Elders have visited both spaces and provided feedback. We hope that these new spaces on our campus will give our indigenous students some comfort while at Olds College, and will lead our faculty, staff and greater student body in developing a greater understanding of indigenous ways and assist them in incorporating this newly acquired knowledge into curriculum in meaningful and tangible ways.

Fall 2017 15

Beyond

Mountain View County Pledges Support to Olds College’s Werklund Agriculture Institute One of Olds College’s strongest supporters has once again committed to supporting Olds College students, programs and the viability of central Alberta. Mountain View County (MVC) has pledged its support to the College’s Beyond campaign through a $500,000 donation towards the Werklund Agriculture Institute (WAI).

“WAI at Olds College will be a hub for leadership, education, and applied research in smart agriculture, and will be the world’s premier destination for an integrated agriculture leadership learning experience,” explains Tanya McDonald, Vice President of Research and External Relations at Olds College. “This gift from MVC will utilize the matching component of the $16M donation made by David Werklund and Susan Norman in March of this year.”

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One of the unique elements of the learning experience within WAI is the Producer Mentor Program (PMP), in which students will partner with world class agriculture producers in a full year-long cycle of agriculture production. Students will be engaged in the application of smart agriculture practices, data gathering, analysis and critical decision making. A significant portion of the PMP will include production competitions which will take place annually. Thanks to the support of MVC on this project, this dedicated aspect of the WAI will be named as the “Mountain View County Production Competition Program”.

"We do believe that there is a role for government to invest in education and for government to support the efforts of the private sector and private individuals when they do the same,” explains Bruce Beattie, Reeve of Mountain View County. “These public – private partnerships can be beneficial in providing the programming and infrastructure necessary to deliver the educational components that ensure today’s and tomorrow’s learners are prepared for the ever-evolving world of modern agriculture".

This generous gift elevates Mountain View County’s lifetime giving total to over $1 Million. The County is now recognized at the Founder’s level for donating. Past support from Mountain View County has been allocated to student awards, the expansion of the National Meat Training Centre, and our Heavy Equipment Operator program.

“On behalf of Olds College, I would like to express our most sincere gratitude to Mountain View County for investing in Olds College, our students, and the future of Canadian agriculture by supporting smart agriculture,” stated Dr. H.J. (Tom) Thompson, Former President of Olds College. “The support that we have received from MVC is a testament to the strong partnership between our College and the County and to our shared values and commitment towards agriculture, community and economic development.”

Through the Beyond campaign, Olds College has set out to raise $40M to support world-class facilities, programming and partnerships that will create an enhanced student experience. The College’s goal is to raise this money by 2020, in support of four main projects, including The WAI, The Animal Health Education Centre, The Hub: Integrated Learning Commons, and The Community Wellness Campus.

Experience more: oldscollege.ca/beyond

Werklund Agriculture Institute The Werklund Agriculture Institute (WAI) will be the hub for leadership, education and applied research in Smart Agriculture. The WAI will include: the Werklund Growth Centre, a Thought Leader in smart agriculture and sustainability, a Producer Mentor Program, and a Agriculture & Food Enterprise.

The WAI is made possible thanks to the largest personal donation to a college or technical institute in Alberta history. The generosity of David Werklund and Susan Norman, has been intended to be leveraged significantly, encouraging other individuals, organizations and government to participate and contribute for the benefit of Olds College students, the industry and Western Canada.

WAI is part of the Olds College Beyond capital campaign.

Beyond is a mult-year fundraising campaign that will support world class facilities, programming and partnerships in our academic environment in pursuit of an enhanced student experience.

Go beyond with us: oldscollege.ca/beyond Fall 2017 17

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The 21st Century Homestead

College Alumna Sets Up in Yukon Léona Dargis is one of Olds College’s most accomplished recent alumni, having developed a reputation as a brilliant and innovative emerging leader in the Canadian Agriculture industry. A graduate of the Olds College Agribusiness (2005) and Bachelor of Applied Science (2007), Léona has been active in the industry since her days as a student. In 2013 she was the first to be inducted into the Olds College Alumni Association Hall of Merit. It was easy to see that Léona would make an impact after leaving Olds College, and she has done exactly that.

