Inaugural Common Ground event at Olds College celebrates agriculture and partnership
Published 1:18 pm Thursday, June 25, 2026
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Olds College of Agriculture & Technology hosted its inaugural Common Ground event on June 18, which brought together elected officials, industry pioneers, community leaders and dedicated donors to celebrate the foundational partnerships driving the future of Canadian agriculture.
The evening highlighted the vital role that collaborative networks play in supporting development, food security and advanced technology integration. The 230 guests were treated to a showcase of the latest agricultural technology, featuring a display of heavy machinery lined up in the parking lot.
The interactive demonstration continued as attendees gathered in The Hive for a networking reception. Inside, the guests explored smaller-scale, innovative campus technologies along with enjoying a wide selection of hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
The event then went over to the Alumni Centre for the formal program, which started with a welcome and Indigenous Blessing from the Olds College Indigenous Services team. Al Kemmere, chair of the Olds College Board of Governors then opened the evening discussing the College’s century-long legacy of delivering hands-on, industry-focused education.
“While much has changed over the past hundred years, Olds College knows that one thing stays true: agriculture feeds the world,” said Kemmere. “This sustained success is not possible without the collaboration between our industry partners, researchers, faculty and staff. Together, we can transform our economy for the better.”
Following his speech, the Honourable Tara Sawyer, minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Honourable Jason Nixon, minister of Finance, addressed the crowd.
Minister Sawyer touched on her deep personal connection to the campus as the area’s MLA, a local farmer and a proud family member of two Olds College alumni. She recognized the College’s pivotal role in pushing the sector forward and emphasized the immense impact the agricultural industry has on driving the provincial economy.
Minister Nixon, who represents the neighbouring portion of Mountain View County and whose son is currently enrolled at the college, shared his own appreciation for the institution.
Next up to speak was Olds College president and CEO Dr. Debbie Thompson, who gave a speech emphasizing how technology is revolutionizing modern agriculture — making it smarter, more efficient and sustainable. She highlighted the college’s unique responsibility as a premier agriculture-focused institution to lead innovations in robotics, automation, AI and data-driven precision agriculture.
“Our partners are the driving force of our growth, and we cannot fulfill our mission without them,” said Dr. Thompson. “Tonight, we are celebrating the role we all play in advancing agriculture for a better world.”
Before dinner, the college celebrated its renewed food services agreement with Chartwells, who has served the campus community since 2012. Guests were then treated to a plated three-course “field-to-fork” dinner prepared by Chartwells. The menu directly celebrated local producers, sourcing bison from HGB Bison Ranch and honey from Three Hills Henry Brinks Pure and Natural Raw Honey.
After dinner guests heard from Todd Hirsch, the keynote speaker, who discussed the critical importance of adaptability within a complex and unpredictable global economy — a trait he noted was demonstrated daily by the producers and partners of the agricultural sector.
The true highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the 2026 Partners of the Year: Bob and Carollyne Collier. As the highest honour bestowed by Olds College, the award celebrates partners who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the vision of advancing agriculture for a better world.
