AgBio News - College of Agriculture and Bioresources

Wrapping it up sustainably

USask researchers investigate pulse proteins to replace petroleum in packaging

Vimy Ridge Day: Honouring the sacrifice of soldiers from USask

It was one of the defining moments in Canadian military history, with students and staff from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) among those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

USask announces 2024 Images of Research contest winners

For the 10th year in a row, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers, scholars and artists have showcased the impact of their work using the power of photography. The results are nothing short of amazing and provide an inside look into the beautiful world of research.

USask faculty learned as much from students in sustainability fellowship

Six University of Saskatchewan (USask) faculty fellows each contributed a chapter for a newly released book.

Congress of the International Farm Management Association to convene at the University of Saskatchewan

The International Farm Management Association (IFMA) is pleased to announce that the 24th Congress of the International Farm Management Association will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, July 7-12, 2024.

USask Agros’ Bedpush raises over $98,000 for Telemiracle

Telemiracle 48 earned more than $6.1 million, thanks in part to contributions from students at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan collaborate on climate change mitigation research

The multi-faceted project involved experiential learning for local high school and University of Saskatchewan (USask) students.

Innovative new crop protection developed with USask research

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are helping protect crops using biologicals as an ecofriendly alternative to synthetic chemicals and GMO solutions.

Indigenous Achievement Week Spotlight: Q & A with Dr. Melissa Arcand

For University of Saskatchewan (USask) soil scientist Dr. Melissa Arcand (PhD), her research is as much about people and communities as it is numbers and data.

USask celebrates students and community in Indigenous Achievement Week

Indigenous Achievement Week from March 5-8 at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), brings together community and celebrates Indigenous students’ achievements, academic excellence, resiliency, and leadership.

Where water meets the field

As the United Nations prepares to spotlight World Water Day on March 22, irrigation and livestock water quality remain among the leading research topics at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Investing in USask’s students and research strengths

A gift of $300,003 from the Samit and Reshma Sharma Foundation will support graduate students pursuing research in infectious diseases and vaccines, water security, and agriculture

Meet Dr. Deborah Adewole: USask’s newest non-ruminant nutritionist

The animal gut, like that of humans, is home to millions of microbes that serve various functions, and the health of an animal’s gut is critical to their overall health.

USask builds new international partnership in Indonesia

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has signed a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia, to create new opportunities for research collaboration and student learning experiences.

USask pulse research part of $11 million federal investment

The federal government has announced an investment of up to $11,017,979 to Pulse Canada to support key pulse crop research at institutions across the country — including the University of Saskatchewan (USask) — and to drive the pulse industry forward.

USask’s Ag Greenhouse is Bantle’s home away from home

While winter has many of us hibernating, USask greenhouses are full of life.

USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources receives $13.7 for agricultural research

Researchers in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources have received more than $8.9 million from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and more than $4.7 million from industry co-funders for crop and livestock research.

Black History Month: USask’s Ugochukwu working towards a food-secure future

Dr. Albert Ugochukwu’s (PhD) journey into the field of agricultural economics was driven by a passion for sustainable development, nurtured by various mentors during his doctoral studies at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Celebrating Black History Month at USask

SASKATOON – Members of the media are invited to attend a special Black History Month launch event at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask livestock and forage research receives nearly $6 million

Livestock-focused research projects spearheaded by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and USask-affiliated centres received almost $6 million from the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and are supported by industry co-funders.

USask researcher awarded $4.2 million to battle root rot

The Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada, as well as numerous partners in the agriculture and agri-food industries, have contributed to a multidisciplinary USask-led research project to fight root rot in pea and lentil.

More than $10 million awarded to USask crop research projects

Twenty-nine crop science projects from researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have received a total of close to $7.5 million from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and more than $2.5 million in co-funding from industry partners.

Determining the carbon cost of cattle forage production: USask research

Raising a healthy cattle herd involves providing healthy and abundant plants for cattle to eat, a process called forage production.

