MNP donates $90,000 to grow ag tech programming & research

MNP has donated $90,000 to Lakeland College’s "Leading Learning The Lakeland Campaign" in support of programming and research initiatives focused on agriculture technology.

A portion of MNP’s gift will help fund equipment for the Agriculture Technology Centre at the Vermilion campus. This facility will be home to the college’s new bachelor of agriculture technology program that starts this fall. The two-year post-credential program – the first of its kind in Canada – is designed to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and agricultural management and production systems.

“We are excited to help educate students in this program, who will play a critical role in the digital transformation of our Canadian farms,” says Stuart Person, Senior Vice President, Agriculture at MNP.

Applied research will also receive a boost from MNP’s generosity. Half of the funding will support research projects that will help producers better understand and use new agriculture technologies. 

“MNP recognizes the contributions of Lakeland College to the education of people in the agriculture industry, especially those alumni who are the next generation of producers and advocates, and those that we work with now as they continue to take on bigger roles in their own operations and within the industry. Lakeland has always been acknowledged as a staple across the prairies and given MNP’s history in agriculture and our prairie roots, this is a natural fit,” says Scott Dickson, Director, Livestock Services and VP Hutterite Services at MNP.

“Our thanks to MNP for their investment in these important initiatives at Lakeland. Our Agriculture Technology Centre will be a central hub for collecting and analyzing production and sustainability data generated across our Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland. Students, faculty and researchers will use the facility as they work to increase the efficiency and quality of livestock and crops through the development and adoption of new ag technology,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, Lakeland’s President and CEO. “Together, we’ll continue to advance real-world agricultural productivity and sustainability in commercial agriculture.”

The bachelor of agriculture technology program is the culmination of several years of consultation, research, and development. MNP was one of more than 40 agricultural organizations and companies consulted during an independent industry needs assessment that resulted in the degree’s development. 

MNP is a leading national accounting, tax, and business consulting firm for Canada’s agriculture industry. We have invested more time and resources into understanding agriculture than any other firm. With more than 18,000 agriculture clients and a team of more than 600 agriculture specialists, MNP delivers a diverse suite of services to protect farmers and maximize results. 

Leading. Learning. The Lakeland Campaign is the largest fundraising initiative in Lakeland’s history. Launched in 2016, the $11-million campaign is focused on three priorities: expanding student success, empowering the next leaders in agriculture, and results-oriented research. The campaign concludes June 30. Visit lakelandcollege.ca/leading-learning for details.