A retired farming couple from Didsbury has gifted land to the Olds College Smart Farm.
The College says George and Marge Steckler have committed a future estate gift with 320 acres of farmland.
It says the gift also includes an endowment fund for bursaries earmarked for students in the college's agriculture programs.
The College says they've already begun installing some smart farm technology on the Steckler farm, with a Farmer's Edge weather station set up to monitor dew point, humidity, wind and precipitation.
In a statement, Olds College President, Stuart Cullum, says the Steckler’s have truly provided a legacy gift for students and the agriculture industry.
"The Steckler gift allows us to increase our land base and as such, expand our capacity to work with companies and producers on the challenges of today and the opportunities of the future. It also means that Olds College can provide more students with a one-of-a-kind learning environment focused on the future of agriculture.”
Marge Steckler says they had a great life on the farm.
"I can’t think of anything better than for us to provide a gift of land and funds to support students attending Olds College. It feels right to help the next generation, and it’s nice to know that our name will continue on through this donation.”
George echoed Marge's thoughts, saying the College is their neighbour.
"It gives us pleasure to know our good, viable farmland will continue to be used for farming long after we are gone. I look forward to seeing students out on the land, and to check out what they are doing. To see students benefit from our land will be wonderful.”
The Smart Farm was designed to create a cutting-edge learning environment for students and life-long learners, according to the College.
Click here to see more...