Léona has become a well-known international keynote speaker in the areas of agriculture and succession planning. In 2011 she was named a Canadian Nuffield Scholar, when she published her report Agriculture’s Future in the Hands of the Next Generation in addition to volunteering as the Honorary Next Generation Facilitator on the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC). Léona has had the opportunity to travel around the world, spending time in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Papua New Guinea, United Kingdom, Zambia, Malawi, and Kenya.

Now, she is undertaking a new challenge, as her ambitions have led her to establish a farm on the Alaska Highway, near Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory. Nearly three years ago the opportunity arose to purchase a quarter of land and make her way to a place that is rarely associated with agriculture, and is often incorrectly thought of as the “frozen north.”

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Fall 2017 19

“When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of farming done up here,” Léona recalls.

“The farms are no doubt smaller scale, thus focusing on the goals of locally grown produce and subsistence agriculture. There are farms here that have been operating for several generations, just like back home.”

Farming in the Yukon offers a number of challenges and differences than in the Prairie Provinces, most notably in the availability of agricultural supplies and services. In recent years there has been an increased effort to fill in this gap with efforts from the local Kubota dealership and Hurlburt Enterprises Inc who has become a certified dealer for UFA products. Keeping in mind that the closest UFA Farm & Ranch Store is in Grande Prairie, over 1,500 km away.

“When the little supplies we have in the north run short we find ourselves making custom orders from down south,” Léona mentioned, “For example, in efforts to try to save on costs a number of my neighbors and I purchased bulk seed and fertilizer together from Dawson Creek, BC which came with a $7,000 trucking bill.”

Despite the challenges, there are plenty of reasons to set up in the Yukon, including a beautiful landscape, and an agricultural industry that is seeing a great deal of growth driven by significant local demand. People want to buy fresh produce and local meats to support the urban and rural farmer. Many people have begun to build their own greenhouses and livestock production is increasing now that a small family owned and operated abattoir and butcher shop has been established.

20 Olds College Horizons

“Our summers are short but our days are long,” Léona describes, in reference to the long days and short nights seen in the Yukon summer. “Our longest day brings nearly 19 hours of sunlight near summer solstice, so once the crops start to grow, they take off. For those of us who do not irrigate our crops we hope for the rain to come.”

“This year was my second year growing an oat crop for green feed,” Léona explains. “I’ve have no problem in selling small square bales to other farmers and this year I sold the entire crop to Sky High Wilderness Ranch, a local tourism company that provides horseback riding in the summer and dogsledding in the winter.”

It might seem like another world, but in many ways, farming in the Yukon has presented itself with countless opportunities and Léona has big plans for the future.

“I feel lucky to have mentors like Dave and Tracey Andrew who have lived and farmed in the Yukon for many years and Steve Mackenzie-Grieve who owns and operates his family farming business the Yukon Grain Farm. They have offered their wisdom and advice freely, for which I am extremely grateful. We support each other and even though our agriculture industry is small I think we make a significant impact in our community.”

Léona is hoping to expand and diversify her farming operation in the future to feed and care for 25 horses belonging to NorthCurl Outfitters, a business she helps run with her fiancé Mac Watson.

For more information on Léona Dargis, you can visit her website, leonadargis.com

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Fall 2017 21

22 Olds College Horizons

Horticulture

Increased Demand Leads to Program Growth To stay in line with industry and student demand, Olds College has increased the capacity of its Horticulture programs. In 2016, the program received 83 total applications with a capacity of 30 students. In 2017, student capacity was expanded to 50 available seats.

Olds College has offered programs within the Horticulture field for over 50 years, exploring the production and management of plants, the management of pests, landscapes, soils and water systems to achieve productive and sustainable systems.

“Olds College has a history of offering programs that reflect the importance that we place on the world we live in,” explains Debbie Thompson, Olds College Vice President, Academic & Student Experience and Chief Innovation Officer. “We have seen significant growth in interest in our horticulture programs, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we have enough spaces available to meet industry and student demand.”

Olds College's Horticulture program is unique, with a blended curriculum of online delivery, face to face inquiry based learning, hands-on learning, to go along with industry field schools,” explains Dalin Bullock, Dean of Animal Sciences and Horticulture. “Graduates will be prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in the areas of horticulture crops, landscape design, construction and maintenance.”

“Sustainability, water management, production horticulture, and urban agriculture are vital elements of the world in which we live,” explains Bullock. “Increasing the availability of seats in these programs reflects the growth in the Agriculture and Horticulture industries, and we will continue to see this growth as the demand for food continues to escalate due to population growth and potential environmental factors.”

