Impact Report 2025
Leading Agriculture in Canada
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been a leader in hands-on, industry-focused education deeply rooted in agriculture for over a century.
At Olds College, agriculture is more than farming and ranching — it is a dynamic and interconnected system that sustains communities, fuels innovation and shapes the future of trades, food, land and resource management.
Technology is revolutionizing modern agriculture across the world, making it smarter, more efficient and sustainable. As one of Canada’s few postsecondary institutions focused exclusively on agriculture, Olds College plays a vital role in strengthening national food security through workforce development and innovative research that supports a strong agricultural economy.
Through world-class education, leading-edge applied research and strategic investments in our campus, we are ensuring our students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We’re all part of agriculture, every day.
IDENTITY:
Olds College exists to educate and train learners to become the next generation of agricultural professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.
VISION: Advancing agriculture for a better world.
MISSION:
Olds College creates the next generation of agriculture leaders by developing talent, advancing knowledge, and championing stewardship and sustainability.
Land Acknowledgement
Oki, Tannishi, Tawâw
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology humbly acknowledges that it is located on Treaty 7 territory of the Niitsitapi, including Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations. We respectfully recognize the Nations of Tsuut’ina and Îyarhe Nakoda. This land is home to Otipemisiwak Metis Nation of Alberta, District 3.
We honour the deep histories, cultures and contributions of all peoples as we all walk together in the journey of truth and reconciliation.
Message from the President
At Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, education and innovation have always been deeply rooted in agriculture.
In my first year as President and CEO, I’ve been reminded why this College is so special — a place that shapes the future of agriculture through innovation, hands-on learning and community. Everywhere I look, I see students eager to learn, faculty and staff bringing their best, and partners supporting us in new ways.
This year, we welcomed more learners than ever before through our three schools, industry training and continuing education programs, and dual credit offerings — each contributing to a vibrant and diverse campus community. We enhanced our programming, expanded hands-on learning opportunities on our 3,300-acre Smart Farm and grew our applied research in ways that make a real difference for producers and the agriculture sector.
From major capital projects taking shape — such as our W.J. Elliott Trades Building Modernization — to new collaborations emerging, 2025 has been a year defined by momentum and possibility.
Guided by our three-year strategic plan, Deep Roots, Bold Futures, we are reaffirming our agricultural foundation while driving innovation, sustainability and technology in the sector. Through purposeful leadership, strong partnerships, and continued support for students and staff, we are preparing the next generation of leaders, advancing applied research and strengthening our role as Canada’s Smart Agriculture College.
I am proud to present our first Olds College Impact Report, celebrating the achievements, collaborations and passion that make our College remarkable. This report highlights the progress we have made, the partnerships we have nurtured and the passion that defines our community.
Together, we are building bold futures and transforming agriculture for a better world.
Dr. Debbie Thompson
President & CEO,
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
Olds College at a Glance
At Olds College, agriculture is not just a stand alone program offered by a single faculty — it’s part of every school on our campus and it defines our campus environment.
We are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College.
Established in 1913
Ranked among the TOP 20 research colleges in Canada
1 CAMPUS + 3 SCHOOLS + INDUSTRY TRAINING & EDUCATION
• School of Trades & Skills
• School of Life Science & Business
• Werklund School of Agriculture Technology
• Industry Training & Continuing Education
• Dual Credit Programming
A joint initiative with Concordia University of Edmonton, Olds College offers learners in Edmonton an accessible path to business education while they continue working in a flexible evening program.
PROGRAMMING AREAS INCLUDE:
• Agriculture
• Agriculture Technology
• Horticulture
• Food Production
• Land & Environmental Management
• Animal Health
• Equine Studies
• Business
• Trades OLDS COLLEGE OFFERS:
• Certificates & Micro-Credentials
• Diplomas
• Degrees
• Apprenticeship Training
• Dual Credit Courses
CAMPUS INCLUDES:
15 acres of wetlands
15 greenhouses
Indigenous Services at Olds College hosts special cultural events for students, staff and community members in the Gathering Room throughout the year.
93% of graduates are employed
94% of programs have work-integrated learning opportunities
19 ponds 3,300 acre Smart Farm
SMART FARM = 3,300 acres in 5 different geographic locations across 2 provinces
On-campus tours and conferences welcomed over 3,000 individuals from 34 countries.
Campus visits and tours for delegations from the United States, Philippines, Caribbean, Australia & Africa.