USask appoints new lentil and faba bean breeder

Dr. Ana Vargas (PhD) has been appointed as the new lentil and faba bean breeder and an Agri-Food Innovation Fund Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask research tackles food insecurity in the community

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have cooked up a new way to fight local food insecurity in Saskatchewan: a dry soup mix product to be distributed by the Regina Food Bank and the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre.

USask cattle feed innovations good for the planet and our pockets

By exploring novel treatments to existing agricultural byproducts, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are working to establish environmentally sustainable and economically feasible feed alternatives to benefit Saskatchewan producers and consumers alike.

Seeking a holistic understanding of soil health at USask

As the United Nations spotlights World Soil Day on Dec. 5, University of Saskatchewan researchers are investigating soil emissions, soil properties, and how to measure them.

New horizons

New Associate Dean Academic Tom Yates plans to enhance connections with First Nations and promote industry collaboration/professionalism.

Gaining land management knowledge supports community

Earning the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Certificate at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) helped Melissa MacDonald grow into her position as Land Director for the Membertou First Nation.

Flaman and BoMill change the game in seed research

Flaman donates innovative technology to AgBio to improve seed sorting.

Scaling up Saskatchewan’s potential

Edgar Martinez used AgBio’s Bioprocessing Pilot Plant for his graduate program. Now he’s running the show.

A life in wheat

As Dr. Pierre Hucl (PhD) steps down as a Strategic Research Program (SRP) chair, he reflects on the evolution of wheat breeding in Canada and looks ahead to a bright future.

Braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge

Newly opened in July 2023, the focus of the kihci-okâwîmâw askiy Knowledge Centre is on taking care of Mother Earth.

WGRF Integrated Agronomy Chair focuses on sustainable cropping systems

“We try things that people are thinking about but perhaps not trying themselves.” – Dr. Maryse Bourgault (PHD)

Wild rice research puts Indigenous communities at the forefront

Understanding wild rice diversity isn’t just about crop improvement, it’s also about respecting and empowering Indigenous communities.

Tackling challenges with feedlot nutrition

USask graduate student Catherine Seidle adapts dairy-industry solution to discourage feed sorting by feedlot cattle.

Cultivating a rewarding career that started at USask

Alumna Kaitlin Kelly (BScRRM’14, MSc‘16) says majoring in Resource Economics and Policy was one of the best decisions she’s made.

A legacy that will live on for generations

A land donation from Joan Snyder leads to new opportunities for AgBio.

Shedding light on soil properties

USask graduate student research looks at advanced technologies to analyze and map soil properties.

SaskBarley announces 2023/24 scholarship recipients

SaskBarley is proud to announce that the University of Saskatchewan’s Jenna Salmon, Ashlyn Mooney, Catherine Seidle, Suma Ghosh and Nathan Gyan have been selected as the recipients of the 2023/24 scholarship funds.

GIFS at USask partnership receives $56 million commitment for Bangladesh agtech centre

A research and training initiative launched by the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) of the Ministry of Agriculture in Bangladesh has received a $56.2 million commitment from the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

USask strengthens research partnerships with University of Bonn

A delegation from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) travelled to the University of Bonn (UBonn) in Germany as part of an ongoing commitment to develop joint research projects between the institutions.

The toxin detectives at the University of Saskatchewan

When coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest came floating downstream belly up after waiting for rainfall that would enable them to swim to their spawning grounds, scientists were puzzled. The cause for this mass mortality event was not immediately obvious – and the resulting uncertainty hampered mitigation efforts.

AgBio graduate explores soil health and legume biodiversity

Warren McAuley’s thesis research focused on how the inclusion of faba beans within an intercrop can increase soil health indicators.

USask environmental science graduate discovers career path in Canada’s boreal forest

Tori Redman grew up in the Midwest suburbs of the United States but always knew she would attend her parents’ alma mater, the University of Saskatchewan.

USask announces new admission pathway for the Indigenous Lands Governance and Indigenous Resource Management diplomas

Students can now enter the diplomas in the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy program directly from high school.

USask students gain global perspectives in Japan horticulture field course

The AGRC 311 Northeastern Japan Horticulture Study Tour provides students with a once in a lifetime experiential, engaged learning opportunity.

