2026 News Stories

Broncos Broncos Welcome New Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Olds College Broncos Athletics are excited to announce Mike Hansen as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program. Hansen has coached extensively at both the college and high school levels in Alberta. Most recently, he served as head coach of the University of Lethbridge’s men’s basketball program from 2013 to 2019.

General, Student Success Olds College Students Shine at Skills Canada Competition

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is celebrating success for three of its students, and a national win to top it off. The Skills Canada National Competition, held in Toronto from May 27 to 30, 2026, saw hundreds of young competitors from across the country come together to compete in a variety of skilled trades. Among them was dual credit Pre-employment Welding student Logan Swanson, and Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship students Samantha Wheale and Maia Zezulka.

Events Explore, Engage, Experience, Imagine: Olds College opens its doors to 300 central Alberta students

Nearly 300 Grade 8 and 9 students from across central Alberta spent a full day at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology on May 27, getting a hands-on look at what their futures could hold.

Faculty-Led Research, Environmental Stewardship The Canary in the Creek: Assessing Watershed Health by Examining Invertebrates

If you think about testing a river's health or quality, you may imagine a scientist in a lab coat peering at a test tube. While chemical and physical measurements can be useful, they may also be expensive, difficult to interpret or miss important ecological impacts and signals from human activities.

Events Discovery Day Open House Inspires Future Students at Olds College

On May 14, 2026, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology welcomed more than 550 prospective students and supporters to campus during this year’s Discovery Day Open House, offering visitors a firsthand look at student life, hands-on learning and career-focused education.

Broncos Broncos Announce New Men’s Volleyball Head Coach

Olds College Broncos are pleased to announce the hiring of Kurt Wootton as head coach of the men’s volleyball program. Wootton has been involved with the sport since the age of 11 and brings extensive playing and coaching experience from across Canada to the Broncos program.

General, Alumni, Events Generations of Olds College Alumni Gather at the First Red Deer Pro Rodeo!

On May 22, 2026 at the Red Deer Pro Rodeo, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology hosted an alumni reception before the rodeo action began. Alumni were invited to the Chalet on the Westerner Park grounds to visit with other alumni, share food and drinks, and enjoy great live music from Kenzie Duboiz (an Olds College alumni as well) and her fellow musician Dane Von Hagen.

Donors, Partnerships, Student Success The Collier Award Celebrates Years of Student Success

In 2017, Bob and Carollyne Collier established the Bob Collier Award at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with a clear mission to drive student success by rewarding excellence in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within the agriculture sector.

General, Programs, Faculty-Led Research Exploring the MasterMind Method: A Gamified Experiential Learning Framework

Imagine a classroom that has simulations, challenges and scenario-based activities aimed at pushing students to think outside the box. In business courses taught by Jennifer Hainsworth, Instructor, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, she uses gamified lessons intentionally designed to be novel and out of the ordinary to create an emotional connection for students in class.

General, Student Success, Smart Farm 2nd Annual Academic Research Showcase Highlights Student & Faculty Projects

The 2nd annual Academic Research Showcase was a full day of information-packed, interesting student and faculty research presentations – highlighting the many brilliant minds at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.

General, Events Olds College Students Host Second Annual “Taste of Olds” Showcasing Local Food, Businesses and Community Talent

Students in the Business Management Diploma program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology are proud to present the second annual Taste of Olds, an interactive food and beverage expo celebrating local businesses, community connections and student innovation.

General “Aiming for Balance”: A New Centerpiece for Indigenous Services at Olds College

The Gathering Room at Indigenous Services at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a new centerpiece, thanks to the skilled hands of the Men’s Shed of Olds and a vision for community balance.

Smart Farm, Environmental Stewardship Olds College Researcher Developing Soil Analysis Tool

Looking for a way to test your soil quality in the field? Dr. Semeton Amosu, Research Associate with the Environmental Stewardship team at the Olds College Centre for Innovation, has developed a prototype of a comprehensive soil health scorecard called the Olds College Assessment of Soil Health (OCASH) to support farmers and agronomists in evaluating the health and potential productivity of their soils.