The College is home to the Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI), a nationally recognized research ecosystem, and the Olds College Smart Farm.
Olds College Impact Report
2025-28 Strategic Plan at a Glance
In June 2025, Olds College launched its new three-year strategic plan Deep Roots, Bold Futures. After months of listening, learning and engaging with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, industry, community and government, one message became clear — the strength of Olds College lies in our agricultural roots.
This plan reaffirms our foundation in agriculture while positioning the College to meet the rising demand for innovation, sustainability and technology in the sector. Deep Roots, Bold Futures is built around three strategic priorities.
2025-28 Strategic Plan: Deep Roots, Bold Futures
Purposeful Leadership in Supporting Our Students & Our People
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
These guiding principles support the operationalizing of the strategic plan across the campus.
AGRICULTURE FOCUSED
Olds College’s identity is rooted in being Canada’s premier integrated agriculture and agricultural technology institution as defined.
DOMESTIC ENROLMENT
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The College aims to grow and support the Canadian learner base as a foundation for long-term sustainability.
OWN SOURCE REVENUE
With a focus on high quality teaching and learning, the Academic Plan provides broad focus areas and goals for academics.
ENHANCING PEOPLE EXPERIENCE & WORKPLACE EFFECTIVENESS
With post-secondary funding models changing, the College must generate revenue beyond tuition and government grants while staying aligned with its mission.
Olds College is committed to fostering a collaborative, College-first culture that delivers value for employees and supports institutional success.
PRIORITY #1
Purposeful Leadership in Agricultural Education
Supporting Current & Future Leaders in Agriculture
Olds College manages $21.5 million in endowment funds from our generous donors including interest earned. In 2025, these endowments were used to fund the following expenditures for our students, staff, community and facilities:
• Scholarships & Awards $428,553
• Faculty Professional Development $183,524
• Capital Projects $174,920
• Academic Programming (supplies & supports) $32,378
• Industry Outreach $99,236
• Student & Alumni Events $8,778
CREDIT LEARNERS
Olds College enrolment has grown steadily since 2021 through new infrastructure and updated programming.
IN 2024-25, OLDS COLLEGE HAD:
3,561 total students 1,020 dual credit learners
375 apprenticeship students
The College hosted 134 employers and over 1,200 student participants at two career fairs held on campus in November 2024 and February 2025.
NON-CREDIT LEARNERS
Industry Training & Continuing Education ensures industry-aligned education is available with flexible delivery allowing learners to upskill for current employment needs or reskill for future roles.
In the 2024-25 academic year, Olds College received nearly 600 individual contributions, amounting to a total of $5,328,953. These vital donations — scholarships, partnership funding for applied research, one-time gifts and gifts-in-kind — support our hands-on learning, applied research activities and athletics programs.
Over $1,200,708 was given directly to students in the form of scholarships and awards, increasing affordability for post-secondary education.
Dual credit programming provides students in Grades 10 to 12 the opportunity to take post-secondary courses while still in high school helping youth transition successfully into post-secondary training.
To date, Olds College has welcomed over 3,750 dual credit students across Alberta, partnering with 64 school authorities.
510
in-person & online courses offered
3,320 learners enrolled IN 2024-25, ITCE HAD:
The School of Trades & Skills is training the next generation of skilled trades professionals with students ranging from 13 to 73 years old.
TRY A TRADE
Three MOUs signed with international post-secondary institutions — Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), Tarlac Agriculture University (TAU) in the Philippines and Shinhan University in South Korea.
Igniting a passion for hands-on learning in Grade 8 students.
DUAL CREDIT
Providing high school students a head start on post-secondary credentials.
INDUSTRY
TRAINING
Empowering tradespeople to continuously refine their skills.
We are shaping the next generation of leaders in agriculture — grounded in science, empowered by technology and inspired by innovation.
Werklund School of Agriculture Technology
DRIVING INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE THROUGH RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The Werklund School of Agriculture Technology (WSAT) continues to lead as a national model for agriculture-focused education. From program renewal to global learning experiences, students engage in hands-on, technology-driven training that reflects industry needs and positions Olds College as a leader in digital agriculture.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
New Program Launch: A redesigned Environmental Science & Technology program launched in fall 2025, integrating sustainability, environmental monitoring and applied research.
Academic Pathways: The College strengthened academic pathways into the Bachelor of Digital Agriculture, expanding opportunities for diploma graduates.