Experience more: oldscollege.ca/hort

The College offers three Horticulture designations – a Horticulture Technician Certificate, presented after the first year of study, a Horticulture Technologist Diploma after the second year of study, and a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree after four years.

Fall 2017 23

Agronomy

Student Displays Passion for Lifelong Learning At 82 years young, Ed Amos is not what you would expect when you think of an Olds College student. Ed began his working life by joining the Royal Canadian Navy, where he served for 22 years, including seven voyages through the Panama Canal. His first mission took him to the United Kingdom for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. After retiring from the Navy, he moved to Nova Scotia, and started a small farm that consisted of 110 acres of hayfield and mixed forestry, along with a 150 year old farmhouse.

“I began farming partially out of necessity,” recalls Ed. “It was something I always wanted to do, and something I was a passionate about.”

Ed raised his family on the small Nova Scotia farm, growing fruits and vegetables and operating a greenhouse up until 2011, when Ed and his wife decided that it was time to sell the farm and move to Alberta to be near their children and grandchildren.

24 Olds College Horizons

“I was retired for about six hours when I decided that I didn’t like it. So we decided to move out west to be near the family, and a part time job on a farm filled the need to be active. I didn’t realize at that time how different farming in Alberta would be to farming in Nova Scotia. The crops and equipment are totally different!”

Ed spent the next few years working as a farm hand for Olds College alumni Graham and Marlene Caskey near Oyen, Alberta.

“I was working on a lot of new equipment, and picking it up as I went along, but there were some pretty big gaps to fill. It was always a dream of mine to take college courses. So five years ago, I enrolled in the Olds College Agronomy Level One Certificate program.

The Agronomy Certificate program includes six required courses, the last being a field school. In the field school, students go out into the field and learn to take soil samples, classify the soil type, determine pH, find the depth of moisture penetration, identify insects as pests or beneficial, and more.

My classmates are a great bunch of young people too, and they helped me figure things out. Thanks to all of this help, I managed to stay on top of the course work. My typing skills still leave a lot to be desired.”

Ed is currently working as a Crop Adjuster with Canadian Hail Agencies, and thought the Agronomy Certificate would help to bring a better knowledge base to his position. Despite working in agriculture in Western Canada for years, it was still beneficial to receive specific training in Western Canadian crops.

Ed is on the job from late June through the end of September, depending on the weather. After the crop adjusting season is over, he works on a grain farm, seeding in the spring and harvesting in the fall.

“The field school portion of the agronomy certificate program is the keystone of the course,” Ed explains. “It was the hands on part that put everything into perspective. You can discuss, watch movies, and look at photographs, but when you go into the field is where you really learn.”

“Ed was an outstanding student,” exclaims Instructor Bob Hoffos.

“He was a positive influence in the classroom, and he got along well with everyone. I’m glad that we offer a program that he is passionate about and I am proud to have taught him.”

“This is the first time I’ve taken any College course, and I was pretty intimidated by the thought of it,” he explains. “I was worried about what the learning environment would be like, and how I would keep up with so much being done on computers these days. I was completely computer illiterate when I started the Agronomy course. The Olds College Learning Commons was a god send, they taught me a lot.

Experience more Agronomy: oldscollege.ca/ continuing-education/agriculture

Perhaps the most valuable thing Ed learned, is that learning is a lifelong endeavour. It doesn’t stop with age, and anyone at any age still has the ability to learn. Ed completed his field school in July, and has completed the Agronomy Certificate program.

Fall 2017 25

A History of Partnership

Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H It was one hundred years ago that Olds College’s first Principal, W.J. Elliot, introduced the first 4-H club to Alberta, the Olds Junior Pig Club. In the past century, both organizations have worked towards the common goals empowering young people through hands on learning, and developing strong rural communities. Also in that time, thousands of 4-H club members have visited the Olds College campus as a part of Club Week, Judging Competitions, Selections, and countless other 4-H events. Many of those 4-H’ers would go on to become Olds College students and graduates, working towards the same goals that have made Olds College and 4-H Alberta such great partners and friends.

Our shared commitment to helping young people develop technical skills, leadership and entrepreneurial qualities, and, high level communication and teamwork skills, while following the 4-H motto, “Learn to do by Doing”, has resulted in long term success for both institutions, and a partnership that we are proud of.

