Bright minds at Lakeland College

3.5 min read

Lakeland College, established in 1913, serves more than 6,400 students every year at its campuses in Vermilion and Lloydminster, Alta., and through online and off-site programs and courses.

Agricultural sciences programming prepares graduates to make an impact in commercial agriculture and animal health. Programs are integrated with real-world learning situations and new technologies.
The Student-Managed Farm, powered by New Holland, is Lakeland’s flagship student-led opportunity. Students oversee management of commercial-scale crop, livestock and agriculture research, using the latest equipment and technology.
Lakeland Research Centre is a test bed for innovations in agriculture. The applied research team is driven by one goal: advancing real-world agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Bobbi-Jo Foster

Program(s): Agriculture Technology and graduate of Animal Science Technology

Major: Beef Science

Why did you choose this career path?

I’ve always had a strong passion for the agriculture industry. Growing up, my family operated a small purebred Hereford operation and I fell in love with livestock. As my experience grew, I realized how important crop production was and became very passionate about this sector as well. I knew that agriculture was the right path because it is one of the most rewarding in the world. When I’m out on my farm or in class expanding my knowledge, it never feels like work because I am so incredibly passionate about the industry.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I plan to complete my degree, expand my own purebred black Angus herd and continue involvement in the purebred cattle industry while working as an agronomist or pharmaceutical representative. I hope to start my own family and continue the tradition of farming. I also see myself being involved with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, 4-H, young farmer organizations, etc. I plan to give back to the agriculture industry – after all, it has made me into the young adult I am today.

What tips do you have for others?

Represent yourself well; first impressions have a big impact. Make time to build connections with classmates and people in the industry – they can help you be successful down the road. Be confident and stand up for what you believe in but remember to be open-minded and consider other perspectives. Know that hard work pays off. Still, take a break and look after yourself. Don't push your limits too far; know when it's time to sit back. Most importantly, always remember that connections made in the industry are among the most valuable assets you can acquire.

Jarret Nelson

Program(s): Graduate from Agribusiness, now enrolled in Agriculture Technology

Why did you choose this career path?

Growing up on the ranch and being in 4-H, I always had a desire to one day take over the family business. To do that successfully, I felt that learning about running a business would help me balance the books as efficiently as possible. Continuing my education in the technology side would help me learn to grow our operations and efficiency. I’m always interested in expanding my horizons and seeing where I can go with life.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I’ll have completed my schooling, built a strong career, and settled into the operations of the ranch, taking a larger step towards a leading role. I would like to have expanded via more land, cattle or other. I’d like to be focused on my job, working hard and loving life. I want to be living my life stress-free and living for myself, not doing things because someone else wants me to. Most of all, I want to be stable, working good hours, taking enough time to myself and having a good balance on life.

What tips do you have for others?

Focus on your little achievements because they all build up to the end goal. Hard work pays off, especially when it comes to those little triumphs. Nothing in life is given to you, the harder you work the better the reward. Don’t fret the failures; look at them as lessons learned. I’ve always celebrated little achievements in little ways and remembered failures so I could learn from them and improve for next time. Make sure you take time for yourself and don’t work your life away. Learn from others and try to look at situations through different eyes.

From an AgriSuccess article by Owen Roberts.

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