In November 2025, a WSAT team of faculty and students attended Agritechnica in Germany, one of the world’s largest agricultural trade fairs, bringing back insights on artificial intelligence, sustainability and emerging farm technologies.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & STUDENT SUCCESS
WSAT learners attended and excelled across conferences, competitions and applied research experiences.
Industry Engagement: Students attended national industry events including the Canadian Land Reclamation Association Conference, Alberta Invasive Species Council and Ranching for Profit, supported through the Student Industry Engagement Fund.
Judging Competition: Olds College hosted its first multi-species judging competition, welcoming competitors from across Alberta and Saskatchewan and engaging 25 student volunteers.
Student Creativity: Agricultural Management students partnered with Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association (CAFLA) for work-integrated learning video projects, with their winning video showcased at CAFLA’s annual dinner in June 2025.
Research Excellence: WSAT’s Research Showcase Day highlighted applied research excellence across the division, with one student group selected to present at an animal science conference in Florida in summer 2025.
Four Agricultural Management students were selected as winners by the CAFLA for their video project: “Breaking Barriers: Pathways to Success in Agriculture for New Entrants.”
School of Life Science & Business
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF LEADERSHIP IN LIFE SCIENCE, BUSINESS & ANIMAL HEALTH
The School of Life Science & Business (LS&B) sets the standard for applied, industry-focused education, combining program innovation with hands-on learning. Students gain real-world skills in our new Animal Health Education Centre (AHEC), engage in immersive virtual reality (VR) simulations that develop critical thinking and teamwork, and participate in competitive opportunities that showcase their talent and leadership.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Immersive Technology: Immersive VR simulations were introduced that build critical thinking, teamwork and real-time operations management skills.
AHEC Anniversary: The College celebrated one year of learning in AHEC, our new dedicated teaching hospital.
Program Growth: Now in its second year of being offered to students, the Equine Massage Therapy certificate continues to attract strong student interest, earning highly positive feedback for its hands-on, applied format.
Our students are emerging leaders — building businesses, advancing animal health and shaping Alberta’s future workforce.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & STUDENT SUCCESS
Real-World Events: Second-year Business Management students planned and executed Taste of Olds, a culinary and beverage event that welcomed over 1,500 guests – triple the expected attendance – providing hands-on experience in event management, logistics and community engagement. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Mountain View Women’s Shelter.
Case Competition: A five-student team represented Olds College at the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition. They presented solutions to a real challenge facing the Fort McMurray Regional Airport, earning commendation for their creative ideas and confidence.
School of Trades & Skills
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF SKILLED TRADES
Rising demand for skilled graduates continues to drive interest in apprenticeship programs. The School of Trades & Skills is investing in Alberta’s workforce through major program growth and state-of-the-art facilities. With 75 new apprenticeship seats, a $4.4-million welding lab expansion and a $70-million renovation of the W.J. Elliott Trades Building, Olds College ensures students train with modern, industry-aligned infrastructure to meet workforce demands.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027
Working with Alberta Apprenticeship, the College plans to offer a series of additional apprenticeship programs.
The grand opening for the W.J. Elliott Trades Building Modernization project is set for 2027.
Major investments in the W.J. Elliott Building will transform our facilities, preparing students for the future of skilled trades in Alberta.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Capacity Growth: Seventy-five new apprenticeship seats were awarded across Welding, Agricultural Equipment Technician and Heavy Equipment Technician.
Facility Upgrades: A $4.4-million welding lab expansion was completed, adding 21 welding booths providing industryready training and reinforcing Alberta’s commitment to strengthening the skilled trades workforce through collaborative educational initiatives.
Future Recruitment: Staff and faculty represented Olds College at Alberta Skills, engaging over 15,000 youth exploring future pathways in trades.
Major Capital Project: Construction launched on a $70-million renovation for the W.J. Elliott Trades Building, underscoring our commitment to future-ready trades training.
Olds College Impact Report 2025 |
Industry Training & Continuing Education
UPSKILLING & RESKILLING TO MEET LABOUR MARKET DEMANDS
Industry Training & Continuing Education (ITCE) expands learning opportunities for students and professionals through flexible, industry-aligned programming.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Broad Reach: Customized training was delivered to more than 40 industry clients and served 3,320 continuing education learners in 2024-25.
New Offerings: The non-credit Surface Land Management (SLM) program and the credit Indoor Agriculture certificate were launched, plus 18 micro-credentials for industry partners.
