AgBio News
Wax Proves Key to Protecting Crops from Drought and Frost
A team of researchers used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to show that cuticular wax—a waxy layer that covers exterior surfaces of plants...
USask researchers awarded over $5 million in NSERC Discovery Grants
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded nearly $5.7 million from Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Discovery Grants Prog...
AgBio graduate plants the seeds of success
Cheyenne Dumont is graduating at Spring Convocation with Diplomas in Agribusiness and Agronomy.
Kanawayihetaytan Askiy graduate supports First Nation communities’ land management
Robby Bear is graduating at Spring Convocation with the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Certificate from the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask...
Budding plant scientist thrives in USask PhD program
Zelalem Taye studied in Africa, Asia and Europe before making the journey to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) for his PhD.
Ground-breaking soil research utilizes the Canadian Light Source
The research could help increase crop yields and protect the environment.
New USask research will make bean crops hardier, help improve global food security
Tepary beans—a high protein legume common to the southwest United States and Mexico—may hold the key to adapting bean crops for the increasingly harsh conditions brought on by a ch...
USask to pay tribute to honorary degree recipients
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will honour five remarkable individuals proudly associated with the university who have gone on to make significant contributions to their co...
USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence hires new director
Scott Wright has been selected to lead the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) as director, effective May 19.
Virtual Water Gallery brings together a world of art and science
A team of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan (USask), and others from around the world, are partnering with artists to launch a new online exhibit of art and science t...
USask announces 2021 Images of Research Competition winners
University of Saskatchewan faculty, staff, students and alumni submitted their best photos of research for consideration in an array of categories for the seventh annual Images of ...
Celebrating 100 years of horticulture at USask
For early settlers coming to the Prairies, there were few hardy fruits that could be grown. Nor were many available in grocery stores and those were highly seasonal.
Boost for USask research to bolster beef production with better biology approaches
A multi-agency research team led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary reproductive biologist Dr. Gregg Adams (DVM, PhD) aims to make rapid strides in improving the prod...
Pioneering ag prof grows deep roots on campus
USask becomes a family affair for McKercher family.
New USask research takes aim at improving water security, gender equity, and international co-operation
A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been awarded $289,000 for a project to develop water security solutions that contribute to enhance...
USask scientists help find the key to decoding rye genome
An international team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute in Germany and including University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers has succeeded in completely decoding the genome of ry...
Texas student weathers winter research conditions
Feeding cattle in the winter is a much different experience in Saskatchewan than it is in Texas. It may seem obvious but it’s still full of surprises for a University of Saskatchew...
USask awarded $6.76M to help revive North American bison population, strengthen Canadian cattle industry
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been awarded $6.76 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help conserve bison and other threatened animal species and...
USask awarded $3.2M towards first-in-Canada engineering biology centre for ag innovation
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) will invest $3.2 million in a unique biomanufacturing facility at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) that will use cutting-edge “engi...
Graduate students enrolled in AgBio programs receive funding to help set them up for success
Stephen Awodele is a Master of Science student in plant sciences at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Originally from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, he discovered USask after se...
Music and multiculturalism: An important part of Black History Month for USask student
For Moses Idowu, celebrating Black History Month is a chance to promote multiculturalism in Canada, help Afro-Canadians have a deeper sense of belonging, and to support the Black L...
Prairie Swine Centre receives $1.9M in support from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund
A five-year $1.9 million contribution to Prairie Swine Centre from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).
Global Institute for Food Security at USask awarded over $330K to provide missing genetic information for key forage crop
The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has received a $331,870 grant from Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) for a ...
USask livestock research receives significant investment to advance industry
Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) will provide more than $6.5 million to support livestock research efforts at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
From USask student to CEO: Michael Hoffort’s career in agriculture
Michael Hoffort (BSA’ 88) is the CEO of FCC, a champion of Canada’s agriculture, and a former ‘Senior Stick’ and proud alumnus of USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
NSERC, FCL commit $2.5M to renew USask research chair focused on eco-friendly gas station cleanup
An innovative collaboration among Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), the federal funding agency NSERC, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is improving how contaminated ...
Lentils first breakthrough in CDC history of re-shaping Prairie agriculture
It’s hard to imagine what Saskatchewan’s pulse industry would be like today if the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) had never been created.
USask’s CDC celebrates a half century of crop innovation
A scan across the horizon reveals how much Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape has changed in half a century: millions of acres of ripening lentils, fields of sky blue flax, and ...
USask agriculture researchers awarded $5.8M to help feed the world, protect the planet
Eighteen wide-ranging University of Saskatchewan (USask) crop research projects have been awarded a total of almost $5.8 million through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund...