4-H Alberta celebrated throughout the year with events across the province, including 4-H Alberta Centennial Fever in Olds in August. As part of the celebrations, the 4-H Cairn located on our campus was rededicated.

On behalf of all Olds College students, staff, and alumni, congratulations to 4-H Alberta on reaching your centennial year. We look forward to continuing to work together.

26 Olds College Horizons

Dr. Nikki Cook

Woman of Excellence On the evening of Wednesday, June 7, 25 exceptional women from across central Alberta were recognized for outstanding contributions and achievements that have helped to shape the well-being and future of the region and the community. One of the women recognized was Dr. Nikki Cook, Olds College Land & Water Resources instructor. She was recognized in the Environment category due to her commitment to the preservation and improvement of the natural environment.

Dr. Cook received her Ph.D. in Environmental Soil Science from McGill University in 1998. Throughout her career she has been involved in the environmental industry by working to clean up contaminated soils and deal with hazardous waste as a consultant, researcher, and educator. She has authored and coauthored various papers related to environmental reclamation and remediation and has presented at conferences in North America, Europe and Australia.

“Anyone familiar with Dr. Cook knows that she is passionate about preserving and protecting our soil,” describes Dr. Barb Mullholland, Dean of Agribusiness, Land and Fashion at Olds College.

“Obviously this is an important component of environmental sustainability. She continues to be an inspiration to her students, fellow instructors and industry peers, through her stewardship for our environment.”

Congratulations to Dr. Cook, 2017 Woman of Excellence.

Experience more Land & Environment: oldscollege.ca/land-environment

Continuing Education At Olds College, we believe in lifelong learning. Whether it is personal development, professional development or corporate training, it is our goal to offer accessible, affordable education and training through continuing education.

Our Continuing Education department offers short courses, distance learning, evening classes and online programs to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

With programs based in agriculture, animal sciences, horticulture, business, land & environment, trades, fibre arts, in our National Meat Training Centre, and more, there is something for everyone at Olds College.

View our calendar for a complete schedule of courses.

Experience more: oldscollege.ca/continuing-education Fall 2017 27

Student Wellness

Government Announces Long Term Support Olds College welcomed the Minister of Advanced Education, Marlin Schmidt, back to Olds College on September 5 – the first day of the fall semester, in order to make a large announcement from the Government of Alberta. The results from the announcement will include increased mental health support, thanks to new long term equitable government funding.

The Government of Alberta will provide $135,000 each year for three years to Olds College to improve mental health supports on campus. This funding is part of the overall $25.8 million investment between 2017-20 to protect and improve mental health resources to post-secondary students at publicly funded institutions across Alberta. This is a sharp contrast to previous years, where mental health support funding was provided to students through a $35,000 grant given to the Students’ Association of Olds College via an Alberta Students’ Executive Council government grant to support mental health initiatives.

28 Olds College Horizons

“Our government’s increased investment in student mental health programs is an important commitment to help students succeed,” explained Minister Schmidt. “Mental health challenges have a significant impact on far too many students, and we are making these public investments so all students across the province have access to these programs when they need them.”

In June 2017, Government of Alberta announced new equitable funding that significantly increases and improves mental health supports for post-secondary students across Alberta.

“Understanding and promoting positive mental health, while providing easy access to a variety of resources and supports, is critical to student success” explained Olds College President Stuart Cullum. “Thanks to the long term funding commitment from the Government of Alberta, we can be confident going forward that our students will continue to have mental health and wellness supports available to them.”

Students’ Association of Olds College President Cassidy Kirsch agrees with the sentiments of President Cullum, stating “today’s post-secondary students experience an increasing amount of stress and anxiety from their classes, moving away from home and economic pressures. It is crucial that our colleges and universities work with students to provide mental health and wellness resources that will help everyone achieve success. Thank you to Alberta Advanced Education and Olds College for working with the Students' Association in recognizing the difficulties that students can face and establishing support systems to assist students.”

The 2016 National College Health Assessment survey conducted at 10 post-secondary institutions across the province showed high incidences of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. With good mental health supports in place, mental well-being is linked to academic achievement, learning, retention and future achievement.

Community Wellness Campus Understanding and promoting positive mental health and providing easy access to a variety of wellness resources is an important factor in supporting the success of our students. In collaboration with public and private partners, the Community Wellness Campus (CWC) at Olds College will improve access to mental health and other wellness supports for staff, students and the community; reduce the strain on off-campus health services; and create opportunities to learn about mental health and wellness.