Growth: Micro-credential enrolment is up 25 per cent year over year.
ON THE HORIZON
The College is continuing to expand its Indigenous and international training partnerships.
ITCE plans to further rollout high-demand micro-credentials designed to meet workforce and community needs.
GREEN CERTIFICATE HIGHLIGHTS
11 specializations
700+ active students
Largest and most in demand Green Certificate region in Alberta
The Green Certificate program offers senior high school students structured, agriculturefocused learning pathways, allowing them to earn up to 16 Grade 12 diploma credits and a credential leading to a career in agribusiness.
Dual Credit
CREATING EARLY ACCESS TO POST-SECONDARY LEARNING FOR ALBERTA’S YOUTH
Dual credit programming continues to strengthen Olds College’s role as a provincial leader by providing high school students with early access to post-secondary learning. Through strong school authority partnerships and career-focused programming, Alberta high school students gain valuable technical skills, earn credentials and explore meaningful career pathways.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
High Participation: Over 1,020 students participated in dual credit programming during 2024-25 — and enrolment continues to grow.
Diverse Course Load: Dual credit delivered 79 course sections across 36 courses. This includes a mix of online and in-person programming across agriculture, animal health, trades and business.
Credential Completion: Over 160 high school students earned Olds College post-secondary credentials in 2024–25, including Veterinary Technical Assistant, Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician, Pre-Employment Welder and Meat Processing.
Expansion: Two new courses launching in 2025-26 will expand opportunities in Animal Health and Geographic Information Systems.
Partnerships: Dual credit programming at Olds College partnered with 64 school authorities across Alberta.
Dual credit is more than a head start — it’s a launch into meaningful postsecondary pathways for high school students in Alberta. Olds College is proud to support that journey.
Dual Credit Student Success: Olds College dual credit students showcased exceptional skills and determination, earning silver and bronze medals at the Regional Skills Canada Alberta competition in March 2025.
Supporting Our Students & Our People PRIORITY #2
Athletics
Olds College Broncos have a rich history in the Alberta College Athletic Conference (ACAC) and the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA). In the ACAC, the Broncos are participants in basketball, hockey, soccer, futsal and volleyball with a total of nine teams between those sports. In the CCRA, the rodeo team participates in 10 different events with a total of 42 athletes.
The Broncos have seen tremendous success throughout the ACAC and CCRA. This includes winning the 2019 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Women’s Basketball Championship, the 2023 CCRA Team Champions Banner, hosting the 2024 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship, winning a bronze medal at the 2024 ACAC Men’s Futsal Championships, having teams present at both the Men’s Futsal Championships and the Men’s Volleyball Championships in 2025, and winning the 2025 CCRA Team Champions Banner.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Olds College is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus where every student and employee feels valued and supported. As a leader in handson, career-focused education, we are committed to strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion both within our campus community and throughout Alberta’s post-secondary sector.
Our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, made up of students, faculty and staff, helps guide initiatives that build awareness, foster meaningful conversations and deepen shared understanding. This work includes expanding accessibility services, offering inclusive post-secondary education in partnership with Inclusion Alberta and incorporating our traditions into new campus developments. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring all learners have the opportunity to thrive.
During the 2024–25 academic year, Olds College welcomed the most diverse student population in our history. Students came to us from 11 provinces and territories as well as represented citizenship from 47 countries around the world.
These numbers speak to the wide range of perspectives and lived experiences that enrich life at Olds College and reinforce our ongoing commitment to building a campus where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.
71% learners from Alberta
12% learners from other provinces & territories
18% from outside of Canada
5% self-reported Indigenous learners 19% international learners (students may still come from within Canada, but do not hold citizenship or permanent residency)
Indigenous Services
Indigenous Services at Olds College aims to foster an environment of respect and trust among all learners, staff and guests and support Indigenous well-being.
We strive to learn from Indigenous students and their families, and to embrace opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and ways of knowing. In step with Indigenous learners, we work to build credible and sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities.
On campus, the Gathering Room is the meeting place for Indigenous Services. This is a place for students of all backgrounds to share knowledge, as well as receive teachings and support from the Knowledge Keeper in Residence and Elders from the area.
Special cultural events for students, staff and community members are hosted by Indigenous Services and held in the Gathering Room throughout the year celebrating Indigenous cultures. This includes a monthly beading circle, ribbon skirt and shirt making workshops, Wellbriety, meditations, soup and bannock, and Indigenous Fry Bread days — which are always well attended.