USask’s Crop Development Centre celebrating 50 years
The year 2021 marks a major milestone for the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC): 50 years of reshaping western Canadian agriculture.
USask researchers put forages to the test in intensive grazing trial
A University of Saskatchewan graduate student is combining her love of cattle and her keen interest in forages as she seeks to answer questions many producers are asking about new ...
USask leads Canada’s medical universities in research income growth, moving up three places to 11th spot in overall national ranking
In the just-published Canada's Top 50 Research Universities 2020 rankings, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is ranked first among the country’s medical universities for growt...
COVID-19 response from the college
Faculty, students and staff take on the challenges and opportunities of the global pandemic.
Research spotlight: Prairie Swine Centre
Infrared camera tech measured as a tool for swine health.
Un-springing the poverty trap
How understanding attitudes toward risk and risk mitigation among the poor can lead to a better world.
Producing food in sustainable ways
As populations grow, so do demands on farmers to produce more food while somehow preserving the natural systems that sustain agriculture—and everything else.
Digital eyes
Digital eyes in the sky offer—finally—a practical way to measure crop biomass.
Expanding her horizons
Undergraduate brings an international viewpoint to local agriculture.
USask community appointed to the Order of Canada
Three members of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community are set to receive one of the country’s highest civilian honours by being appointed to the Order of Canada.
Landmark study generates first genomic atlas for global wheat improvement
USask-led study sequences genomes of 15 wheat varieties around the world
USask researchers partner with industry to make food and pipelines safer, agriculture smarter
Backed by $2 million from the federal government and partner organizations, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers aim to make Arctic pipelines stronger and safer, protect ...
Soil science PhD graduate breaks new ground in Canada
Completing a PhD is a long and strenuous journey. Moving to a new continent to pursue your PhD, finishing your dissertation and defending your thesis during a pandemic only adds to...
AgBio graduate blossoms in study abroad experience
Making the most of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) study abroad program opened up a world of possibilities for Simone Roelens.
USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence moves into next stage of development with new interim director
Renowned University of Saskatchewan (USask) forage breeder Bruce Coulman has been selected to lead the university’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) as interim dire...
USask plant scientists develop model for identifying lentil varieties best suited to climate change impacts
With demand for lentils growing globally and climate change driving temperatures higher, a University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led international research team has developed a model ...
BASF marks 25-year partnership with USask Crop Development Centre with $100K investment
SASKATOON – BASF Agricultural Solutions has pledged $100,000 towards the advancement of a new world-class plant breeding facility at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the Univer...
SaskTel and USask collaborate to foster and support innovation in agriculture
Today SaskTel and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) announced that they are partnering to launch a “living laboratory” at the university’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excel...
CBRC commits $2.7M to USask CDC barley breeding activities
SASKATOON – The Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) announced today it will invest $2.7 million over five years in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development C...
Bedard-Haughn excited to take leadership role
Despite beginning her term as dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) during a global pandemic, Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD) is looking forward to the challen...
USask awarded $1.2M to advance health, agriculture and environmental research
Creating artificial substitutes for human tissue and organs, discovering the best diet to help bacteria break down oil spills, and using high-powered computing to develop next-gene...
USask emeritus professor appointed to Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame
After a highly successful career as a barley breeder with the Crop Development Centre spanning almost four decades, Dr. Bryan Harvey (PhD) has been inducted into the Canadian Agric...
WGRF commits $1.5 million toward graduate scholarships
Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) announced a $1.5 million-dollar investment in graduate scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba and the Univ...
Gardening at USask program more popular than ever during pandemic
When the University of Saskatchewan’s Gardening at USask team launched the program’s website and Facebook page three years ago, even they were surprised by the thirst for gardening...
Annual polycrop is compared to barley in a USask research study
Growing an annual polycrop for beef cattle isn’t a silver bullet to extend grazing, but producers may still see some benefits when the crop is managed properly, according to resear...
New USask app promotes potential economic value of planting carbon-storing shelterbelts
A unique new app developed by University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers offers agricultural landowners tailored information about the carbon offset value of planting shelterbe...
USask appoints new Crop Development Centre director
Dr. Curtis Pozniak (PhD) has been appointed the new director of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Yates masters the art of teaching soil science
For Dr. Tom Yates (PhD), experiential learning and learning from mistakes are important parts of his teaching method.
Protecting chickens from heart disease
The health and welfare of broiler chickens may improve thanks to University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Andrew Olkowski and colleagues.
Teens to help USask researchers track climate change and wildlife impacts in northern Canada
As part of a University of Saskatchewan (USask) research project, small teams of high school students from Saskatchewan and Manitoba will spend their summers in bug jackets, ventur...
