SouthGrow awards two Agri-Food Futures Scholarships to local students

Students Brody Curtis of Coaldale and Reegan Molenaar of Picture Butte are the newest recipients of the Agri-Food Futures Scholarship. The scholarship valued at $2,500, invests in southern Alberta’s agri-food economy. Molenaar and Curtis are currently working toward completing bachelors’ programs relating to agricultural science. The scholarship was funded by SouthGrow Regional Economic Development Initiative and was also supported by donations from Bruce Warkentin of MNP LLP and the Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC).

Molenaar is in her third year of study at Lethbridge College pursuing a Bachelor of Agriculture Science degree. She has previously completed a diploma through LC and has academic and practical experience in the agricultural industry. Molenaar’s academic endeavours have “allowed me to accumulate practical knowledge and apply it directly to my area of occupation in crop production and agronomy.”

Curtis, a third-year student pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Studies at the University of Lethbridge, was also raised on and around farming operations, where he continues to work while also serving as an active volunteer for the Coaldale and District Agricultural Society. Curtis is also interested in crop production.

“I enjoy being able to watch the growth and progression of the crops, all along facing the web of challenges that present themselves throughout the growing season,” he said.

For both recipients, their up bringing in an agriculturally minded area has impacted their career aspirations. For Molenaar, being raised in Picture Butte “allowed me to develop a passion for agriculture from a very young age.” A passion which stemmed from being able to understand “the importance of farmers and the work they do,” as a consequence of growing up working on her family’s farm. Similarly, Curtis credits his interest in agriculture to the area in which he was raised.

“I believe that growing up in Coaldale has shaped my interest in agriculture because we are surrounded by one of the most productive and progressive agricultural regions in Canada.”

He said his geographic access to the industry allowed him the advantage of learning opportunities, “finding knowledge and answers to questions about agriculture throughout my upbringing was never a challenge.”

There is a sense with both recipients of forward-looking anticipation while also acknowledging the contributions of agricultural specialists before them.

“I believe the greatest resource for the next generation of individuals involved in agriculture is the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed along by the generations before them. However, new technologies and practices are emerging throughout the industry constantly. Therefore, for the next generation the best approach to me is a healthy balance of the two; embracing the past, and adopting the future,” Curtis explained.

Molenaar echoed this hopeful anticipation for the capacity for innovation, “combining the teachings of past generations along with new advancements in agriculture will definitely progress the industry in our rural communities.”

Molenaar anticipates the upcoming generation will contribute to shifts and changes across the industry, “within the next decade, I envision agriculture in our rural communities to progress and change as new generations start to play a significant role in the industry. I think technologies that seem foreign now, will be more familiar, allowing for increased efficiency and yields.”

Curtis added that alongside his anticipation of, “the adoption and implementation of new technologies and in-field practices to optimize yields and increase efficiency” he is hopeful there will be educational shifts. He explains there is still an opportunity for a more thorough public understanding of the importance of food production “and how agriculture plays an irreplaceable role in a growing world.”