More than 200 people enjoyed an evening outdoors in support of student leadership at Lakeland College's Feast on the Farm on Thursday, Aug. 15.

“This event, which coincides with Alberta Open Farm Days, brings the community together to celebrate our rural roots, the harvest season and student-leadership,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

“Student leadership is at the core of what we offer, and we excel at providing this with the help of our community and industry partners. From serving as guest speakers to providing practicum placements, sponsoring initiatives and attending events like Feast on the Farm, their support is integral to our students' success.”

With support from sponsors and attendees, the fourth annual Feast on the Farm raised more than $15,000, bringing the total raised since its inception to close to $80,000. The sold-out event was held at the Research Centre at the Vermilion campus.

Feast on the Farm was emceed by Spencer Letts, animal science technology Class of 2019 grad, and Quinn Hlus, who is enrolled in the bachelor of applied science: environmental management program. Hlus is also a Class of 2018 alumna of the environmental conservation and reclamation major in the environmental sciences diploma program.

The event included a performance by The Dirt Rich Band, a delicious meal, New Holland equipment displays, a keepsake photo opportunity and a luxury raffle, which featured five locally-sourced prizes.

Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland celebrates 30 years

The Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland's (SMF) 30th anniversary celebration was kicked off at Feast on the Farm. A special video presentation highlighting the history and innovation of the SMF was shared, and guests were treated to a commemorative SMF 30 blanket.

Many former and current instructors who've been involved in the development and evolution of the SMF were at Feast on the Farm. Terry Eleniak, a Class of 1991 crop technology alumnus and the first SMF student manager, shared a few stories about the SMF's early years.  

“What started out as 500 acres turned into this 2,000-acre prosperous farm you see here today. I know the education I got at Lakeland and the experience I had with the Student-Managed Farm has contributed to my success,” says Eleniak, who is an agricultural fieldman for Lamont County and runs a 1,600-acre mixed farm.

“When I hire students every year, there are two criteria I look at: if they are a Lakeland College student and if they have 4-H experience. I know that any Lakeland student, whether they're from the Vermilion or Lloydminster campus, is hard-working and dedicated.

“Congratulations to everyone involved with the Student-Managed Farm. It's been an incredible success so far and I can't wait to see what the next 30 years will bring.”

Eleniak's son and daughter-in-law are also Lakeland alumni, and his youngest daughter starts studies at the Vermilion campus this fall.

Lakeland will continue to mark the SMF 30th anniversary throughout the academic year at annual events such as Band in the Sand, Open House, Little Royal and Homecoming 2020.

Photos: From the top, Feast on the Farm was held outdoors at the Research Centre; Quinn Hlus (left) and Spencer Letts (right), with Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, emceed the fourth annual event; and a number of instructors who were involved in the development and evolution of the Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland (SMF) attended the event to help kick off the SMF's 30th anniversary.

Additional photos from Feast on the Farm are available on Flickr and Facebook.