USask appoints new dean in College of Agriculture and Bioresources
Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD) has been appointed the new dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
USask researchers team up with companies to make hand sanitizer
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers and three local companies are helping to address a provincial shortage of hand sanitizer using a bioprocessing facility on the USask ...
USask scientists help farmers in West Africa improve crops
Derek Peak and Abimfoluwa Olaleye are using Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan (Usask) to help farmers in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to grow vegetables ...
USask drinking water study shows beef cattle can tolerate high levels of sulphates
Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have published a study that shows beef cattle can tolerate higher concentrations of sulphates in drinking water than previously...
USask students partner with local historical institution on beautification project
As part of the Fundamentals of Horticulture course offered by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, students developed landscaping plans for the Western Development Museum (...
USask research indicates pulses sensitive to seedrow fertilizer
Research conducted at the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Department of Soil Science, has demonstrated that pulses can be sensitive to seed-placed starter nitrogen, phosphorus...
USask researchers map cannabis genome to improve crops and health
Unlocking the full potential of cannabis for agriculture and human health will require a co-ordinated scientific effort to assemble and map the cannabis genome, according to a just...
New drug protocol may reduce pain during castration
A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) researcher and his team are looking into new options for pain management during castration of beef calves.
Usask Range Team continues to impress at international rangeland management competition
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Range Team has been making a name for itself at the annual international Society for Range Management (SRM) rangeland management competition....
New USask research chair to bring integrated approach to agronomy
If you’re a farmer on the Prairies, Maryse Bourgault is looking forward to talking with you.
Agri-Food Innovation and Sustainability Enhancement Chair demonstrates value of industry collaboration
After a successful five-year term as the Research Chair in Agri-Food Innovation, Dr. Stuart Smyth (PhD) has been reappointed to the renewed Agri-Food Innovation and Sustainability ...
USask researchers develop fast, accurate test to identify toxins in cereal crops
SASKATOON – Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC) have developed a fast and accurate method for identifying and quantifying toxins in ...
All we are saying is give peas a chance
As a passionate proponent of plant-based proteins for more than two decades, researcher Dr. Tom Warkentin (PhD) understands better than most the recent rapid rise in popularity of ...
Reducing beef cattle GHG emissions
Eat less beef … save the planet! It’s a common theme on social media and among celebrities. Yet, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are working to show that beef...
Scholarship support gives USask student a global perspective on feeding the world
College of Agriculture and Bioresources student David MacTaggart is learning how to feed the future through international conferences and research.
Researchers collaborate at Canadian Light Source to create healthier bread
Ever since early humans discovered how to grind grain, the art of breadmaking has flourished and today bread is the most widely consumed food in the world. The apron has now been r...
USask livestock researchers awarded nearly $7M to improve food sustainability and safety
Twenty University of Saskatchewan (USask) projects have been awarded nearly $7 million through a joint federal-provincial government funding program to advance cattle, swine, and p...
USask Global Institute for Food Security supporting collaborative social science research
University of Saskatchewan (USask) research has received a $675,000 boost from the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) to investigate social science impacts on food security ...
Black is the new green
Shane Olson pioneered rubber recycling 26 years ago while working nights to feed his family. Today, his company is working with Nike.
CWRC commits over $9.6 million to USask Crop Development Centre for wheat research
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC), a collaboration of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, the Alberta Wheat Commission, and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Grow...
USask crop researchers awarded $8M to advance food and bio-products for a sustainable future
SASKATOON – Thirty University of Saskatchewan (USask) crop research projects have been awarded a total of more than $8 million through Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Development Fund ...
USask Global Institute for Food Security researchers help crack canola genome
SASKATOON —Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are members of an international consortium of key academic and global see...
CLS launches nation-wide educational science project
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) has launched a unique initiative that creates opportunities for school students across the country to be directly involved in a national research pr...
Crop development breeds patience for USask wheat researcher
It’s taken 20 years for this particularly purple wheat to go from grain to glass, but it’s all music to Dr. Pierre Hucl’s (PhD) ears.
Bridging medicine and agriculture to prevent age-related illness
If Dr. Christopher Eskiw (PhD) and his co-investigators are correct, the inner workings of brewing yeast could point the way to greater human longevity and the prevention of age-re...
USask students establish bee hotels in Saskatoon
As part of a sustainability course, students are developing bee habitats to provide a safe environment for bees to reproduce.
Canadian Western Agribition contributes $100,000 to USask Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence
REGINA – Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) has announced a contribution of $100,000 over the next decade to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Ex...
Engineering better egg-free ingredients for vegans
Not many research projects involve a kitchen, but that’s what University of Saskatchewan graduate student Yue He has been using to help develop a better egg replacement for making ...
From the ground up
After a successful first year, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) continues to provide unique research opportunities for live...