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Dr. Tom Thompson, former President of Olds College, leads a session on agriculture education in rural Saskatchewan at a recent meeting in Melfort, Sask. (Image Credit: (supplied photo/Suncrest College))
rural agricultural education

Creating a long-term vision for agriculture program

Jun 19, 2026 | 3:02 PM

Suncrest College hosted leaders from the community, industry, education and municipal government to discuss the future of agriculture education in rural Saskatchewan. 

Dr. Tom Thompson, former president of Olds College, led the session Visioning Agriculture Futures in Melfort forum. It focused on how education, communities and industry can work together. 

Suncrest College president and CEO Alison Dubreuil said participants talked about opportunities, priorities and next steps for agriculture education in the region. 

“This was a powerful opportunity to bring leaders and partners together to define what agriculture in the year 2050 will need from education,” Dubreuil said. “We are committed to building the workforce, and that work depends on strong industry partnership and investment.”  

Board Chair Corinna Stevenson said agriculture is a big part of Melfort’s history. 

“From a board perspective, this work supports our value of being future-focused — ensuring Suncrest College is aligned with the needs of our communities, our industries and the long-term economic future of the region,” Stevenson said.  

The work will continue in the coming months, with ideas from the forum helping guide future planning.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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