Western Crop Innovations is pleased to announce that we have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Board of Governors at Lakeland College! With a shared interest in crop science, feed quality, enhanced student experiences, and more, we are excited to discuss and explore various potential areas of collaboration. This MOU serves as a formal statement of intent for both WCI and Lakeland College to work together on initiatives that advance agricultural research in Western Canada. Both parties are committed to pursuing projects that align with our shared objectives and available resources.
“We have always enjoyed a good collaborative working relationship with the Lakeland College crop and livestock research team. This agreement signals an intent on both our parts to enhance our partnership as WCI pivots to an increased focus on feed and forage varietal development to the benefit of beef and dairy producers across the Prairies,” commented Mark Olson WCI’s Interim Executive Director.
“With our shared interest in enhancing the sustainability and resilience of crop production, we see mutual value and benefits in collaborating our long-standing partnership with Western Crop Innovations. This memorandum of understanding serves to formalize that partnership. It represents our commitment to strengthening it as we work together on applied research opportunities in crop and livestock production that considers our geographical context to enhance overall efficiencies, in sustainability, and productivity of the Ag sector in Alberta,” said Dr. Francois Paradis, director of applied research at Lakeland College.
Western Crop Innovations specializes in the development of feed and forage barley, malting barley, and triticale varieties each tailored for optimal performance in local climatic conditions across Western Canada. Their team of researchers is committed to achieving high yields, bolstering disease resistance, and ensuring superior end-use quality characteristics. WCI’s robust operations include a 400-acre central research facility and 40,000 test plots across Alberta. At WCI, we are driven to deliver varieties that not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve agronomic outcomes for producers.
Established in 1913, Lakeland College is a place of possibility that serves more than 6,000 students every year at its campuses in Vermilion, Alta., and Lloydminster, Alta./Sask., and through online and off-site programs and courses. Lakeland offers programming in the areas of agricultural sciences, business, energy, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, health and wellness, human services, interior design technology, trades and technology, university transfer and foundational learning. Lakeland has an extensive land base and multiple facilities at the Vermilion campus that support student learning and applied research. This includes a 3,700-plus acre farm featuring beef, bison, dairy and equine herds, the Agriculture Technology Centre, Crop Research and Bioenergy Building, Dairy Learning Centre, G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility, and land dedicated to crop trials. In addition, our scientists conduct research at various other sites across Alberta and Western Canada including on-farm projects in collaboration with producers.
For more information, please contact:
- Keeley Bender, Communications, WCI (587) 436-0007
- Melissa Barr, Communications, Lakeland College (780) 853-8571