Olds College: Leading Agriculture in Canada

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been a leader in hands-on, industry-focused education deeply rooted in agriculture for over a century.
At Olds College, agriculture is more than farming and ranching—it is a dynamic and interconnected system that sustains communities, fuels innovation, and shapes the future of trades, food, land, and resource management.

“Olds College exists to educate and train learners to become the next generation of agricultural professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators,” said Dr. Debbie Thompson, President and CEO, Olds College. “As Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, we are dedicated to providing high-quality education, research advancements, and strong industry partnerships that together will advance agriculture for a better world.”

Hands-On Learning

Programming at Olds College includes agriculture, agriculture technology, horticulture, food production, land and environmental management, animal health, equine studies, business, and trades—with 94 per cent of programs having work-integrated learning opportunities.

In addition, the College is home to Olds College Centre for Innovation and the 3,300-acre Smart Farm, a nationally recognized research ecosystem that integrates crop and livestock operations, modern infrastructure, labs, greenhouses, and industry-grade equipment while providing students with hands-on learning.

Students from across Canada and around the world choose Olds College for its unique blend of practical, industry-focused training, cutting-edge technology, and applied research—resulting in 93 per cent of graduates being employed in agriculture within six months.

Technological Integration

Technology is revolutionizing modern agriculture across the world, making it smarter, more efficient, and sustainable. Alberta is a global leader in agriculture—it’s deeply integrated into the economy by supporting jobs, innovation, and economic and environmental sustainability throughout the province.

Olds College supports these advancements by aligning programs and research with industry needs and emerging technologies. Precision agriculture, robotics, automation, AI-driven solutions, and real-world applied research are integrated into the classrooms and across the Smart Farm to ensure student success and help producers adopt new technologies and practices.

Strengthening National Food Security

As one of Canada’s few post-secondary institutions focused exclusively on agriculture, Olds College plays a vital role in strengthening national food security through workforce development and innovative research that supports a strong agricultural economy.

Last year, the College hosted over 3,000 visitors from over 34 countries, highlighting the strength of Alberta agriculture to both urban and rural audiences and reinforcing Olds College as Canada’s leader in agricultural applied research.

We’re all part of agriculture every day.