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(Image Credit: Medicine Hat College)
Agriculture Innovation

Medicine Hat College receives funding for agricultural research project

Jul 27, 2026 | 1:13 PM

Medicine Hat College has received $25,000 from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation to support a new applied agricultural research project focused on student training, technology and land management.

The funding will support work through the college’s Centre for Innovation (C4i), bringing together student researchers, local producers and drone technology to collect agricultural data in southeastern Alberta.

The project will focus on gathering information related to soil conditions, crop performance and water use, where researchers will use the data to provide field-level insights that can help producers better understand current practices and support future decision-making.

The initiative is part of the college’s growing applied research efforts and aims to address the need for timely, high-quality agricultural information while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Two student research assistants have already completed training and certification in drone operations.

Through the project, students will gain experience using emerging technology, collecting and analyzing data, and working directly with agricultural producers.

The project is open to learners from multiple disciplines, reflecting the increasing role of technology, research and collaboration in modern agriculture.

Chelsey Ehresman, Manager of Medicine Hat College’s C4i, said the opportunity allows students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

“By working directly in the field with producers, participants gain meaningful experience while contributing to research that has practical value,” Ehresman said in a release.

“Working with real producers changes how people learn,” she added.

“They see how data influences decisions in real time and develop the skills to apply and communicate that information effectively.”

The Alberta Real Estate Foundation said the project supports responsible land use while helping build local capacity by giving students experience with tools and skills that can benefit Alberta’s agricultural future.

Recent Medicine Hat College graduate Nitin Nitin is among those gaining experience through the project, using drone technology and field research to develop technical skills and learn more about agricultural technology.

Nitin said the experience has helped him gain practical knowledge while working with a team focused on innovation.

“Working in the field and using drone technology for research was very exciting for me,” Nitin said in a release.

“I’m gaining experience as a beginner in this industry while working with a team like C4i that is focused on innovation. This project is opening more opportunities for me while I continue to build technical and teamwork skills in agricultural technology.”

The project began in May and will continue through the fall.

Results from the research will be shared through digital content and presentations with producers and project partners.