Judy Sweet is continuing her longstanding support of Lakeland College agricultural sciences students by investing in the Student-Managed Farm (SMF) Lab Revitalization project.

Sweet’s gift will support upgrades to the calving barn on the Vermilion campus farm, enhancing agricultural teaching, applied research, animal care and industry collaboration. The improvements will also strengthen facility functionality, sustainability and long-term operational capacity.

“Judy Sweet’s generosity is an investment in the future of agriculture and in the students who will lead it,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “Her continued support of Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm helps us provide the modern facilities and hands-on learning experiences our students need to put their education into action. This gift will strengthen animal care, help advance applied research and prepare graduates to make a meaningful impact in this essential industry. We are deeply grateful for Judy’s commitment to our students.”

The SMF is the cornerstone of Lakeland’s approach to student-managed learning in agricultural sciences. This award-winning concept reflects more than 30 years of active learning and requires infrastructure and technological updates, along with sustainable management systems, to support its future.

The calving barn upgrades will contribute to a more effective learning and research environment, supporting students as they develop the skills and insights needed in industry.

A longstanding commitment to agriculture

Sweet’s support of Lakeland reflects her belief that investing in students is an investment in the future of agriculture.

She has continued to support the college’s agricultural programming, campus farm and livestock research initiatives, including the modernization of the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility at the Vermilion campus. The facility officially opened on Oct. 20, 2016, in memory of Sweet’s late husband, Garth. Her support has also helped expand Lakeland’s farm land base and advance opportunities for student-led learning and applied research.

“An investment in Lakeland College is something I know will more than pay off for current and future agriculture students and this industry,” says Sweet. “I’ve seen how Lakeland students learn by doing and how they make an impact in commercial agriculture and animal health. Supporting the modernization of the calving barn means students will have the opportunity to learn in a more modern, functional environment while gaining the skills and experience they need for their careers.”

The revitalized SMF Lab will provide an immersive learning environment that prepares graduates to contribute to a globally competitive, sustainable agriculture industry. It will also strengthen Lakeland’s ability to deliver applied research and develop solutions that benefit producers and rural communities.