(Scott Bauer photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Trio of groups proposes Alberta-based agrifood ‘supercluster’

Agrium, Olds College and global satellite communications corporation MDA have submitted an application to the federal government to form an agrifood “supercluster.” The Liberal government committed up to $950 million (over five years) in its March budget to create hubs that would focus on key economic sectors in an effort to kickstart investment, boost exports […] Read more

If it is happening in research, it is happening here in Alberta

The list of research centres is long and varied — and all of them 
are part of our competitive advantage


Reading Time: 3 minutes Alberta is a hive of exciting and interesting research activity that is a benefit to agriculture and society. From bees to bovines, we employ world-class scientists who work with enthusiastic producer groups. Livestock (under the federal definition) includes bees, and the National Bee Diagnostic Centre is in Alberta, a partnership between the Grande Prairie Regional […] Read more


Olds College to create ‘smart agriculture’ centre

Reading Time: < 1 minute Olds College has been given a $16-million donation it will use to create an institute specializing in ‘smart agriculture.’ The Werklund Agriculture Institute will use big data, technology, and enhanced Internet connectivity to increase the quality and quantity of agricultural production. The funding is a gift from David Werklund, an entrepreneur best known for his […] Read more



Although livestock clubs remain the foundation of 4-H, there are now 35 projects that members can undertake.

For 4-H Alberta, the past 100 years have flown by

Reading Time: 3 minutes When W.J. Elliott arrived in Alberta to become the first president of Olds College, he quickly decided he needed to enlist supporters for his bid to modernize agriculture in the province. So he started Alberta’s first 4-H club — the Olds Junior Pig Club. “He had noticed that there were some poor livestock genetics in […] Read more

Canned mushrooms.

Use for spent grains garners award

Reading Time: < 1 minute Turning spent grains left over from beer making into a substrate for growing mushrooms had earned an Olds College student business a $20,000 TEC VenturePrize award. “Traditionally, spent grains used in the production of beer have been looked upon as a waste byproduct,” said Alex Villeneuve, a student in the college’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations […] Read more


Two newly tagged cattle walk under an archway equipped with ultra-high-frequency RFID readers that record their data during field testing with SAIT RADLab industry partner CL Ranches.

Taking cattle tag reading to the next level

Forget reading one tag at a time, this technology can track every member of a herd going down an alley at once

Reading Time: 3 minutes Cattle producers could save themselves a fair bit of time and money — if they’re willing to make the shift from standard low-frequency RFID tags to a new ultra-high-frequency alternative. “The typical button tag has been around for a long time and works very well, but it’s in a low-frequency spectrum and the read range […] Read more

Prepare for a successful future with Selections 2016

Send 4-H Diaries and registration submissions by Feb. 15

Reading Time: < 1 minute Attention senior members, registration is open now for Selections 2016! How would you like to partake in a journey of self-discovery? Through small-group discussions, team-building exercises, and large-group presentations, you will investigate your future; how school, career, and personal choices and change can affect your life’s path. Join other 4-H senior members from across Alberta […] Read more


grain sample dish

Learn the ins and outs of grain grading with ‘Making the Grade’

Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Barley, the Alberta Wheat Commission and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission are holding a one-day workshop on July 28 to help producers get the best grade for their grain. Making the Grade will be held at Olds College and include hands-on sessions from experienced industry speakers on barley, wheat, and canola grading and agronomy. […] Read more

marbled piece of beef with a carving knife

SAIT and Olds College upgrade meat program facilities

Dean expects the program to more than double in capacity

Reading Time: 2 minutes In the meat and livestock industry, efficiency leads to increased productivity, which often leads to increased profitability. All three are key factors behind the SAIT meat lab renovations and the Olds College meat-processing lab equipment upgrade. SAIT originally offered a 15-week meat-cutting program strictly focused on the retail meat industry. With the addition of the […] Read more