Lakeland College is getting more than million from the province to expand and modernize agriculture training at its Vermilion campus.

The funding, announced for 2026-27, will support upgrades to the college’s beef yard and the relocation of horse pen facilities. The province says the work is aimed at increasing training capacity, improving student learning spaces and helping meet workforce demand in rural Alberta.

The upgrades come as Lakeland’s animal science facilities are seeing far more use than they were originally built for. The beef yard was designed for 60 students and 100 cows, but now supports more than 80 students and 220 cows.

Supporting hands-on learning

The project is expected to improve animal welfare, safety and training opportunities for students in Lakeland College’s agriculture programs.

The horse pen relocation will replace aging infrastructure with modern, purpose-built spaces. The province says the upgrades will help students train in spaces that better reflect the needs of today’s agriculture industry.

Lakeland College president and CEO Alice Wainwright-Stewart said the investment will support the revitalization of the college’s student-managed farm lab and strengthen the hands-on learning that sets Lakeland apart.

Building rural Alberta’s workforce

Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall said institutions like Lakeland College help keep rural communities strong by connecting Albertans to education and careers close to home.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer said the investment will help prepare students for careers in agriculture while supporting innovation and long-term strength in rural Alberta.

Construction expected to begin in July

Lakeland College and external funders have already invested $1.83 million into the Beef Yard Upgrade and Expansion and Horse Pen Relocation project.

Construction is expected to begin in July, with completion anticipated in November 2028.

Lakeland College serves east-central Alberta through certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree, apprenticeship and applied research programming. In 2024-25, the college reported more than 4,000 full- and part-time students and offered 908 apprenticeship seats across nine registered apprenticeship programs.