AgBio News - College of Agriculture and Bioresources

Bringing more technology to ranch country

Seasoned USask researcher believes more genomics intelligence would greatly benefit cow-calf producers.

USask weed control research receives funding from Saskatchewan Pulse Growers

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Steve Shirtliffe (PhD) has received $2.47 million to develop a weed management program for pulses.

USask researchers shining a light on soil fertility

As the University of Saskatchewan (USask) joins the United Nations in observing World Soil Day on Dec. 5, College of Agriculture and Bioresources researchers are investigating the use of spectroscopy for soil testing.

Four USask educators recognized for heightening student experiences

Lieutenant Governor’s Post-Secondary Teaching Award winners selected from across campus.

Insights on what makes cows efficient, allowing better decision-making on farms

An impressive array of tools – from data analytics and precision agriculture to livestock vaccines, crop development, genomic selection and more – is ushering in the future of farming.

Unlocking the ‘genetic magic’ of beef cattle

The next phase of a University of Saskatchewan (USask) research initiative aims to sequence the entire genome of beef cattle for the selection of optimum physical and behavioural traits and create a Canadian genetic database — two ambitious goals that will have a significant impact on the country’s beef cattle industry.

A new way to farm: Precision agriculture redefines research and technology

From using satellites thousands of kilometres above the Earth’s surface to examining chemical compositions in soils and plants, the goal of precision agriculture boils down to one word: efficiency.

Groundbreaking research with global impact

USask’s Poultry Centre has helped improve industry standards across the world.

Planned gift with deep roots in AgBio

Although still in the prime of their lives, Mike Solohub (BSc’88, BSA’92, MSc’97) and Dr. Colleen Christensen (BSc’93, PhD’99) have laid the groundwork to ensure they can support future generations of graduate students in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Raising the bar for the livestock industry

USask alumnus Dr. Tyson Buyer (BSA’12, DVM’16) started his business to help bring breeders together.

Meet the new meat

Surveys say novel hybrid products created at USask taste great.

Tackling the science of aging well

USask PhD student and Vanier Scholar Morgan Fleming is exploring how a component of plant-based foods might help you live longer.

Activating genomics to accelerate climate-smart crop delivery

How crop rotation options offered by new climate-smart varieties will create economic and environmental gains.

Fish, canola, and the future of aquaculture

USask graduate student research investigates canola meal as sustainable fish meal alternative.

An outsider’s perspective

USask professor brings fresh approach to economics research and teaching.

Giving care to Saskatchewan’s most ancient landscapes

For alumna Hillary Kyplain (BScRRM‘22), a conservation co-ordinator for Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, protecting the Muskeg is more than just a job.

USask makes strides in international subject rankings

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in four subject areas, according to a recent publication.

Prairie Horticulture Certificate celebrates 30th anniversary

November 2024 marks 30 years of this one-of-a-kind distance education program developed specifically for the Prairies.

USask graduate connects education to career in real time

Damien Georges’ environmental science career started during his undergraduate degree.

USask graduate explores link between swine welfare and environmental enrichment

Abby Tillotson’s thesis research focused on effective environmental enrichment for swine that benefits producers.

USask blanket project honours children who never made it home

When Le Estcwicwéý (the missing)* were located at Tk’emlúps Residential School in Kamloops, B.C., Donna van de Velde was moved to action.

USask announces new micro-credentials in sustainable irrigation

Two new micro-credentials at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) provide professionals the opportunity to gain knowledge in water management and irrigation agronomy.

Hidden threat: New USask research looks to improve food safety

Foodborne pathogens, like Salmonella, are a threat to food safety and can have harmful effects when contaminated food is consumed. As the new Agriculture and Agri-Food Innovation Chair in Applied Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Dr. Kaidi Wang (PhD) is looking to understand how foodborne pathogens survive in harsh environments, and how to effectively monitor and eliminate them.

Week of Reflection

Canada’s 4th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) is September 30th. The University of Saskatchewan observes the week before NDTR as the Week of Reflection.

USask’s cutting-edge soil science laboratory receives $760K

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has received more than three quarters of a million dollars to conduct soil research more quickly, efficiently and with greater detail than ever before.

Young Innovators: USask researchers 'beefing' up cattle with affordable, drought-proof diet

Creating a high nutritional value diet that keeps beef cattle fed during challenging years is the focus of University of Saskatchewan (USask) research.

USask Giving Day to drive support for key campaign pillars

For Krunal Chavda, Giving Day is personal.

PATH TO PARIS: USask graduates climb Paralympic podium

University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduates Shelby Newkirk and Julie Kozun had medal moments to last a lifetime on the final weekend of the Paris Paralympics.

Award-winning entrepreneur looks back on USask education

Saskatoon-based businessperson Lester Lafond (Agric’74, BA’82), a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, studied agriculture and economics at the University of Saskatchewan

USask researchers explore sustainable solutions for farmers

With access to more than 800,000 acres of crop yield data from farmers’ combines, Dr. Christy Morrissey (PhD) and her colleagues are looking to find sustainable solutions that will benefit both producers and the Prairie ecosystem.

USask and Thunderchild First Nation sign MOU celebrating collaboration

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is coming together with Thunderchild First Nation to further define and enhance their relationship and collaborate on common interests such as mentorship, research, and supporting Indigenous youth.

USask AgBio, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak sign research collaboration agreement

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) and the First Nation of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak have signed an Asota, a Cree word which translates to “Make a Promise.”

