St. Mary River Irrigation District Awards $30,000 in Scholarships

The St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) has awarded a total of $30,000 in scholarships to support 15 students pursuing agriculture-related post-secondary education for the 2025-26 school year. Each student will receive $2,000 through SMRID’s annual scholarship program, which honors the memories of notable figures such as Peter Langemann, Keith Francis, and Jonnie Popel. This program is open to students from various regions, including Cypress County, Lethbridge County, Coaldale, Bow Island, and the MD of Taber.

Support for Future Agricultural Leaders

SMRID chairman Cory Nelson expressed pride in the board’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in agriculture. “All 15 of this year’s recipients are studying in an agriculture-related field,” said Nelson. “This funding is an investment in the future leaders of the agriculture and irrigation industries in southern Alberta.”

The scholarship recipients are enrolled in diverse programs such as crop research, veterinary medicine, agronomy, and agribusiness. Among them, Allison Baptista shared her journey, stating, “I had already started a biochemistry degree before I fell in love with agronomy. The SMRID scholarship gives me the opportunity to finish this degree before taking the next step into graduate studies and agriculture research.” She noted that the scholarship allows her to build a solid scientific foundation to comprehend the biochemical processes crucial for agricultural success.

Investing in Agriculture and Community

SMRID general manager David Westwood emphasized the importance of investing in students who aspire to careers in agriculture. “These students represent the next generation of innovators, producers, and leaders who will help ensure that agriculture in southern Alberta continues to thrive,” Westwood remarked. “We’re proud to support their education and their commitment to advancing the sector.”

This year, SMRID received a record number of applications, highlighting the growing interest in agricultural education in the region. The irrigation district plays a vital role in capturing snowmelt water through a network of pipelines, canals, and reservoirs, which is then delivered to farms across southern Alberta. This infrastructure supports the production of high-value crops, leading to consistent yields and attracting large processing companies, thus establishing the region as a significant food corridor.

The scholarship initiative not only aids in educating future agricultural leaders but also contributes to the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector in southern Alberta.