Across the wide-open prairie of Southern Alberta, a quiet revolution in agriculture is beginning to grow, rooted in vision and driven by purpose. The Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC South), once known as a hub for small plot research, is now being reimagined. With nearly 700 acres of land, a major infrastructure renewal underway, and a growing list of active projects, CDC South is entering a new chapter—one that invites researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to be part of something transformative.

A Landscape Built for Discovery

When people think of agricultural research, they often imagine sprawling test plots and lab-coated scientists in remote locations. But CDC South offers something different: a network of four unique properties, all with their own purpose and potential.

At its heart is Lendrum Farm, located just outside Brooks in the County of Newell. This is the home base—the administrative and operational centre where it all comes together. Just a few kilometres from the historic Brooks Aqueduct lies McLeod Farm, a site that benefits from its location along the aqueduct road. A little farther out is Ponderosa Farm, a quiet, separated property ideal for projects that need isolation from surrounding activity. Finally, southwest of Bow Island sits the Bow Island Substation, extending CDC South’s reach into the County of Forty Mile.

Together, these sites offer more than just land. They represent opportunity—real, grounded, and ready.

From Idle to Innovative: A Greenhouse Revived

At the edge of the Lendrum property sits a greenhouse complex that’s been waiting for its next chapter. Though currently unused, this facility is in the midst of a full renewal. Over the summer and fall of 2025, every detail is being refined, and by the fall, it will be ready: a fully functional, state-of-the-art greenhouse facility—a one-of-a-kind for agricultural research in the region.

Inside, there’s room for both precision and scale. The space features:

• Ten 640 sq. ft. research bays, each with individual environmental controls
• One propagation bay and one DFT (deep flow technique) bay, allowing to begin plant growth with either soil or water. 
• Four 7,000 sq. ft. production bays, each can have up to four different fertilizer treatments per day. Each bay also has its own temperature, lighting, and humidity controls
• Multiple water sources are available throughout the facility, including city water, rainwater, and reverse osmosis (RO) water — all accessible in every bay to support diverse research and production needs.
  
  

Soon, this won’t just be a facility—it will be a proving ground for innovation. Whether it’s trials on emerging crops, new growing techniques, or technology validation, the greenhouse will be open to those ready to make use of it.

Research That Matters

Research at CDC South has always been deeply rooted in practical, real-world applications. While traditionally centered on small plot studies, the Centre is now broadening its scope to embrace large-scale crop trials, greenhouse research, and investigations across both irrigated and dryland environments. Currently, a diverse range of projects is already in motion. A local researcher continues to advance long-term trials on mung beans and peas, while a team from Lethbridge is actively engaged with canola, alfalfa, and lentils—and is even revitalizing a nearby apple orchard. In addition, a chemical company is conducting herbicide trials targeting common prairie weeds such as kochia and downy brome. Meanwhile, the County of Newell is transforming previously idle land into productive use by planting feed barley for the 2025 season, with plans to tender additional acreage in the years ahead. Beyond these ongoing efforts, there’s further potential waiting to be unlocked, including an underutilized potato research and storage facility that offers ample space for new partnerships and future growth.

A Site Backed by Community Investment

Behind the physical assets of CDC South is a strong partner: the County of Newell. The County is investing in the site not just to maintain it, but to actively grow its value.

Some of the latest efforts include:

• A renovation of the Augustus Griffin Administrative Building, soon to host four different tenant organizations
  
  
• Repairs to cold storage units—critical infrastructure for post-harvest research
  
  
• A full greenhouse restoration, ensuring the facility can meet the needs of future users
  
  
• Ongoing site upkeep, from pruning the rose garden to painting public areas and controlling weeds
  
  

These updates may seem simple, but together, they create a welcoming, functional environment that makes CDC South a viable space for long-term research and use.

The Invitation

CDC South is not just a collection of farms and facilities—it’s a canvas. One that’s being prepared for new ideas, big questions, and forward-thinking solutions.

If you're a researcher looking for space, an innovator needing a launchpad, or an investor interested in agricultural development, CDC South is ready to grow with you.

The land is ready. The greenhouse is coming online. The momentum is building.

Let’s grow something meaningful—together.

For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact Candace Woods - Projects Coordinator: woodsc@newellmail.ca

Or check out the County of Newell's webpage for the CDC South