‘My USask education inspired me to give back’

University of Saskatchewan graduate Alishia Beach (AGRN’18, BSc’20) is making a difference by serving on the Senate

USask agriculture, environmental sustainability projects receive Canadian Space Agency funding

Two innovative University of Saskatchewan (USask) research projects have received funding from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to use satellite technology for detailed mapping and analysis of the Earth’s surface.

From Saskatchewan to the world

USask graduates John Cote (BSA’86) and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote (BSA’87, MSc’94) are attracting global attention with award-winning spirits produced at Black Fox Farm and Distillery

PATH TO PARIS: AgBio alum Kozun serves up spot in Paralympics

Every Paralympian has a story, with the few first chapters often dealing with the mental health challenges as well as the physical, after a life-changing incident.

Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars attributed to USask’s Crop Development Centre

A glowing new assessment report of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan highlights the centre’s tremendous economic impact, including thousands of jobs and billions of dollars for Canada.

USask graduate grateful for experiences as a Schulich Leader

Olivia Stewart (BSA’24), who received a Schulich Leader Scholarship in 2020, graduated from USask with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree (honours) during Spring Convocation in June 2024

USask establishes Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture

Dr. Kate Congreves (PhD) has been appointed the Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to lead research supporting the wider-scale adoption of beneficial production and environmental practices necessary for food security.

Celebrating outstanding teaching: Q & A with Dr. Natacha Hogan

For Dr. Natacha Hogan (PhD), some of the most gratifying moments of teaching are when she can get her students excited about science and they are able to connect what they learn to real-world challenges and their solutions.

Six 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 professor emeritus to be inducted into Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame

Dr. Bruce Coulman (PhD), a University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumnus and professor emeritus in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources will be inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for his significant contribution to Canadian agriculture.

USask College of AgBio research projects receive more than $1.6 million in NSERC funding

Eight researchers in the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) received more than $1.6 million in funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.

USask honours 2024 teaching award winners

Teaching excellence at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be celebrated on June 18 as part of the USask Staff and Faculty Awards event.

USask honours President’s Staff Excellence Award recipients

The recipients of this year’s President’s Staff Excellence Award at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are an AgBio lab manager whose proactive approach to seek out impactful collaborations on campus has brought widespread benefits, and a team leader whose steadfast support has significantly contributed to the success of students and faculty in the department of Computer Science.

Ask the Alumni Expert: Alan Weninger (BSc’87)

USask graduate Alan Weninger, arborist for Patterson Gardens, talks about his favourite trees and shares his planting tips for the spring season.

Precision nutrition for dairy cattle: Can robots help?

And why is this question important to producers in Canada and beyond? For World Milk Day on June 1, we get answers from a University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher.

‘Truly memorable’: New USask alumni reflect on their academic journeys

Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held from June 3 – 7 at Merlis Belsher Place.

Spud-tacular innovation: USask PhD student investigates nutrient-efficient potato varieties

The United Nations has designated May 30 as the International Day of Potato to raise awareness of the potato as an invaluable food resource.

USask recognizes Pride Month

Each June, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community gathers to recognize and celebrate Pride, something we strive to do throughout the year.

Trio of USask graduate students receive prestigious Vanier Scholarships

Morgan Fleming, a PhD student in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, is one of three USask graduate students to have received funding to support innovation in diverse fields of English literature, community air quality, and plant and nutrition genetics.

Alumni Book Nook: William R. Schroeder (BSA’76, MSc’83)

Scientist and entrepreneur William R. Schroeder is the author of "Trees Against the Wind: The Birth of Prairie Shelterbelts"

USask’s new Precision Agriculture Certificate celebrates its first cohort of graduates

Fourteen students including Alex Hinz are graduating with the new certificate at USask Spring Convocation.

Producer Day at the Congress of the International Farm Management Association

Join us at the University of Saskatchewan on Wed. July 10 during the weeklong International Farm Management (IFMA24) Congress, for sessions focusing on farm, business strategies and personal resilience.

‘A really cool map’ – providing tools for farmers, plant breeders and policymakers

Imagine a map of every field under agricultural production across Western Canada, showing detailed information about what crops are currently grown and whether they represent an optimal use for local conditions.

USask MSc student awarded Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Indigenous Scholarship

Jeremy Irvine, a MSc student at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources, is the recipient of the $20,000 Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Indigenous Scholarship.

USask graduate thrives in Kanawayihetaytan Askiy program

Oralie George completed the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Certificate while maintaining her professional career in Ontario.

Agriculture Student Scholarship recipients announced in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan students pursuing a post-secondary education in agriculture were awarded scholarships from the federal and provincial governments.

USask agriculture research receives $25 million boost from Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan

The federal and provincial governments have announced an investment of $25 million for continued support of 15 strategic research chairs at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Asian Heritage Month: Forage breeder a research leader at USask

Growing up on the Mongolian Plateau, Dr. Bill Biligetu (PhD) has seen first-hand the effect climate change can have on grasslands. As the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Forage Crop Breeding at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Biligetu is breeding resilient forage varieties adapted for stressful environments.

Nine USask faculty members named distinguished professors

College of Agriculture and Bioresources professor, Dr. Jill Hobbs (PhD), has been awarded the honorary title of distinguished professor in recognition of exceptional achievements in research, scholarly, and artistic work.

Celebrating Asian Heritage Month at USask

As the month of May begins, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) commemorates the nationally recognized Asian Heritage Month, honouring the legacy, contributions, and stories of members of the diverse Asian communities on our campuses and beyond.

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 million 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.