Lakeland College students working with Canada's first post-secondary commercial bison herd will soon do so with state-of-the-art handling facilities thanks to a generous $150,000 donation from Ken Wasmuth. The gift was announced at the Vermilion campus.
The college purchased land south of Vermilion campus in 2023 to house the bison, which animal science technology students manage as part of the Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland. The land is eight contiguous quarter sections, including handling facilities, fencing and full services. Although the land was previously used for bison ranching, the existing facilities require modernizing to incorporate the latest animal handling practices.
After touring the current handling facilities with students and faculty during the 2023-24 academic year, Wasmuth pledged his support to modernize them. The upgrades - which students will help plan - will include a hydraulic squeeze and new pens, gates, panels, and a weigh scale. Any remaining funds from Wasmuth's gift will be invested in fencing or grazing equipment that will support the bison herd.
With a background in agriculture and a deep interest in the cultural history of bison in the region, supporting Lakeland's bison enterprise was a natural fit for the Wainwright resident.
"I'm interested in bison and committed to helping Lakeland students," Wasmuth says. "This donation will provide the students with the best tools to handle bison while minimizing stress on the animals."
Wasmuth's support for students at Lakeland extends beyond the bison facilities. He created an endowment fund in 2021 to fund the Ken Wasmuth Agriculture Technology Award, which is awarded to a student in the bachelor of agriculture technology program. He also purchased a tile on the Legacy Wall in the newly rejuvenated WHT Mead Building at the Vermilion campus and is a familiar face at many Lakeland events, including Feast on the Farm and Farm 4.0.
"I want to help students who might be struggling a little bit, or those who might be a little bit older, like I was when I went to university. Education is important," he says.
Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland, thanked Wasmuth for his ongoing support. "We are very appreciative of Ken's generosity which speaks volumes about his commitment to education and agriculture. By investing in these modernized facilities, he is directly contributing to the hands-on learning experiences that define Lakeland."
