The Crop Diversification Centre South (CDCS) is a Government of Alberta facility near Brooks with excellent‐quality research fields, a modern greenhouse complex, a fully equipped workshop, several specific purposed laboratories, and numerous other buildings. The CDCS has been underutilized since about 2020 when the Government of Alberta made the decision to shift away from directly conducting agricultural research to the extent it had in the past.
The County of Newell has been working with the Government of Alberta to develop a management model that makes the CDCS assets available to the research community on an efficient, cost-recovery basis. The County has secured a ten-year lease of the CDCS facilities from the Province of Alberta beginning April 1, 2025. A not-for-profit organization that will oversee management of the CDCS assets under a sublease with the County is expected to be incorporated in 2025. The County is accepting responses to a call for Expressions of Interest in accessing the CDCS.
Once at risk of decline, the County of Newell has taken a leadership role in revitalizing the site, securing a long-term lease, attracting new research partners, and expanding opportunities for innovation in crop diversification and controlled-environment agriculture. Below are news updates and media coverage reflecting the ongoing evolution and impact of CDC South.
Located adjacent to CDCS site, east of Brooks - SE-27-18-14
316ac/128ha
Buried irrigation mainline to risers
Solid-set hand move pipe
Four linear watering system
McLeod Farm
Located on Range Road 142, South east of Lendrum farm - SE 23-18-14
138ac/56ha
Buried mainline to risers
Solid-set hand move pipe
One linear watering system
Ponderosa Farm
Entrance road located on east side of Highway 873 - W 1/2 of E 1/2 20-17-14
142ac/58ha
Buried irrigation to risers
Solid-set hand move pipe
Wheel line sprinkling system
Bow Island Substation
Located Southwest of Bow Island, Alberta on Highway 897 - SE1/4 17-19-11
148ac/60ha
Buried irrigation mainline to two lateral systems
Hand move set pipe
Griffin Building
Griffin Building – 7,350 sq ft
Construction completed in 1973.
Offices, boardrooms, restrooms, and mechanical spaces.
Research & Production Greenhouses
State of the Art Greenhouse
The CDC South Greenhouse is a 36,000-square-foot facility designed to support both research and commercial-scale production in controlled-environment agriculture. Located just east of Brooks, Alberta, the greenhouse combines advanced automation with flexible growing spaces ideal for universities, start-ups, and producers exploring sustainable crop production.
Facility Overview Total Growing Area: 36,000 sq. ft.
Two Distinct Wings:
Research Wing: 10 independent climate-controlled zones (each 754 sq. ft.) designed for testing new crops, technologies, or management practices.
Production Wing: 6 high-capacity zones (ranging from 1,885 to 8,600 sq. ft.) designed for scaled-up production and demonstration projects.
Smart Climate & Irrigation Systems
The facility is powered by an Argus Titan Climate Computer, which manages:
Temperature, humidity, and CO₂ monitoring
Automated irrigation and misting control
Lighting, ventilation, and curtain systems
All systems remain modern, supported, and adaptable for multiple users. Additional grower offices can be configured with individual access and alarm controls.
Key Features
Fully integrated heating and water systems (municipal & RO water)
HPS grow lighting with multi-zone control
Evaporative cooling and fog systems for precise humidity and temperature regulation
Blackout and shade curtains for photoperiod control and energy efficiency
Multi-source irrigation systems for both RO and tempered water with fertigation capacity
Space for hydroponic, aeroponic, and deep-flow (DFT) applications
Propagation areas, rolling benches, and recirculating drain systems
Opportunities for Use
The CDC South Greenhouse is ideal for:
Research institutions testing new crops or environmental technologies
Ag-tech developers trialing climate control or fertigation systems
Commercial producers piloting new greenhouse crops
Educational partners conducting student research and training
Partnership Potential
The County of Newell and project partners are exploring opportunities to:
Enhance regional economic development collaborations
Attract research partnerships with universities, ag-innovation firms, and producer groups
Support training and workforce development in controlled-environment agriculture
