LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, October 29, 2026 – The St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) is pleased to award $30,000 in funding to recipients of the 2026- 2027 Peter Langemann, Keith Francis, and Jonnie Popel Memorial Scholarships.
Since 2022, the SMRID has awarded 15 scholarships, in the amount of $2,000 each, to students from across the District who meet the criteria. First time applicants and students enrolled in an agriculture-related field of study are given preferential consideration. This year, eight out of the 15 recipients are studying in an agriculture-related field of study, and 7 of the recipients are studying in an agriculture-adjacent field of study.
This year’s funding cycle supports students studying Agronomy, crop technology, sustainable agriculture and food systems, agricultural business and management, pre veterinary medicine and biochemistry. Recipients of the 2026 Scholarships include students from Lethbridge County, Coaldale, Bow Island, Taber, Medicine Hat, Foremost, and Lethbridge.
“The SMRID Board of Directors is proud to support the region’s Agriculture leaders of the future in their post-secondary education. Supporting students in agriculture-related fields is particularly meaningful, as these are the skills and careers that will help keep our District and region strong for generations to come. The Board congratulates all of this year’s recipients and wishes them every success in their studies and future careers.”
-Cory Nelson, Chairman, SMRID Board of Directors
“Since 2022, SMRID has invested nearly $100,000 in students pursuing careers in agriculture, and we see that as an investment in the future of our industry and our communities. These are the people who will be growing, building, innovating and leading agriculture in southern Alberta for years to come. We’re proud to play a small part in helping them get there, and to support students who are choosing to build their future in agriculture.”
-David Westwood, SMRID General Manager
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