As a destination campus the majority of our students arrive from out of community. It is our goal to create a welcoming, open, safe campus for everyone; where students feel seen and heard.

CWC is part of the Olds College Beyond capital campaign.

Beyond is a mult-year fundraising campaign that will support world class facilities, programming and partnerships in our academic environment in pursuit of an enhanced student experience.

Go beyond with us: oldscollege.ca/beyond Fall 2017 29

Professional Development

Low Stress Animal Care and Positive Veterinary Care A trip to the vet can be one of the most stressful times in the life of a pet.

Memories of previous experiences, a new and unknown environment, and strange people and animals all contribute to anxiety in the vet’s office.

It is crucial for office staff to understand this pet anxiety, and to work in a manner that not only minimizes additional stresses, but helps the pet to soothe and relax. Olds College Animal Sciences staff and faculty recently had the opportunity to learn about Low Stress Handling and Positive Veterinary Care from renowned veterinarian and animal behaviour specialist Dr. Sally Foote.

A Certified Animal Behaviour Consultant and Certified Feline Behaviour Consultant, Dr. Foote has developed and implemented a number of low stress and pet friendly handling procedures into her veterinary clinic, and has witnessed a major difference in being able to help clients with their pet’s behaviour. She quickly learned that this would allow her to help clients improve their dog’s behaviour, and that for many, trips to the veterinarian did not become a fear inducing experience.

Low Stress Handling and Positive Veterinary Care are crucial in today’s veterinary practices. These skills help to better serve clients, increase business, and lower incidents in the workplace. By making the pet more comfortable in the clinic, it is much easier to work with them, and workers spend less time trying to get the pet to do what they need to do for testing purposes. Low Stress Handling is about recognizing the signs of fear and anxiety in cats and dogs, and identifying common errors that workers might make when approaching an anxious or fearful pet. It teaches workers to learn to approach and handle pets in a relaxed, non-threatening manner. It isn’t only about the actions of individual workers, it is about identifying potential stresses in the veterinary practice - how the smells, sounds, surroundings, and even other pets and clients affect the stress in these patients, and discovering ways to create a more calm, safe environment. Most importantly, Dr. Foote’s Low Stress Handling training taught staff and instructors a number of new types of body control, so that the worker can properly hold the pet without hurting them or making them uncomfortable.

One aspect of Low Stress Handling is creating a proper handling plan. Understanding your pet’s motivation for its behaviour is an important part of creating a handling plan. Creating a treatment plan allows for everyone interacting with the pet to know the best ways to interact with the animal. This reduces stress for everyone involved - health care workers, the owner, and most importantly, the pet itself.

30 Olds College Horizons

“Working with Dr. Foote confirmed that the staff and instructors in our animal health programs are on the right track to teaching our students the correct, most effective way to understand animal behavior," explains Becky Taylor, instructor in the Animal Health, Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Medical Receptionist programs. “It is so important for us to work with them in a way that minimizes stress and makes each interaction with us a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Without a doubt, using low stress handling techniques is better for animal care professionals, better for the animal owning public and most importantly, better for the animals we care for.”

Dr. Foote’s expertise brought a number of new techniques for faculty and staff to bring to students in future intakes of the Olds College animal health programs. It is crucial that students learn that everyone working with pets in high anxiety situations understand that every reaction - from picking up, to moving, restraining, or even just approaching an animal, affects their perception of you and their willingness to cooperate. Dr. Foote’s training will result in students learning new ways to position and move their bodies and adjust their movement to provide the direction and guidance that the animals need.

Experience more: oldscollege.ca/animals

Continuing Education

Technical Large Animal Rescue Training Olds College Continuing Education hosted a Technical Large Animal Rescue Training course in May, with rescue professionals and farm workers in attendance for the four day course.

Day one of the program was set aside for teaching basic behaviours and scene management, to ensure that everyone understood the unpredictable nature of undertaking a rescue, especially when working with large animals.

The next three days were an Operations course, intended for working professionals such as rescue workers, veterinary professionals, and animal control officers. These days included discussing actual scenarios - including barn rescues in the case of fire, rescues from mud, water, and overturned trailers, and more.

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training will be offered again in May 2018.

