Nick Reutter wasn’t planning on buying a fixer-upper Case Magnum tractor, but when the opportunity came up at an auction in Missouri, he remembered his dad’s advice — ‘buy something worth keeping at a good price.’
The second-year student in the Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Diploma program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology was born and raised on his family’s large grain, poultry and hog farm in southern Manitoba.
From a young age, he spent time in the shop with his dad, learning both mechanical and business skills. Now, he’s applying that experience in the College’s hands-on learning environment, bringing his recently purchased tractor into the shop for repairs with support from instructors.
“I’d never heard of a student bringing their own tractor to class, but it made sense,” Reutter said. “With all the resources we have here, why not? I get to fix my own tractor, learn new skills and have instructors there if I need help. It’s a win-win.”
After his first year, Reutter wasn’t sure he would return, but a summer working on the farm changed his mind.
“I started seeing how much of what I’d learned was actually helping me back home — it just clicked,” he said. “I have zero regrets about coming back. Whether I stay on the farm or work as an ag heavy technician, the opportunities are there.”
Looking ahead, he’s considering taking one of the Heavy Equipment Technician programs to further expand his skills. No matter which path he takes, he’s confident the hands-on experience at Olds College will serve him well.