It’s been one year since the Irvine School Agriculture Discovery Centre opened its doors. 

The centre, located at the Irvine School in Irvine, Alberta, teaches young people a hands-on approach to sustainable agricultural practices and all the many facets of agriculture. 

It’s been a rousing success since day one, according to ADC Program Coordinator Nichole Neubauer. 

“I didn’t dare imagine in my wildest dreams turning out the way it has. In agriculture, you’re taught to be a little bit conservative. You hope for the best but plan for something less so you’re not disappointed.”

READ MORE: A Micro-Farm with a Global Perspective: Irvine School Agriculture Discovery Centre close to opening

Neubauer says the investment made by students and staff have contributed to its success. 

The ADC is holding its inaugural fall gather and production sale on September 24 to celebrate its one-year anniversary.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser for the year. I want this project to be sustainable so that we can make plans, formulate a budget and make investments in the program next year,” says Neubauer. 

The centre has a wide variety of livestock up for bid, including steers, lambs, hogs and a couple of purebred Nubian goat kids. 

“All of the production livestock will be auctioned off, as well as silent auction items, to help raise money so that when the fall run starts, the students can pick out some replacement livestock for next year. The cycle begins again. That’s how it is in agriculture. We’re always planning for next year.” 

As part of the celebration, there’s also a farm-to-table dinner featuring produce grown by the students. 

“Everything from potatoes, onions, carrots, and zucchini loaf and muffins will be showcased in the dinner. The food studies students prepare that meal. It all kind of goes full circle.” 

For more information on the sale click here.