Olds College of Agriculture & Technology was honoured to host the Mongolian delegation for a two-day visit, welcoming 13 representatives to campus.
During their time at Olds College, the delegation participated in presentations highlighting research projects with the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) and the role of the Olds College Smart Farm. While on campus, they enjoyed guided tours of the Smart Farm with Sean Thompson, Director of TACLP, and the Pitstra Farm with Brianna Elliot, Project Lead with TACLP – gaining firsthand insight into the College’s innovative approach to agricultural education and applied research.
This visit was part of the Enhancing Community Climate Options for Adaptation and Resilience in Mongolia (ECCO-FARM) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, based in Calgary.
“The delegation was eager to learn about the quality and variety of programs offered at Olds College, as training young people in agriculture is a key priority for Mongolia and the ECCO-FARM project,” says Debra Rasmussen, Senior Project Director at Alinea International. “Seeing the practical, hands-on learning opportunities available was especially meaningful as they consider how best to prepare the next generation for productive and rewarding careers in agriculture.”
Olds College’s cutting-edge research in livestock production closely aligns with the major themes of Mongolia’s ECCO-FARM project. The visit provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two groups. The Smart Farm tour was a particular highlight, with the delegation especially enjoying the chance to see an operating research beef farm in a Canadian setting.
The honoured group was inspired by the innovative and sustainable practices showcased at Olds College — insights that will help inform their efforts to build a more productive, profitable and climate-resilient agricultural sector in Mongolia.
The delegation included Speaker of Citizens ’ Representative Khural of Khushaat County, Amarjargal Damdinsuren; Governor of Khutag-Undur County, Uuganbayar Jargalsaikhan; Governor of Ikh-Uul County, Bilegbayar Bazarsad; and Governor of Bornuur County, Batbold Vanchinserj.
In addition, the Dean of Animal Husbandry and Biotechnology from Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Gurbazar Damdinsuren; Perennial Crop Scientific Researcher from the Research Institute of Animal Husbandry, Sukhbaatar Purevjav; Head of Plant Gene Bank at the Institute of Plant and Agricultural Science, Uuganbaatar Norovsambuu; and with the ECCO-FARM, Deputy Field Manager, Byambadorj Purevdoo and Operations Manager, Zul Sabikhan.
The tour also included several herders and farmers from Mongolia, including the Head of Pasture Association of Herder Households (PAHH), Namnan Ganbat.
The Smart Farm is working towards providing producers with real-life applied research to help them make informed decisions about implementing technology in their own operations.