Indigenous Services at Olds College hosted a series of educational events to promote Indigenous cultures across the community.
INDIGENOUS FRY BREAD + SOUP & BANNOCK MONTHLY
Each month, students, staff and community members meet in the Gathering Room, enjoy traditional foods and learn about Indigenous culture.
MEDICINE WHEEL & 12 STEPS
WEEKLY
The Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps program were given to us by the Creator and Elders to overcome our worst enemy ever — addiction. This is a weekly program for anyone looking to heal from the effects of addiction.
RED DRESS DAY
MAY 2025
Olds College raises awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S+) each year. An interactive escape room experience helped participants confront the realities faced by MMIWG2S+ and create conversation about the reason for misrepresentation due to residential school trauma, systemic racism, and economic and class disparity.
TRUTH & RECONCILIATION WEEK
SEPTEMBER 2025
This week included several points of connection to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Indigenous Services team presented each Broncos athlete an orange shirt and teachings prior to the start of their season, and also attended an orange shirt tribute at the home opener for the Broncos soccer teams. Other points of connection included a virtual interactive escape room to confront the realities faced by Residential School Survivors and an Orange Shirt Day gathering for staff to reflect together.
MÉTIS WEEK
NOVEMBER 2025
Olds College shared the rich culture and celebrated the history of the Métis Nation for Métis Week, which included the water tower being lit up in blue and white and Elder Pam being interviewed on the local radio station. Indigenous Services also hosted a pemmican making workshop in collaboration with the National Meat Training Centre for staff, students and community members.
The Indigenous Services team offers one-on-one support to Indigenous students, which includes:
• Providing assistance applying for scholarships, bursaries and memberships.
• Partnering with Academic Advising and Broncos Athletics to ensure student success.
• Facilitating wraparound services with community supports and family to ensure Indigenous students are culturally supported during their studies at Olds College.
Celebrating 110th Graduating Class
Olds College celebrated its 110th graduating class in June 2025. The Class of 2025 marked the largest graduating class in Olds College history, with an impressive 1,277 students eligible to graduate.
This momentous day also honoured the installation of Dr. Debbie Thompson as the 15th and first female President of Olds College, along with presentations to bestow an honorary degree posthumously on Jack Anderson, accepted by his daughter, Wynne Chisholm, and the Presidential Instructional Excellence Award given to Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Instructor, Wendy Daley.
Among the graduates were students from our Edmonton Cohort, marking the graduation of our very first class from the two-year Business Management diploma program in Edmonton.
RECOGNITION OF LONG SERVICE AWARDS
In fall 2025, Olds College recognized 80 staff and faculty members for achieving service milestones in 2024 and 2025 between five and 40 years of service!
Dual Credit Success
During 2024-25, over 160 students have officially completed and are eligible to graduate from one of Olds College’s dual credit certification programs. This includes 131 students in the Veterinary Technical Assistant (VTA) certificate program, 30 students from the Pre-Employment Trades programs — who are now eligible to write the Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) exam and, if successful, will be credited with a year of post-secondary training — and an additional three students from the Meat Processing certificate program.
In addition to our dual credit certificate programs, we offer over 35 courses in a mix of online and in-person programming to high school students from across Alberta. In the 2024-25 school year, we had 1,020 individual students experience an Olds College course or certificate program.
Recruitment & Tours
From January 2024 to December 2025, the Olds College Recruitment team hosted 560 individual campus tours, including 130 during the newly implemented OC VIP tours. These tours welcome prospective students and their families to campus for up-close and personal looks at their potential classrooms and labs. They also get the chance to speak with faculty and current students and truly picture what their Olds College life could look like.
Additionally, the College hosts several open-door events centred around student experience and support. These include the Fall Open House, Winter Welcome Week, Discovery Day, and the Fall, Winter and Horticulture Career Fairs. Each event is geared towards welcoming new students, increasing student retention, showcasing the College’s offerings and extending our reach into the greater community.
Strengthening Partnerships PRIORITY #3
Olds College Centre for Innovation
Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the applied research division of Olds College, focusing on practical, industry-driven applied research that can be easily implemented by the agriculture industry — and provides students with work-integrated learning opportunities.
Olds College is the largest agricultural applied research institute in Canada, addressing Alberta’s critical needs in technology, genetics and environmental stewardship.
