smart partner program
Connecting innovative businesses to innovative farmers & researchThis program builds our community of researchers, industry partners and innovative farmers and agronomists. It creates a mutually beneficial network focused on making southern Alberta agriculture a strong and resilient industry.
We adapt and excel at innovation development and adoption. This is crucial to keep farmers competitive and viable in a complex and dynamic environment.
Read about the full program to find where you fit.
More InformationDonate
Farming Smarter exists to drive agriculture innovation at the farm level. As a registered Canadian charity & non-profit association, we depend on grants, sponsorship, self generated revenue, and donations.
Rest assured money donated to Farming Smarter stays in southern Alberta and can be leveraged in grant applications. Your donation could help us do amazing things that can help you and our community!
We are looking for benefactors to support the following needs:
Land
We need land to do our work. This can come in the form of free long-term leases or land ownership.
Crop inputs
With several hundred acres of land under management, we would appreciate the contribution of inputs such as seed, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.
Facilities
Farming Smarter needs shop and office space, labs, and places to host events.
Cash
Cash investments can be targeted in many ways. It could support a research project, an extension goal, conservation work or a staff position.
Equipment or Fuel
We manage several hundred acres and would appreciate free use or donation of agriculture equipment including tractors, combines, GPS, sprayers, mowers, trucks, trailers, ATVs, irrigation, and more.
Legacy
Farming Smarter would benefit from the creation of an Endowment fund. A sizable investment that could both earn and be drawn from for core operations would help secure and sustain Farming Smarter for the long term.
Credit Card
Go ahead and click on the button below to donate with your credit card. We accept both Mastercard and Visa via Stripe.
Donate Via StripeBy Mail
All Cheques made payable to Farming Smarter Association can be mailed to
Farming Smarter Association
211034 Hwy 512
Lethbridge County, AB T1J 5N9
View On Google MapsBy Phone
To donate over the phone, call Shelly at (403) 317-0022. Both Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
(403) 317 - 0022Become A Board Director
A competency-based volunteer Board of Directors leads Farming Smarter. They direct the organization through careful thought, meaningful discussion, and the establishment of written policies. Directors provide long-term guidance so staff can focus on the day-to-day business.
Our Board ensures we remain competent, fiscally responsible, and relevant to crop production. Each director serves a 3-year term, up to a maximum of three consecutive terms. The Board of Directors serve as the voting members of Farming Smarter and shall consist of no less than 6 directors, with no less than half the Board being primary producers.
The Board developed a skills matrix to guide recruitment. This ensures that Farming Smarter has a diverse skillset that includes key competencies. Director applicants, such as producers, and other stakeholders with skill(s) that to contribute to the Board, interested in furthering the objectives of the organization should contact us.
Advocacy
Government/Public Relations
Accounting/Audit
Fundraising
Community Relations
Marketing/Sales
Strategic Planning
Law/Contract Development & Review
Research/Agronomy
Internship Opportunities
International students – Kickstart your career and gain invaluable experience in agriculture. Immerse yourself in a new culture and enjoy unforgettable experiences while working on projects that drive innovation at the farm level.
PhD, Masters or independent study students – We are interested in working with students on their thesis projects.
Youth (16+) with a valid driver's license who are interested in agriculture research, data collection, equipment operation, working outside in a team environment, general labor etc. are encouraged to shadow experienced staff. Candidates will be able to commit at least 1 week (8 hours a day, 5 days).
Communications & Marketing – We produce all types of media for educational, interactive, and marketing purposes. We have a practicum agreement with the Lethbridge College Digital Media Program. We welcome students from communication/media disciplines to apply for practicums or internships with us.
Jobs
Summer Jobs
We hire summer students each year to help plant, maintain, collect data, harvest, and process crop plots for research projects. These temporary jobs with the option to return each year are an excellent opportunity for post secondary students studying agriculture or related field to work in the industry while finishing their education.
Seasonal Term Positions
Each year we hire term positions that offer a great opportunity to gain some experience and meet a network of people that tie into the agriculture industry. They are short-term, grant-supported positions with finite terms. Contact Ken Coles to learn more.
Permanent Positions
Farming Smarter tends to grow often, so we like to meet exceptionally bright people. If you are an extraordinary candidate for work in agriculture research or communication, send us your resume. We also tie into a network of innovative partners.
volunteer
Do you have talents and are willing to help a Canadian Charity?
We are looking for expertise in a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to:
- Fundraising
- Legal
- Event coordination or support
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Graphic Design