Experience more: oldscollege.ca/tlaer

Animal Health Education In 1975 the Olds College Animal Sciences building opened its doors; offering one program to 25 students. Over 40 years later, the demand for animal health professionals across Canada has grown exponentially. Today, the same facilities serve over 175 students and five Animal Health programs.

Each year Olds College has between 130 and 200 qualified applicants who sit on a waiting list for available seats in our animal health programs. There is an industry need for over 10,000 Veterinary technologists in Canada.

Animal Health Education is part of the Olds College Beyond capital campaign.

Beyond is a mult-year fundraising campaign that will support world class facilities, programming and partnerships in our academic environment in pursuit of an enhanced student experience.

Go beyond with us: oldscollege.ca/beyond Fall 2017 31

Millennium Equestrian

Alumni Establishes Boarding, Training and Rehabilitation Centre Sarah Boyer graduated from the Equine Science program with an English Horsemanship Major in 2011. Only three years later, her vision and determination led to the opening of Millennium Equestrian, where she focuses on boarding, lessons, and conditioning and rehabilitation.

Sarah has always been a “horse girl.” At only six years old, she begged her parents to let her start riding lessons. They made her wait until she was 10, but once she started, she was immediately hooked. She would spend hours cleaning her boots and brushes, and she would even iron her own riding clothes before her lessons.

“After my first lesson ever, my wonderful coach told my mom that I was one of the most natural riders he had ever seen,” she recalls. “I didn’t stop smiling for days.”

Sarah’s love of horses initially had her considering veterinary school, where she would specialize in equine. She pursued this up until the end of high school, when after a great deal of thought and debate, she decided instead that she wanted to invest her time and money into becoming a trainer and equine professional.

“I remember applying to University and thinking ‘what if I finish my undergraduate degree and don’t get into Veterinarian school? What if I was so overwhelmed with schoolwork that I didn’t have time to go to the barns and ride regularly?’

I had to look at what I truly wanted from life, and it became obvious to me at that time that my passion for horses would be better served by becoming a trained equine professional.

I decided that I wanted to own my own facility someday, but it would never happen as a veterinarian as I would not have the time to dedicate to it.”

32 Olds College Horizons

Sarah made the choice to diverge from the “safe” choice of veterinary school to the riskier road of becoming an entrepreneur. She knew it would be a lot of hard work, but she was prepared. Upon graduation, Sarah took a job with ATB Financial and began coaching riding in the evenings and weekends to help establish a client base. It took a lot of work outside of her day job, but soon her client base began to grow, to the point where she knew that she could open her facility. Now, she is hoping to grow her client base and bring awareness to her business.

“My education at Olds College gave me the confidence to go out into the industry feeling prepared,” explains Sarah. “The Equine Science program provides students with the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable professionals who have industry experience and give you realistic expectations on what you need to do to be successful. Without Olds College I would not be where I am today.”

Millennium Equine is built on three main services; boarding, coaching and training, and the recently added rehabilitation and conditioning.

Sarah looked at the boarding industry and took everything that had frustrated her as a consumer, and changed them to help make boarding horses easier and with less stress on the consumer and the horses. She has options to board horses in pasture, a shared paddock, individual paddock, or indoor stalls, with all boarding including unlimited use of the arena and wash rack, a tack locker or storage for tack lockers and saddle stands, feed, scheduled medical appointments, including farrier work, massage therapy and chiropractic care, and around the clock care.

Lessons are available for anyone – even if you don’t own a horse yet, or aren’t sure if riding is for you. Group and individual lessons and coaching are available for all experience levels.

We also provide coaching in multiple disciplines for those who currently own their own horse as well as provide training, from young horses to problem horses.

Rehabilitating horses has become a passion of Sarah’s. Adding rehabilitation and conditioning services has provided Sarah and her staff with many opportunities to continue to expand their overall knowledge of horses in all aspects. They have some unique equipment at Millennium Equestrian including a water treadmill for equine hydrotherapy, and an infrared solarium that has allowed them to provide programs for people with horses who have injuries, lameness, or undiagnosed issues they cannot find a solution for.

“Our water treadmill and infrared solarium have made us one of the more innovative facilities in the province,” Sarah explains. “There are other rehabilitation facilities but we are able to provide these services to our boarded horses as well which is a very unique opportunity for our clients.”

