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Western Crop Innovations (WCI) is dedicated to developing feed and forage barley, malting barley, and triticale varieties specifically tailored for the Western Prairies. Operating on a core land base of 400 acres in Lacombe, Alberta, our team of researchers is committed to achieving high yields, bolstering disease resistance, and ensuring superior end-use quality characteristics. To accomplish this, we plant, maintain, and evaluate 40,000 plots annually across our facilities in Lacombe and other sites throughout Alberta in our pursuit of the next breakthrough variety. Supported by in-house expertise in pathology, quality, and biotechnology, our breeding program utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as molecular markers and NIR (near-infrared) spectroscopy to efficiently identify the most exceptional materials in our breeding pipelines. Additionally, our pathology team diligently screens over 12,000 breeding lines in disease nurseries annually. At WCI, we’re driven to deliver varieties that not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve agronomic outcomes for producers.
From Field Crop Development to Non-Profit: A 50-Year Journey
Western Crop Innovations is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2024. Formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre, the breeding program and its integrated research teams were founded in 1973 by Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture, and celebrated its 50th anniversary of operations while under Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. The transition to the not-for-profit model has strategically positioned the company to collaborate with external partners, post-secondary institutions, and industry stakeholders.