• Since 2018, OCCI has had discussions with 415 organizations looking to engage with the College — resulting in very high success rates. To date, almost 264 organizations have engaged on a project with OCCI.
• During 2024-25, our research teams partnered with 69 companies, including startups and large corporations from Canada, Australia, the United States and Europe.
• With $8.2 million in applied research revenue annually, Olds College ranks among the top four applied research institutes in Alberta.
• Olds College has been ranked 20th in Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges according to Research Infosource Inc.
• On average, OCCI works on 80 to 100 projects per year — with 84 projects happening throughout 2024 and 2025.
• OCCI researchers were invited to present at 21 various industry and academic events.
AREAS OF FOCUS
• Livestock Production
• Crop Production
• Environmental Stewardship
• Smart Agriculture
• Digital Agriculture
• Controlled Environment Agriculture
OLDS
COLLEGE CENTRE FOR INNOVATION: PROJECT ENGAGEMENT (SINCE 2018)
415 companies & organizations connected with OCCI to discuss opportunities
325 private sector clients
23 funders
374 small & medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
21 engaged on a project with OCCI
264 SMEs engaged on a project with OCCI
28 research collaborators
22 engaged on a project with OCCI
37 networks/not for profits
28 engaged on a project with OCCI
5 public sector clients
3 engaged on a project with OCCI
Olds College Smart Farm
The Smart Farm includes 3,300 acres across five distinct locations in two provinces — all dedicated to driving the innovation and advancements needed to strengthen Canada’s agriculture sector.
As an operating farm within a postsecondary institution, the Smart Farm provides real-world environments needed to test, validate and advance new agriculture innovations. It’s a collaborative space for producers, industry, students and faculty to address challenges and develop solutions, while offering Olds College students hands-on, work-integrated learning with land, livestock, technology and data.
THE SMART FARM INCLUDES:
• 3,300 Acres of Land for Crop & Forage Production
• State-of-the-Art Equipment & Technology
• 1,000-Head Capacity Feedlot
• Commercial Cow/Calf Herd
• Purebred Red Angus Herd
• Sheep Flock
Additional assets and infrastructure provide the testing ground and lab space for applied research, training and education:
• Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP)
• Beef & Livestock Centres
• National Meat Training Centre
• Smart Farm Operations Centre
• Brewery
• Greenhouses
• Soils, Plants & Chemistry Labs
• Incubator Space
• Equine & Rodeo Centres
• AgExpert Data Lab
• Conference Services
• Industry Training & Continuing Education Services
• Short-Term Drop Down Office Space
TACLP RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY
The Alberta Technology Access Centres (TAC), which includes the TACLP at Olds College, earned the Best Inter-Institutional Collaboration TAC Innovate Award at the Tech-Access Canada TAC Innovation Awards Soirée in Montreal in October 2024.
ASTECH AWARD
The dedicated smart agriculture applied research team of 20 people took home Researcher of the Year honours at the 2024 ASTech Awards Gala held in Edmonton in November 2024.
Since 2018, Olds College has signed MOUs with over 33 partners including Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, NuFarm, AGTECH ACCELERATOR, Calgary Economic Development Ltd., Nufarm Agriculture Inc., University of Saskatchewan and SaskTel.
Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) has a three-year agreement with the Smart Farm to donate the use of a New Holland combine and New Holland sprayer each year.
SeedMaster Manufacturing Ltd., aided by Alberta Ag Centre, signed a 10-year agreement in 2023 to supply advanced seeding equipment every two years for the Smart Farm.
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) renewed their financial commitment to Olds College in 2024, marking five years of a successful partnership focused on advancing agricultural technology and applied research through the Smart Farm.
2025 Partner of the Year
Olds College was proud to announce Farm Credit Canada (FCC) as its 2025 Partner of the Year. FCC has been a loyal and consistent supporter of the College for many years due to their shared commitment to agriculture. Their contributions helped build the Smart Farm Operations Centre on campus and their partnership fuels vital research on the Smart Farm and helps share its findings.
Beyond research, FCC’s support established the Producer Panel, a crucial initiative designed to bridge the gap between innovation, testing and adoption — ensuring that cutting-edge research aligns with practical, on-farm needs and that producers continue to shape the direction of agricultural technology.
2025 Community Partner of the Year
The Community Partner of the Year recognizes impactful contributions from community members. Wildrose Medical Centre received the honour for its 15 years of collaboration with the College, providing on-campus health services that support students and staff. Through weekly clinic visits, Wildrose doctors offer counselling, medical care, referrals and other supports, helping students access healthcare without navigating the system alone.