Sarah is hoping to continue to grow Millennium Equestrian, and hopes to do so by offering the best variety of services and top tier care for all animals under her care. Her success can be attributed to a number of factors, including her work ethic and expertise, but it truly comes down to working with her clients and horses.

“Before coming to Millennium my daughter was at a crossroads in her development as a rider,” testifies client Charlotte Moller. “She was struggling with managing her horse and had lost confidence in herself. Just six months later she has never been happier and more confident. Sarah is an incredibly knowledgeable, kind, patient, and competent coach. The facility is lovely. We absolutely love boarding our horse here, it feels like family.”

Millennium Equestrian is located near Carstairs, AB. Learn more about Millennium at millenniumequestrian.com Fall 2017 33

Research and Innovation

What can TAC do for Livestock Producers?

The Technical Access Centre for Livestock Production (TAC) at Olds College helps address industry issues around production efficiency, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability by giving livestock producers, technology developers, and small to medium enterprises access to expertise, facilities, testing services, training, and emerging smart agriculture technologies.

To facilitate and accelerate the Canadian livestock industries adoption of new technology the TAC provides field-testing and improvement of emerging technologies in ‘farm-like’ conditions assisting companies with the testing of feed, genetics, and precision livestock farming technology.

The TAC offers several applied research services for producers and industry including: Producer Training - TAC can give producers the opportunity to interact with innovative products, new technology, and industry experts, giving them the knowledge base and confidence to adopt new tools into their operations. TAC can use learning spaces in conjunction with our Beef and Livestock Centres to create a unique hands-on learning experience like no other.

Student Focus Groups - Many Olds College Students have a focus on Agriculture or related industries. TAC can work with student focus groups to gain valuable insights into the thoughts, ideas, and motivations of this demographic. This insight can then be used for product design, marketing, and policy formation.

Beef and Small Ruminant Pen Trials - Our staff and researchers work closely to ensure that adequate livestock are procured to meet the specific requirements of a trial, and that animals feed and handling protocols do not influence results.

Livestock Procurement - Depending on the type and length of trial, the TAC can arrange for any type of trial or testing needs. Livestock can be either loaned, leased, or bought for trials.

34 Olds College Horizons

Trial Protocol Development and Validation The TAC research team will determine and define a set of procedures and practices to scientifically test a product, concept, or idea, and will develop and validate specific protocols using scientific data. This will allow us to test a specific product, concept, or idea.

Third-Party Verification and Field Testing As an independent organization, TAC can provide an unbiased assessment of a product and its performance by using sound experimental design to scientifically test an item in the lab, or in the farm settings at the college.

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) Testing for Beef and Small Ruminants - RFI refers to the difference between an animal's actual feed intake and its expected feed requirements for maintenance and growth, and can be by TAC staff using GrowSafe Systems™ technology. Efficient animals that eat less while gaining wait will have a lower RFI score. This data can be used to select animals that will produce offspring that will inherit this feed efficiency trait. Some purebred associations will offer an Expected Progeny Difference, or EPD, based on a RFI score.

Experience more: oldscollege.ca/tac

Rodeo

Celebrating 50 Years The Olds College Rodeo Team is celebrating its 50th season this year, and they are doing it in style! The rodeo club will be hosting a total of five rodeos this year, more than doubling the number of rodeos hosted in previous years.

“What’s amazing is that there are so many people in western Canada who have been through our program,” explains head coach Jason Page. “Guys like Ky Marshall and Al Bouchard, who went through the program and used our facilities to train and polish their skills, and then went on to follow their Olds College Rodeo career with a pro career. We hope to welcome our alumni back to celebrate our 50th Anniversary together.”

The team is expecting to have success this year, as there are a number of highly skilled rodeo athletes on the team.

“We have some potential pros in our program again this year,” explains Page. “We hope to repeat our success from last year, where one of our Bull Riders, J.B. Moen, took home the national championship. We are also excited to welcome Shaylee Mcmann, a professional barrel racer and our newest rodeo superstar!”

The Brawn Family Arena will host all of the events this year, including Buckles for Barrels.

The Buckles for Barrels events will take place on the day prior to every rodeo hosted by the Rodeo Club this year, with doors opening at 5pm for warm up with a 7pm start.

Rodeo Schedule November 25/26, 2017 February 3/4, 2018 February 17/18, 2018 March 3/4, 2018 March 24, 2018 (Alumni Rodeo)

All Alumni are invited to attend our Alumni Rodeo, and the banquet that follows as a participant or as a spectator!