USask researcher developing stronger understanding of soil nutrients

Just like humans, plants need nutrients to survive and grow, and many of these nutrients are important compounds found in soil. A University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher is exploring how phosphorus, an important nutrient for humans and plants, reacts with mineral compounds and how these reactions can impact how well phosphorus is used in soil.

New centre at USask honours Indigenous connection to the land

Guided by Indigenous peoples, the new kihci-okâwîmâw askiy (Great Mother Earth in Plains Cree) Knowledge Centre at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) serves as a resource for Indigenous communities and organizations seeking land-related information, training, and research partnerships.

Week of Reflection

Against the background of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) traditional hues of green and white, orange stands out as a vitally important and powerfully symbolic colour for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Its meaning is especially clear as we begin a Week of Reflection leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Meewasin and USask Renew MOU

Meewasin Valley Authority and University of Saskatchewan Renew Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Environmental and Sustainability Collaboration

Upcycling canola to increase cattle health: USask research

Saskatchewan summer views wouldn’t be complete without sunny yellow fields, but naturally, some canola produced can’t be used for human consumption.

Genome Canada supports innovative USask agricultural research

Two research projects led by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have received a total of close to $12 million to enhance climate-forward research projects in the field of sustainable and resilient agriculture.

USask graduate students receive nationally funded scholarships to support agricultural research

Five graduate students in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have been awarded scholarships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

GIFS researchers at USask identify protein that helps tell plants ‘no’ when nitrogen is low

Research led by a post-doctoral fellow at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is shedding new light into how a protein helps plants acquire nitrogen and other important nutrients for growth.

Newest USask Schulich leaders demonstrate determination and leadership

Rory April and Talia Iwanchysko have been named the University of Saskatchewan (USask) 2023 recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leadership Scholarship.

USask researchers receive more than $8.7 million in NSERC funding

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers from a variety of colleges and departments have received funding for projects through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.

USask project to advance plant pathogen research receives nearly $800,000

A proposal led by Dr. Chris Todd (PhD) to take the Environmental Plant Pathogen Interaction Centre (EPPICentre) to its next phase was awarded $796,910 in funding from the national John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

Soil health solutions: USask hosts Canadian Senate Agriculture and Forestry Standing Committee

On Monday, August 28, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) hosted delegates from Canada’s Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry to inform the committee’s study on soil health in Canada.

Beyond the classroom: USask summer internship provides hands-on experience in poultry industry

Growing up on a cattle and grain farm in rural Manitoba allowed me to experience many different aspects of agriculture.

USask wheat breeder earns province’s highest honour

Dr. Pierre Hucl (PhD) has been named a 2023 Saskatchewan Order of Merit recipient in recognition of his remarkable contributions to crop development and research.

New USask funding to advance Canada’s beef sector

SASKATOON – Dr. Antonio Facciuolo (PhD) from the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has new support to develop a vaccine against Johne’s disease—a chronic intestinal disease of cattle that is significant to both the beef and dairy industry.

USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources dean named board chair of Meewasin Valley Authority

Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources, has been named the new board chair of the Meewasin Valley Authority.

USask research team receives $250,000 for groundbreaking investigation into Saskatchewan wetlands

An interdisciplinary team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers received a quarter of a million dollars from the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration stream to do a comprehensive investigation of aquatic insect exports from the wetlands in the Prairie Pothole region.

New book by USask professor helping Chilean government manage parks and protected areas

Dr. David Natcher (PhD) of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has collaborated with the Government of Chile to produce a book that closely examines the relationship between conservation of national parklands and the Indigenous communities that live along those park borders.

Exciting times in wheat research at the USask Crop Development Centre

Krystalee Wiebe is optimistic that University of Saskatchewan genetic research projects in wheat and durum will be vital in addressing future agricultural challenges.

Eight must-do activities with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at Ag in Motion

Discover the latest research and hands-on learning to Grow Your Future!

USask research chair successor to lead spring wheat and canaryseed breeding program

Dr. Adam Carter (PhD) has been appointed as the new Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Spring Wheat and Canaryseed Breeding and Genetics at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask centre’s summer field day unites producers and scientists

More than 250 people gathered at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) for its 2023 Summer Field Day on June 20.

