Polytech renews land lease agreement for research farm

By Lethbridge Herald on January 22, 2026.

Herald photo by JOE MANIO Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson spoke to reporters about the land lease agreement renewal with Lethbridge Polytechnic on Thursday.

By Alexandra Noad

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter- Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Polytechnic has renewed the land lease agreement with the Government of Alberta for the 395-acre research farm located east of Lethbridge.

The 20-year agreement, signed in July, reinforces the institution’s long-term relationship with the provincial government as they work to expand applied agricultural research operations in response to industry needs.

It is the Polytechnic’s response to industry needs that has made them stand out amongst other institutions.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson says the Polytechnic is the leading agricultural research and with so many opportunities in the province’s second largest industry this land lease renewal will provide long-term stability for innovative research.

“Lethbridge Polytechnic is leading in Ag research, whether it be irrigation or right down to the work they’re doing with sugar beets, there’s so many opportunities that we need to continue to invest here in the province, understanding agriculture is our second largest industry.”

The research farm is a central part to the research at Lethbridge Polytechnic and Kenny Corscadden, vice-president of academic and research, the agreement will allow them to continue their student-focused, industry-connected research.

“The Lethbridge Polytechnic Research Farm is central to our agriculture research operations, supporting innovative projects while providing world-class opportunities for researchers and students alike.”

Lethbridge Polytechnic has been conducting applied research for the last 35 years, most recently within the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE), which has managed operations on the farm since 2020.

In August, the polytechnic also celebrated a transformative $2.8 million gift from the estate of Joe and Laverna Hranac to support operations on the farm, which provide hands-on student learning opportunities through course-based curriculum and research assistant positions, which allow students to work directly with researchers.

The lease agreement also includes a provision which will allow the construction of the multi-use Cor Van Raay Link Pathway, which will connect Lethbridge to Coaldale.