By Alice McFarlane

Generous gift will modernize Lakeland College bison handling facilities

Oct 25, 2024 | 12:58 PM

Lakeland College students working with Canada’s first post-secondary commercial bison herd will soon have access to state-of-the-art handling facilities.

This was made possible from a $150,000 donation from Ken Wasmuth.

The college purchased land south of Vermilion campus in 2023 to house the bison, which animal science technology students manage as part of the Student-Managed Farm.

The land is eight quarter sections, including handling facilities, fencing and full services. Although the land was previously used for bison ranching, the existing facilities needs improvements to incorporate the latest animal handling practices.

After touring the current handling facilities with students and faculty during the 2023-24 academic year, Wasmuth pledged his support.

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With a background in agriculture and a deep interest in the cultural history of bison in the region, supporting Lakeland’s bison enterprise was a natural fit for the Wainwright, Alta. resident.

“I’m interested in bison and committed to helping Lakeland students,” Wasmuth said. “This donation will provide the students with the best tools to handle bison while minimizing stress on the animals.”

The upgrades, which students will help plan, will include a hydraulic squeeze and new pens, gates, panels, and a weigh scale.

Any remaining funds from Wasmuth’s gift will be invested in fencing or grazing equipment that will assist the bison herd.

Wasmuth’s support for students at Lakeland extends beyond the bison facilities. He created an endowment fund in 2021 to fund the Ken Wasmuth Agriculture Technology Award, which is awarded to a student in the Bachelor of Agriculture Technology program.

“I want to help students who might be struggling a little bit, or those who might be a little bit older, like I was when I went to university,” he said. “Education is important.”

Wasmuth also purchased a tile on the Legacy Wall in the WHT Mead Building at the Vermilion campus and is a familiar face at many Lakeland events, including Feast on the Farm and Farm 4.0.

Lakeland president and CEO Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart said the college is very appreciative of Ken’s generosity.

“It speaks volumes about his commitment to education and agriculture. By investing in these modernized facilities, he is directly contributing to the hands-on learning experiences that define Lakeland,” she said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW