An investment in Lakeland College is something Judy Sweet knows will more than pay off for both current and future ag-based students as well as the agriculture industry.

A longstanding donor, Sweet recently gave money to Lakeland to support the modernization of the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility at the Vermilion campus. Sweet’s recent gift builds on her support of the expansion of the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility, which officially opened on Oct. 20, 2016 in memory of Sweet’s late husband Garth, and her donation in 2018 that allowed Lakeland to increase the college’s farm land base.

Located on the campus farm, the facility is a hub for innovation, supporting both student-lead learning and applied research projects. With Sweet’s support, the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility will continue to provide research scientists and agricultural sciences students – including the Student-Managed Farm livestock research team, practicum placements for bachelor of agriculture technology students and summer internships – with state-of-the-art technology for livestock research and development.

“Over the years, I have enjoyed learning how Lakeland students make an impact in commercial ag and animal health. Being able to support their innovation and provide them with access to the latest technologies means they’ll not only graduate job-ready, but these students will also help drive Alberta’s ag sector,” says Sweet, whose granddaughter Tori Kadylo graduated from Lakeland’s veterinary technology program, formerly named animal health technology, in 2020. Her grandson, Tanner Kadylo, is currently enrolled at Lakeland as well.

“Giving back to Lakeland students is an investment in our future ag leaders and this important industry. It makes me happy to give back.”

Capable of housing up to 260 head of cattle, the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility provides Lakeland with the space to participate in applied research projects of importance to the livestock industry in Western Canada. Current projects include testing new feed additives to improve feedlot production efficiency and reduce antimicrobial use, lidocaine impregnated band to reduce castration associate pain and improve growth performance, development of genetic tools for methane reduction in beef and evaluation of new biodegradable net wrap to reduce software disease in cattle.

“We are deeply grateful for Judy’s generous support,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “Her gift reinforces the importance of investing in our campus farm – an essential part of our hands-on learning model – and enables us to move forward with the Student-Managed Farm Lab Revitalization project. Judy’s support not only gives our students the space and tools to put their education into action, but also fuels applied research that delivers real solutions and real results for industry and producers. Her generosity supports Lakeland’s place as one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges and strengthens the cornerstone of our award-winning, student-led learning model.”

On Dec. 4, Lakeland was named to Research Infosource Inc.’s Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada list. Securing the 44th spot nationwide, this recognition underscores Lakeland’s reputation as a hub for innovation, sustainability and student-driven discovery.

Photo: Longstanding donor Judy Sweet Sweet (centre in the front row) made a generous investment in the modernization of the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility — strengthening hands-on learning, supporting applied research and empowering the next generation of ag leaders. Lakeland celebrated this recent donation on Dec. 4.