USask’s LFCE receives funding to build research capacity

Saskatchewan’s minister of agriculture, the Honourable David Marit, announced funding today on behalf of the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan of $6.6 million over five years for the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).

Strengthening agricultural systems through plant-breeding and tools for farmers

Farm productivity is subject to a complex web of conditions. On the economic side of the balance sheet, there are factors like supply chain woes, inflationary pressures and supply-and-demand imbalances.

USask honours 2023 teaching award winners

Teaching excellence at the University of Saskatchewan will be celebrated on June 14 as part of the USask Staff and Faculty Awards event

The ‘good fire’: Prescribed burning can prevent catastrophic wildfires in the future

Fire, in its proper place, is a renewing force — one that can reduce the probability of catastrophic fire.

USask AgBio graduate digs into soil and environmental sciences

For new graduate Matthew Robertson, the College of Agriculture and Bioresources offered an education that opened the door to career opportunities in both the natural resources and agriculture industries.

USask announces top research award winners for 2023

Dr. Kate Congreves (PhD) is a recipient of the 2023 University of Saskatchewan New Researcher Award.

USask recognizes Natcher for community-engaged research

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is honouring Dr. David Natcher (PhD) with its 2023 Publicly Engaged Scholarship Team Award (PESTA) for research that engages governments, Indigenous groups, companies, and multidisciplinary academics in collaborative efforts to address social, environmental, and economic impacts of resource development.

USask Kanawayihetaytan Askiy graduate balances career and educational pursuits

The blended learning model of the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Certificate was the perfect fit for Angie Mose.

Taking the stress out of growing corn

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are investigating how the first frost impacts corn varieties, in the hopes of finding new ways to maximize crop yields.

Improving taste, lowering cost of cheese can be possible with enzyme additives: USask research

Cheese is a staple food in many Canadian households but recent increases in food prices has made it one of the more expensive items in your grocery cart.

Cool Beans: How Ana Vargas chose the Crop Development Centre for her life’s work

Ana’s unique history inspired her love of pulses, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) provided the perfect place to turn her passion into meaningful impact.

USask food science graduate investigates healthier pet food

Yikai Ren’s thesis research focused on low-glycemic pet food made with Saskatchewan pulse crops.

Recipients of the Agriculture Student Scholarship Announced in Saskatchewan

Today, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit awarded scholarships to students from across the province pursuing a post-secondary education in agriculture.

Drone innovation by USask researcher comes from family farm roots

Kaylie Krys is on a mission to bring accurate drone surveillance technology to the forefront of agriculture in Saskatchewan, starting right at home on her family farm and expanding into the province’s vast agricultural landscape.

USask researchers develop new online nutrient calculator

As crop plans are mapped out for the 2023 growing season, there’s a new resource for farmers and agronomists to build a more complete picture of the nutrient requirements of key crops grown across Western Canada.

How the health of your plants can affect bee pollination: USask research

It’s springtime on the Prairies, and with spring comes planting season, both in vast fields and small backyard gardens.

USask students training for the future in agriculture technology

Graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will experience a one-of-a-kind training opportunity thanks to a new program that has received a $1.6 million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

USask embarks on largest campaign in Saskatchewan history

Ambitious goal of $500 million will be reached with support and generosity of community

BMO’s $2 million donation to University of Saskatchewan to accelerate research critical to the future of food in Canada

Critical research into regenerative and digital agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan will be accelerated thanks to a $2 million donation from BMO. The donation will support two initiatives within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources: the *BMO Soil Analytical Laboratory and the Jarislowsky and BMO Research Chair in Regenerative Agriculture.

USask launches new University of Saskatchewan Insect Research Facility

Today the University of Saskatchewan (USask) launched the University of Saskatchewan Insect Research Facility (USIRF), the first insect research facility with quarantine capabilities in a western Canadian university. Research conducted in the new facility will boost Canadian agriculture, protect the environment, reduce risk to food security, and provide fundamental insight into insect ecology.