Conference Services
With dozens of beautiful outdoor spaces, large accessible banquet options, and hundreds of rooms in any size and variation, Olds College Conference Services offers options to accommodate any event.
Throughout 2025, campus facilities and venues hosted weddings, rodeos, concerts, alumni reunions, blood drives, sports camps, career fairs, conferences, luncheons, community networking and much more.
FIRST-EVER AMERICAS AGRICULTURAL FORUM
Olds College hosted the first Americas Agriculture and Food Security Forum organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), bringing together delegates from across the Americas and beyond. Up to 250 invited delegates attended in person and 1,000 participated online. Held alongside the G7 Summit, the forum featured over 50 speakers who were on panels ranging from fostering food security to cultivating tomorrow’s agriculture today.
AGRIVOLTAICS
The first agrivoltaics conference ever held in Alberta took place in June 2025 at Olds College. Organized by Agrivoltaics Canada, the event highlighted how agrivoltaics can support emerging sectors and create new economic opportunities for rural communities.
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATION FROM THE PHILIPPINES
Olds College hosted the Alberta Bureau for International Education (ABIE) in June 2025 welcoming senior representatives from nine post-secondary institutions from the Philippines, along with six senior internationalization officers from Alberta’s post-secondary institutions. This was a great opportunity for Filipino institutions to explore collaboration with post-secondary institutions in Alberta.
4-H CANADA
Olds College continues to be an advocate for 4-H Canada. As part of the College’s partnership with the organization, the College hosts the Fall and Spring Senior Symposium in addition to Youth Leadership Experience and Development (YLEAD) part two and various summer camps.
AGSMART
The three-day event was held July 29 to 31 at Olds College and marked the first time the agriculture and technology fair was overseen by the organizers of the annual Agri-Trade Equipment Expo in Red Deer, following an agreement signed last year. AgSmart featured numerous field demonstrations and dozens of presentations on campus, connecting producers directly with experts from Olds College and beyond.
Industry Partnerships
Our industry partners provide us the support needed to deliver the high level of education we are known for, and drive us forward in the innovative research we achieve.
BALLAD GROUPS
An impactful partnership with Ballad created two Industry Training & Continuing Education (ITCE) programs with four intakes throughout the year — the Workforce Employment Readiness and Connections (WERC) program (36 participants) and Agri Edge Connection (56 participants).
RBC
RBC provided funding for the College to install the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) container on campus used for research and the Indoor Agriculture certificate. RBC’s main focus is to develop and upskill students through curriculum and infrastructure.
WESTWARD PARTS
The company donated 10 small engines to be used for hands-on classroom activities by students in the ITCE small engines courses.
LIFEMARK
Lifemark partnered with industry to help injured workers get back into the workforce by enrolling them in our Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) certificate program. To date, Lifemark has placed five workers into the full certificate program, and one worker has completed individual equipment training on two machines.
SOUTH BOW
The organization donated $5,000 to the development and delivery of the Surface Land Management (SLM) training program.
TIRE GRABBER
Tire Grabber donated a Tire Grabber TG4000XL model and TG Equipment Sprayer Jack that is enhancing the learning experience for students in the College’s agriculture and heavy equipment programs.
Community Partnerships
Olds College is proud to be located in Olds, Alberta, a community that is deeply ingrained in agriculture and works together to continuously grow and improve. The College is incredibly fortunate to partner with a variety of community businesses and organizations.
OLDS GOLF COURSE
The Broncos brought back the Olds College Golf Classic in 2025 with the support of the Olds Golf Course. The event was a success with over 120 golfers and successfully raised $50,000 in support of Broncos Athletics.
OLDS REGIONAL EXHIBITION (ORE)
The Broncos partnered with ORE to put on the incredibly successful "Broncos Bash with Bamford”. This fundraising concert featured Gord Bamford in Olds during the Fall Home College Rodeo. The show was held at the Future Ag Events Centre and brought together over 800 people from the community and raised $10,000 for Broncos Athletics.
CHINOOK'S EDGE SCHOOL DIVISION
The Broncos partner with Chinook's Edge School Division to run three clinics in basketball, volleyball and soccer, and provide an opportunity for high school students to train with College coaches and athletes each year.
