Yorkton, SK – Parkland College and East Central Research Foundation (ECRF) welcomed farmers and agriculture industry representatives Wednesday for an inaugural field day. The event was organized to highlight the partnership between the college and ECRF at their research farm half a mile south of Yorkton.

“In March we signed a memorandum of understanding that lets us pursue agricultural applied research projects together,” said Gwen Machnee, Parkland College’s University and Applied Research Coordinator. “We are pooling resources and combining our strengths: the college can access certain funds that ECRF cannot, while ECRF has the equipment we require to run these research projects.”

Numerous trials are underway this summer. Researchers are testing new canola varieties from Monsanto, conducting trials on North Star Genetics varieties of shorter-maturity soybeans, and running demonstrations on grasses and legumes with Saskatchewan Agriculture. Dutch Openers AirGuard seed brakes are also being tested for improved seed and fertilizer placement.

“It’s very rewarding to host our first field day in this partnership with Parkland College,” said ECRF chairman Glenn Blakley. “We’re looking forward to being able to provide information on innovative products, ideas, and techniques to local farmers.”

The research farm is also helpful for students at Parkland College. The land is used for teaching purposes and allows students to gain experience in the agribusiness and bioresources industry.

Parkland College and ECRF plan to continue agriculture research trial programs in the Yorkton area for the long term. The information developed and gathered on site will be shared with the research community, agricultural industry, and local producers.

About Parkland College:
Since its inception in 1973, Parkland College has worked to expand the philosophy of life-long learning in East Central Saskatchewan. Among the seven basic principles upon which the community college system was founded is the idea that programs are to be developed in response to the needs of the community. Today, Parkland College offers a broad spectrum of educational services from trades training and high school upgrading to the province’s most diverse off-campus university offerings.

About East Central Research Foundation:
ECRF is a non-profit organization established in 1996 at Canora. It undertakes applied research projects and demonstrates specialized crop protection technologies to local producers. Funding from government agencies allows ECRF to conduct trials on everything from seed treatments and crop residues to fertilizer application rates and weed and pest control. ECRF is one of eight producer-directed research and demonstration groups in Saskatchewan making up the Agriculture – Applied Research Management (Agri-ARM) network.

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For more information contact:
Gwen Machnee
Coordinator, University and Applied Research
Parkland College
Phone: 306.786.2593
Email: g.machnee@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Yorkton, SK – Parkland College is proud to announce a unique partnership with Yorkton Tribal Council. A studentship agreement signed Friday will provide local First Nations youth with access to up to $300,000 in scholarships over the next five years.

Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) is generously providing a $150,000 scholarship donation to Parkland College for individuals in post-secondary programming. The gift will be managed by the college and allocated each year through 2017. The funds will be matched by the provincial government’s Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program, as available, effectively doubling the donation by YTC.

“With partnerships working together to support and recognize the achievements of our students, we help shape them into positive successful individuals,” said YTC Education Commission Chief Leonard Keshane.

Yorkton Tribal Council Tribal Chief Gilbert Panipekeesick (left) and Parkland College President Dr. Fay Myers sign the Memorandum of Understanding and Studentship Agreement.

“This substantial gift will open doors for many young First Nations people,” noted Parkland College President Dr. Fay Myers. “We are excited to work with Yorkton Tribal Council and offer these scholarships to provide new opportunities and remove barriers to further education.”

These awards will be presented only to applicants from the Yorkton Tribal Council’s six member First Nations (Cote First Nation, Key First Nation, Keeseekoose First Nation, Ocean Man First Nation, Sakimay First Nation, and Kahkewistahaw First Nation).

A review committee made up of representatives from Parkland College and Yorkton Tribal Council will conduct thorough assessments of applicants and jointly select the award recipients. Selection criteria will be based on entrance grades and classroom attendance, as well as aptitude, ambition, career aspirations, subject matter interests, and personal supports.

Parkland College will award $20,000 in YTC scholarships in 2013, followed by $40,000 in 2014, and $80,000 in each of the final three years of the agreement (contingent on the availability of the province’s matching grant). The distribution of the funds is designed to maximize YTC’s agreement and coincide with the opening of the Parkland College Trades and Technology Centre, scheduled for the fall of 2015.

Scholarships will be awarded in increments ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the students’ program tuition and materials, transportation costs, and living expenses.

“The world is quickly transforming into a knowledge-based society,” Dr. Myers added. “There is a growing need for all people to be well-educated and highly skilled. I welcome students from our local First Nations to take advantage of this terrific opportunity.”

About Parkland College:
Since its inception in 1973, Parkland College has worked to expand the philosophy of life-long learning in East Central Saskatchewan. Among the seven basic principles upon which the community college system was founded is the idea that programs are to be developed in response to the needs of the community. Today, Parkland College offers a broad spectrum of educational services from trades training and high school upgrading to the province’s most diverse off-campus university offerings.

About Yorkton Tribal Council:
The Yorkton Tribal Council provides high quality service to the Member First Nations with the Spirit and Intent of Treaty in Mind. Our purpose is to create opportunities to enhance individual and community capacity to ensure First Nation Membership are provided with equal opportunities and become contributing members of our First Nations.

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For more information contact:
Brendan Wagner
Communications Officer
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595
Email: b.wagner@parklandcollege.sk.ca

Sabrina Sparvier
Active Measures Coordinator, Education
Yorkton Tribal Council
Phone: 306.782.3644 ext.231
Email: sabrina.s@yorktontribalcouncil.com