Students from various programs in Lethbridge College will be uniting to help solve some of the agriculture industry’s problems.

The Agriculture Entrepreneur in Residence Program (AGent) was funded by a $2.5 million donation from local feedlot operator Cor Van Raay.

The idea of the program stems from Van Raay wanting to see the agriculture industry expand in all aspects, from the farming to the marketing, engineering and business as well.

“We have feedlot operators, we have some ranchers, we have crop specialists. There’s also more business people as well. We have entrepreneur strategists on board, marketing people, HR people, it’s getting very diverse,” says program coordinator Megan Shapka.

She added the industry partners they have talked with are very excited about the potential of AGent.

Shapka has toured around to various classrooms in the school, trying to recruit students to join the program.

“It’s add on to diploma work but it’s a really nice compliment to most of the diploma’s here.”

Teachers from around the college are encouraging their students to take part in the program.

“Students are starting to realize that it’s not just the education they get here, it’s the contacts that they make,” said Byrne Cook, Chair of Agriculture Services

Cook added they are encouraged by the response of students so far, and hopes to see a lot of faces at their first meeting on Sept. 13 in the Garden Court Restaurant at the college.

Throughout the year students will be working hands on with their industry mentors, which is something Cook says is invaluable.

“They’re so interested in educating the youth and sharing what they know.”

The program will run throughout the school year, and students that participate will receive official recognition from the college in the form of a certificate.

To learn more about the AGent program click here.