Student Life Hands-On Learning, Real-World Connections: Farrier Students Attend Industry Clinic

For students in Olds College of Agriculture & Technology's Farrier Science Program, learning doesn’t stop at the forge or the classroom — it extends directly into the heart of the industry. In February, nine students took that next step, attending the Western Canadian Farriers Association (WCFA) Mega Clinic, hosted at Horse In Hand Ranch in Blackfalds, Alberta.

Partnerships, Student Life Burger of the Month Supports Student Mental Health at Olds College

For the month of February, a special Burger of the Month collaboration between Cilantro and Chive and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology helped raise both awareness and $932 in support for student mental health, with proceeds directed to the College’s Student Mental Health Fund. The initiative featured a guest burger created in partnership with Olds College’s Dean of the School of Trades & Skills, Dennis Beaudoin, highlighting the power of community connections and the importance of supporting student well-being.

Smart Farm, Livestock Research Welcoming New Research Scientist to TACLP

A huge welcome to the new Research Scientist, Dr. Aghata Elins Moreira da Silva, who has joined the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) team at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.

Events Olds College Hosts Largest Career Fair Yet

On Feb. 25, 2026, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology welcomed 75 employers and over 400 students to the Alumni Centre and Learning Commons (library) to meet, greet and connect with students to talk about future prospects, job and volunteer opportunities and provide insight into their respective industries.

Administration Response to Rodeo Concerns

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share your concerns. We value the perspectives we have heard over the last few days and appreciate the commitment you have shown to the student experience at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.

Programs, Student Success Students Gain Real-World Field Experience Through ALMS Collaboration

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology students stepped beyond the classroom and onto the ice this winter, working alongside the Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS) to collect valuable water monitoring data. While the visit this year coincided with World Wetlands Day, the opportunity itself was driven by a deeper goal: connecting students with industry-relevant skills and professionals.

Smart Farm Advancing Soil Stewardship: Olds College Welcomes Alberta Agriculture Leaders

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology welcomed over 75 researchers, producers and industry leaders to campus for the 2026 Alberta Soil Science Workshop (ASSW), held Feb. 17-19, 2026. The theme of the 62nd edition of this conference was the Future of Soil Science in Regenerative Agriculture.

Faculty Success Olds College Selects NISOD Excellence Award Recipient

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is proud to announce its recipient of the annual National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards — Dr. Ken Fry, Entomology Instructor, School of Life Science & Business.

General Congratulations to Atul on Calgary Stampede Selection!

A huge congratulations to Dr. Atul Nayyar, Senior Development Partner at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, on being selected to serve as a member of the International Agriculture Subcommittee in greater support of the Agri-Food Committee at the Calgary Stampede!

Partnerships, Programs Royal Canin and Olds College Partner to Enhance Veterinary Technologist Program

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and Royal Canin have joined forces to develop a specialized small animal nutrition workshop for students. Focusing on feline and canine health, the program is designed to enhance the education of Veterinary Technologist students, giving Olds College graduates a competitive edge in the veterinary industry.

Student Life, Student Success Niznik: A Family Legacy

In the fall of 1966, George Niznik followed in the footsteps of his father by arriving at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology to take Agriculture Management. What he didn’t know at the time was that 59 years later, he’d be walking the campus with his family, including granddaughter Brooke Niznik — a current Olds College student.

General, In The Community, Smart Farm Celebrating Progress & Innovation: Olds College Launches 2025 Impact Reports

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is proud to release its first 2025 Olds College Impact Report, alongside the latest 2025 Smart Farm Impact Report.

General, Events AgSmart to Return in 2027 with an Expanded Vision & Stronger National Focus

AgSmart is entering a new phase of redevelopment. In 2026, Agri-Trade, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and key partners will focus on strengthening the event’s direction and design to ensure it delivers greater value and deeper connections across Canadian agriculture. AgSmart will return in summer 2027.

General Olds College Suspends Craft Beverage & Brewery Operations Diploma; Brewery to Close June 2026

Following the suspension of student intake for the Craft Beverage and Brewery Operations program in February 2025, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has officially suspended the program and scheduled the closure of the Olds College Brewery for June 2026.