Olds College Smart Farm receives land gift from Didsbury couple

Dec 12, 2019 | 11:52 AM

Olds College Smart Farm is set to expand thanks to a gift of land from George and Marge Steckler of Didsbury.

The couple has committed a future estate gift that includes 320 acres of farmland that will be integrated into the Olds College Smart Farm. The gift also includes an endowment fund for student bursaries that will be awarded to eligible students enrolled in agriculture programs at the College.

“On behalf of Olds College, I would like to sincerely thank George and Marge Steckler for this amazing gift,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “By addressing the financial needs of students and providing additional land for the College to expand its focus on hands on learning and farmer led applied research, the Stecklers have truly provided a legacy gift for our students and the agriculture industry.”

Cullum says the Steckler gift allows them to increase their land base and capacity to work with companies and producers on the challenges of today and the opportunities of the future.

George and Marge Steckler have farmed in the area since 1973. They are now retired, but their passion for agriculture is still alive and well.

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“We enjoyed farming,” says Marge. “We had a great life on the farm; it provided us with independence to work for ourselves. 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.”

“Olds College is our neighbour, it gives us pleasure to know our good, viable farmland will continue to be used for farming long after we are gone,” George adds.

Olds College has already begun installing some smart farm technology on the Steckler farm. A Farmer’s Edge weather station has been set up to monitor dew point, humidity, wind speed and precipitation levels. The data is fed back to the Farmers Edge dashboard, that is used at the Olds College Smart Farm.

The Smart Farm is creating a cutting-edge learning environment for students and life-long learners, and is committed to supporting the agriculture industry through agriculture technology applied research.

(With file from media release)

by Troy Gillard

Olds College Smart Farm receives land gift from Didsbury couple

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