The Alberta government is investing more than $7 million to expand and modernize hands-on agricultural training at Lakeland College, provincial officials announced on June 29.
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The funding, allocated for the 2026-27 fiscal year, will support major upgrades to the beef yard and relocate horse pen facilities at the college’s Vermilion campus to keep pace with growing regional workforce demands.
“Institutions like Lakeland College keep rural communities strong by connecting Albertans to education and careers close to home,” advanced education minister Myles McDougall said. “This investment strengthens those institutions, expands modern training spaces and builds Alberta’s workforce.”
The upgrades will significantly increase capacity at the beef yard. Originally built to handle 60 students and 100 cows, the facility currently supports more than 80 students and 220 cows. Officials said the horse pen relocation will replace aging infrastructure with modern, purpose-built spaces designed to improve animal care and student safety.
Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer emphasized the importance of the upgrades, noting that the province’s agricultural sector relies heavily on practical training that reflects modern industry realities.
Lakeland College and external partners are contributing an additional $1.83 million toward the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, with full completion expected by November 2028.
Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College, said the provincial support is instrumental in advancing the revitalization of the college’s student-managed farm lab.
“These investments will enhance the hands-on experiences that set Lakeland apart, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead the future of agriculture,” Wainwright-Stewart said.
Lakeland College serves east-central Alberta and enrolled more than 4,000 full- and part-time students during the 2024-25 academic year.
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