Experience more: oldscollege.ca

Fall 2017 35

Photo credit: George Pimentel 36 Olds College Horizons

Fashion Institute

Kayley Champagne, White Cashmere Collection Finalist Olds College was one of eleven post-secondary institutions from across the nation who had students compete in the prestigious White Cashmere Collection 2017 competition. Now celebrating its 14th year as an international platform to discover and promote Canada’s brightest fashion stars, the White Cashmere Collection has featured more than 165 notable Canadian fashion designers prior to this year’s competition. More than 150 students from 11 design schools from across Canada took part in the design challenge.

The contest is unique in that the exclusive, internationally acclaimed showcase for Canada’s top fashion designers called on students to demonstrate their creativity, technical proficiency and design devotion to reflect their interpretations of iconic Canadian style through the design and creation of original couture crafted with White Cashmere brand bathroom tissue. The competition is also unique in that it has supported the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF), now known as the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), since the collection’s debut in 2004, and is the annual kickoff to October Breast Cancer Month.

Second year Fashion Apparel student Kayley Champagne was selected as the Olds College White Cashmere finalist. The judging team greatly admired her construction techniques, interpretation, grading and the inspirational story of resilience in Kaley’s garment.

Kayley’s garment was shipped to Toronto for the September 28th VIP Fashion Show which featured sixteen students from across the nation.

“My inspiration for this gown was derived from the feeling of being Canadian,” explains Kayley. “I wanted to capture what that meant to me and tried to reflect that in several components of the gown.”

Kayley was shocked to learn that her gown was selected to represent Olds College in the VIP Fashion Show.

“I put everything I have creatively into this gown,” she beams. “I had some pretty tough competition. It was definitely a surreal moment when I learned I was selected. It is a huge honour to represent Olds College and such an important cause.”

Kayley worked alongside former competitor and renowned garment designer Paul Hardy, who served as her mentor, preparing the students for the competition.

Other schools participating in the competition included George Brown College, Ryerson University, and Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario; Collège La Salle, Cégep Marie-Victorin in Montréal, Quebec; Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Blanche Macdonald Centre, Visual College of Art and Design of Vancouver in British Columbia; Lethbridge College, and Olds College in Alberta; and Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

The upward position of the textile on the body portion of the gown represents our Northern position and the strength that comes with it. The bottom of the gown represented feathers which to First Nations people represents trust, strength, honour, and freedom among other qualities, all of which represent Canada. The ropes in the separate collar piece represent the ties that bind us to Canada, our roots if you will, and are deliberately loose to show we are always connected but never bound.

Fall 2017 37

2017 Golf Classic Sponsors

Thank You! Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Hole-in-One Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

38 Olds College Horizons

Upcoming Events

Program Preview Days Friday, February 2, 2018 Equine programs Friday, February 9, 2018 Animal Science programs Friday, March 2, 2018 Business programs Thursday, March 8, 2018 (Calgary Campus) Fashion programs Friday, March 23, 2018 Agriculture programs Friday, March 23, 2018 Land programs Friday, April 6, 2018 Trades programs Friday, April 6, 2018 Horticulture programs

For more information or to register for Open House or Program Preview Days, please email info@oldscollege.ca or call 1-800-661-6537

Rodeo November 25/26 February 3-4 February 17/18 March 3/4 March 24 Alumni Rodeo

Check gobroncos.ca for full Olds College Broncos Athletics schedules!

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November 28 Supporting the Werklund Agriculture Institute (WAI) After the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is a time to celebrate and encourage activities that support charities and not for profits.

With the support of our alumni, friends, industry and government partners, and other friends of Olds College, we will establish the Werklund Agriculture Institute (WAI), a hub for leadership, education and applied research in smart agriculture.

The WAI includes four components: the Werklund Growth Centre, a Thought Leader in smart agriculture and sustainability, a Producer Mentor Program, and a Agriculture & Food Enterprise.

For every three dollars donated to the Werklund Agriculture Institute, the project will receive one dollar via matching incentives established by David Werklund and Susan Norman.

Once established, the WAI will be self-sustaining through a sustainability fund that will be established as part of funds raised.

Go beyond with us: oldscollege.ca/beyond

Donations can be made online: givingtuesday.ca/partners/olds-college2

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