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT
An Olds College Alumni Reunion was held in June 2025 and brought together 235 cherished alumni for a weekend of nostalgia and reconnection. The event celebrated the history and legacy of Olds College, focusing on classes that spanned a remarkable 25 years from 1945 through 1970.
HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL
The Broncos have partnered with Holy Trinity to run Mini Bronco Sport programs giving students an opportunity to work with our coaching staff and athletes.
TOWN OF OLDS
Athletics works with the Town of Olds during professional development days in the local schools to run Broncos Breakaway, a 3-on-3 hockey tournament!
BUMPER TO BUMPER
The locally owned store has partnered with Olds College since 2015 by donating toolboxes to deserving students every year. This past year, they donated five full toolboxes to international students, allowing them to pursue education without barriers.
SUMMER SYNERGY
Olds College is an annual sponsor of Summer Synergy, the premier youth livestock show held in Olds. In addition to its sponsorship, the College maintains an active presence through a dedicated recruitment booth, on-site staff engagement and organizational support. The event blends tradition and innovation to celebrate and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Olds College in the Community
Olds College partners with Next Chapter, Old MacDonald, Central Alberta Humane Society, Wild Rose Humane Society, Olds Humane Society and Saving Grace to provide in-house veterinary services to help support pet adoption.
Our Veterinary Technology programs provide care for approximately 120 dogs, 120 cats and over 200 various exotic and caged pets, including budgies, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and mice each year.
Our Botanical Gardens host 20 to 50 varieties of annuals, perennials and vegetables annually and get hundreds of visitors each year.
The weekly greenhouse sales attract 1,100 to 1,500 customers annually, with revenue supporting our greenhouses and the academic programs that use them. The College supported Porch Light Society, a mental wellness society for the agricultural community, for their 2024 Gala. The College provided the Alumni Centre free of charge and partnered with FCC to provide a financial donation for the event.
Olds College hosted a fall vendor fair during orientation week that brought together more than 20 local organizations to connect students with services and amenities — both on and off campus.
Olds College holds multiple employment and career fairs throughout the year that help connect students with fulltime employment, apprenticeships, workintegrated learning, and casual and part-time positions.
In 2025, the College hosted four blood drives for Canadian Blood Services open to the entire community averaging 100 donations per event and collecting 180,000 ml over the course of a year.
The Retail Meat Store is open to the public five days a week, and ensures community members have a place to get top-quality, locally-grown meat processed by our students under the supervision of our expert staff. The revenue from 17,000 transactions per year supports our students and programming.
For two years, Olds College has participated in the Olds Santa Claus Parade of Lights — a fun community event that gets our staff and student-athletes involved in the community!
In 2025, Olds College Career Services launched CareerConnect, an online platform that lets employers post positions and connect with candidates. It also allows students and alumni to explore opportunities in the industries they are currently studying or programs they have graduated from.
Olds College has over 350 permanent staff members who are allocated a volunteer day to give back to the community each calendar year — which totals over 2,660 volunteer hours! Staff choose to spend their hours in a variety of ways including school classrooms, animal rescue facilities, beautifying natural spaces, etc.
The College participates in community engagement with Olds Regional Exhibition through mutual event support.
College leadership participated in judging the Alberta Outstanding Young Farmers competition during AgSmart 2025.
Olds College participated for the first time in Alberta Open Farm Days in August 2025 and toured people around campus and the Smart Farm.
Broncos in the Community
Broncos Athletics and the Community Learning Campus (CLC) have opened doors to the community through various youth camps with hundreds of youth attending each year.
Broncos Athletics teams contributed over 5,000 volunteer hours last year supporting programs and events on and off campus such as school reading programs, seniors organizations, community events, local businesses, and the BGC Olds and Area.
The Broncos partner with Olds Police and Olds Fire Department annually to create a successful charity hockey game, “Battle with the Broncos”, that raises money for a local charity. This year together they raised $10,512.50 for the Olds Christmas Angels Society.
Together with Chinook’s Edge School Division, Olds College launched the Future Leaders in Agriculture Camp in July 2025. Local high school students learned about technology and leadership while gaining three high school credits and a $1,000 scholarship at Olds College — all free of charge.
Athletics partnered with Olds Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) to strengthen female hockey development in the region by relaunching the female OMHA teams as the Jr. Broncos, as well as launching the Jr. Broncos Volleyball Club that runs three female volleyball teams. Over 100 young female athletes in and around Olds have been added to the Broncos community.