$15 million latest gift from Ken Seitz-led Nutrien to university raises their support to over $50 million and will create center for sustainable and digital agriculture

A transformational $15 million gift from Ken Seitz-led Nutrien to USask will drive innovation, collaboration, and success.
A large portion will establish the Nutrien Centre for Sustainable and Digital Agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, supporting research, training, and technology to advance sustainable farming.
The donation also funds the Nutrien Future Fund, student scholarships, Indigenous and community engagement via the kihci-okâwîmâw askiy (Great Mother Earth) Knowledge Centre, and a state-of-the-art lecture theatre in the College of Engineering.
“For students like Sarah van Steenbergen, the gift represents personal and professional support. ‘I have been very fortunate to receive several scholarships while studying at the Department of Plant Sciences. With three children in daycare, that support has really helped me alleviate some of the financial stress,’ she said.”
USask President Peter Stoicheff emphasized the impact: “We are deeply grateful for this incredible donation, which builds on our long-standing relationship with Nutrien over the past five decades.”
Ken Seitz, Nutrien President and CEO, stated: “This investment supports research, education, and innovation that aims to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Together, we strive to strengthen global food security and contribute to resilient agricultural communities.”
Dean Angela Bedard-Haughn highlighted the centre’s role in uniting researchers: “This donation will jumpstart collaborations and research activities, accelerating innovations in sustainable agriculture.”
For engineering, Dean Michael Bradley noted: “Our graduates play a tremendous role in the province’s development, and we’re proud to be in a position to play that role.”
Nutrien’s Trevor Berg added: “By partnering with USask, we ensure a pipeline of great candidates to help fulfill our purpose of Feeding the Future.”
The gift marks a major milestone in USask’s Be What the World Needs campaign, now over 90% of its $500 million goal. Cheryl Hamelin, USask VP University Relations, urged others to join: “We need champions to make this bold vision a reality.”