The future of agriculture was on display at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology on July 6, 2026, as youth from across the region gathered for the Summer Synergy Judging Camp. Hosted in partnership with the Olds Regional Exhibition (ORE) and sponsored by Calgary Stampede, the immersive camp gave young animal enthusiasts a hands-on introduction to livestock evaluation and close-up look at Olds College's diverse agricultural practices.
Youth ages nine to 21 were able to learn from the College’s industry experts in three livestock categories: beef cattle, horses and sheep. The young participants got sessions on how to judge animals’ health and market-readiness, and were able to ask questions to better understand the skills and practices of livestock care.
Later, they got a behind-the-scenes look at the Olds College National Meat Training Centre and saw how animals are processed to be sold in the Olds College Retail Meat Store. The youth also learned about plant care from horticultural experts on campus.
"Events like the Summer Synergy Judging Camp are where passion meets opportunity. By partnering with Olds College, we were able to teach young agriculture enthusiasts practical skills and give them hands-on experience with a variety of livestock, as well as learn about the processes that take our food from fields to tables.”
Jenna Meyers, Olds Regional Exhibition
The collaboration between the Olds Regional Exhibition and Olds College continues to be a cornerstone for youth development in Alberta’s agricultural sector. By the end of the day, the youth walked away with a broader understanding of the agricultural industry and the wide variety of opportunities it can hold.
“Olds College is constantly working to shape the future of agriculture and provide young people with hands-on learning opportunities. Hosting the Summer Synergy Judging Camp was an excellent intersection of these goals, and we were pleased to welcome the young campers to campus.”
Todd Ormann, Olds College Vice President, External Relations & Research
Whether these campers return to Olds College as future students or head back to their family farms with fresh perspectives, the future of agriculture looks incredibly bright.