Lakeland College's applied research grows with new agreement

Lakeland College’s applied research portfolio has expanded thanks to the governments of Canada and Alberta. Lakeland is getting a $1.9-million grant to transition two critical agriculture research programs.

This investment in research will also expand research capacity and teaching opportunities for the next generation of researchers in Alberta.

The agreement will allow the college to grow and leverage its existing research capacity. This will make way for new learning opportunities for instructors and students as well as more collaboration with industry. The three-year agreement will support Lakeland College to take over pulse agronomy and beef production systems programs in Alberta. “Through these investments in science and research, we are helping to keep our pulse and beef producers on the cutting edge. This agreement with Lakeland College will support producer-led research priorities in these industries, while cultivating the next generation of agriculture researchers. A win-win,” says Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The pulse agronomy program is a mixture of extension and pulse research projects across Alberta that facilitates the growth of the agriculture and food industry and enhances rural sustainability. The beef production systems program focuses on livestock disease and pathogens, pain mitigation strategies and production efficiency, including beef forage, feed rations and genetics. “This agreement is another exciting step for farmer-led research. Agriculture will continue to have a bright future in Alberta with cutting-edge research and research excellence. The pulse and cattle industry will benefit having this research housed at Lakeland College,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “This agreement supports a new model for agriculture research and increases Lakeland’s capacity to produce results of value and better serve commercial crop and beef producers. We are excited to build on our results-oriented research partnerships with industry while also increasing opportunities for student involvement as they develop applied research skills that will serve them well in the future,” adds Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO, Lakeland College. This agreement is part of the Alberta government’s commitment to ensure farmers and ranchers lead agriculture research priorities. Establishing Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), an arm’s-length, non-profit corporation, was the first step to ensure research funding priorities are producer led. Over the long term, RDAR will assume ongoing