Research farm at Lethbridge Polytechnic Expands with Multi-Million Dollar Gift

Aug 25, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Estate of Joe and Laverna Hranac to leave lasting legacy in agriculture

Lethbridge Polytechnic is preparing to celebrate a multi-million-dollar legacy gift from the estate of Joe and Laverna Hranac. This donation represents the second largest in the institution’s history and will directly support the future of agriculture research.

The generous gift will fund operations at the Lethbridge Polytechnic Research Farm, ensuring continued growth in applied research, student learning, and agricultural innovation.

The announcement will be formally made during a special program at the Research Farm, August 21.

The event aligns with the polytechnic’s annual Farm Field Day, when agricultural producers, students, and community members gather to tour the farm, view research projects, and connect with experts. The day highlights how the institution’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship is meeting industry needs.

Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen noted the significance of such programs, stating that supporting local agricultural research creates strong opportunities for farmers, students, and industry partners. This gift will allow for expanded studies in areas such as crop science, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices.

Through this contribution, the legacy of Joe and Laverna Hranac will continue to strengthen applied research and innovation, supporting the future of agriculture and education in Alberta.

Photo Credit: Lethbridge-Polytechnic-logo

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.