News

Orange is the colour of hands-on learning on the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus with the renewal of an equipment partnership with Kubota Canada.

Kubota Canada has generously provided the Faculty of Agriculture with the use of six pieces of landscape and grounds maintenance equipment for a second three-year period.  This leading-edge equipment and technology will support managed landscapes programs and campus operations.

“Partnerships, like this one with Kubota Canada, continue to enhance our ability to provide an industry relevant, quality experience to our students,” explained dean and campus principal Dr. Heather Bruce. “Deepening connections with our community and our students continues to be a priority.”  

Valued at nearly $30,000 per year, the agreement with Kubota Canada and local retailer Central Equipment, provides an opportunity to renew for an additional three-year period, with rolling annual commitments.

One addition this year includes equipping a Rugged Terrain Vehicle (RTV) with a snow blade and cab, which will enable greater use throughout the winter months for snow removal.

“This partnership exposes Kubota products to the next generation in a hands-on way,” explained Regional Sales Manager Kubota Canada Ltd and Class of ’82 alum Larry Mailman. “Since 1890 Kubota has been impacting the world in a positive way through our products and processes.  We are entering our 50th year here in Canada, and I feel partnerships like this will help us progress into the next 50 years.”

Students engage with the equipment in horticultural labs, summer students are trained on equipment while becoming knowledgeable in large scale landscape maintenance. Students and staff are also exposed to products that will increase productivity and efficiency of tasks at hand, taking these experiences with them throughout their lives.  As equipment needs evolve Kubota is right there leading the way.

“Having Kubota equipment on-site has allowed the Botanical Garden Unit to increase efficiency, tackle bigger jobs in-house, and focus more on the technical aspects of our job,” explained Andrew Stewart, Landscape Technician for the Botanical Garden Unit and co-ordinator of Friends of the Garden.

The Bicentennial Botanical Garden is enjoyed by many community members including dog walkers, picnickers, and is host to weddings, prom photos and out-of-town tourists enjoying seasonal displays. The work of the Botanical Garden unit each season is facilitated by this equipment and contributes to the overall enjoyment of the green spaces on campus. 

“I have many fond memories of my experiences and the wonderful people at the Faculty of Agriculture and since then throughout the agricultural community,” added Larry.   “They are the backbone of our country, steadfastly producing food for our nation and beyond.” 

Thanks to Central Equipment Inc and owner Chad Bower, Class of 2000, the local Kubota dealer responsible for servicing the agreement with the support of 18 other Kubota dealers in Atlantic Canada. Central Equipment has been critical in facilitating this gift and a crucial partner in servicing and maintaining this product line.