Research News - College of Agriculture and Bioresources

New USask poultry laying facility receives $6.2 million CFI funding boost

Dr. Karen Schwean-Lardner (PhD) loves chickens.

Nutrition International and USask partner to advance fortified lentils for global health and nutrition

The partnership will bring together Canadian agricultural innovation, scientific research and nutrition expertise to develop fortified lentils that help address nutrient deficiencies and improve the health of millions worldwide.

Young Innovators: USask researcher develops tool to protect the gut health of dairy cows

Gut health has been a popular topic in recent years. You may have heard from researchers diving into what makes our guts “leaky” or maybe you’ve come across the variety of resources designed to fortify our insides.

Tracking the toxic metals left behind by wildfires

USask researchers find iron in soil controls how and when chromium becomes toxic

New Sprott Awards support Indigenous graduate students

The College of Agriculture and Bioresources has launched two new awards to recruit and recognize Indigenous graduate students.

Celebrating women in science

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 to promote equal opportunities for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). To celebrate, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources is featuring five women who are making a difference in their field.

Agriculture Development Fund bolsters USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources research

Researchers in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources have received more than $9.94 million for crop and livestock research, with over $5.52 million from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and more than $4.42 million from industry co-funders.

Black History Month: Meet Dr. Kwabena Nketia

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Kwabena Nketia (PhD) has worked and travelled around the world, but it is at USask where he has found a place “to truly be what the world needs.”

USask researcher receives Emerging Genomics Researcher Award

Dr. Valentyna Klymiuk (PhD) has been recognized for her early career achievements in genomics.

Tech talk: How USask researchers are utilizing new technology

As digital technology continues to change, advance and shape our everyday lives, experts are leveraging new tech and new tools to push the boundaries of research, scholarly and artistic work.

USask’s Dr. Curtis Pozniak receives international agricultural award

One of the top agricultural researchers and wheat breeding experts at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been recognized with one of the most prestigious agricultural awards in the world.

USask researching sustainable bison grazing management

A new research project led by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is laying the groundwork for more sustainable bison husbandry through grazing management and ecosystem enhancement techniques.

USask leads livestock research with massive government investment

Nearly $4.7 million in support from the provincial and federal governments is going to innovative livestock-focused agricultural research projects and partnerships led by the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Better berries: USask research lays groundwork for saskatoon berry breeding

Originally from Slovenia, Dr. Anže Švara (PhD) had never even heard of Saskatoon before seeing a job opening at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), let alone the tiny purplish berries that the city’s name comes from.

USask receives millions for innovative crop research projects

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is leading the way in agricultural research, bolstered by a large funding commitment to crop research at the university.

USask AgBio research: Saving Prairie grasslands

As the United Nations spotlights the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are in a race against time to preserve vital lands and resources.

Unlocking even more value in Canada’s canola industry

USask researchers develop novel method for separating kernel from hull; advance could enable companies to make better use of all parts of canola seed.

Growth and strength

A PhD student, teaching assistant, and competitive weightlifter, Laura Carruthers (BSA’22) balances the heavy demands of graduate research and international competition

Celebrating World Soil Day: Q & A with USask’s Dr. Chantel Chizen

Effective soil management is crucial to resolving many environmental issues, including food and water shortages and climate change.

The value in managing risk in the cattle industry

USask PhD student Rebecca Zanello is looking to better understand how producers manage business risk and make rangeland management decisions.

“Be prepared for big things” from the Nutrien Centre for Sustainable and Digital Agriculture

New collaborative hub is now being created in USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Building better lentil varieties at USask

USask PhD student Alex Silvestrini explores ways to build more resilient lentil varieties.

Changing the future of food

USask’s Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences taps into the potential of fermentation, protein extraction, and ingredient development.

Shaping the next generation of lentils and faba beans

Dr. Ana Vargas (PhD) is bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the development of some of Saskatchewan’s most important pulse crops.

Cultivating global connections

Dr. Karen Tanino (PhD) is growing more than just resilient plants—she’s cultivating global partnerships that are transforming agricultural research and education.

Innovation in non-ruminant nutrition for a healthier future

USask’s Dr. Deborah Adewole (PhD) looks to make non-ruminant animal production more sustainable through cost-effective and nutritional alternative feed ingredients.

USask insect identification app takes top prize at Opus Innovation Expo

University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students are putting crop protection technology in the hands of producers with an AI-powered, sustainable pest management platform for smart phones.

Better crop resilience through genetic diversity

Wheat – a vital food crop that feeds billions of people worldwide – plays an important role in food security. Estimates place global wheat production at nearly 800 million tonnes this year, volumes that can be achieved, in large part, due to targeted breeding of high-yielding cultivars.

Signature Series research podcast: How plants beat the winter, with Dr. Karen Tanino

Canada is a cold place, but that doesn’t stop us from growing plants in our homes and gardens. And every year, many of those plants pop back up in the spring or shake off the snow and ice to thrive again.

USask graduate investigates gene to improve the health of barley

Fan Yang’s thesis research focused on protecting barley from a common plant disease.

Five things to know about brÜSask

A unique collaboration at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is showcasing how leading-edge research can make real-world impact.

Signature Series research podcast: The future of wildfires with Dr. Colin Laroque

Dr. Colin Laroque (PhD) listens to what the trees tell him.

USask researcher honoured with top pulse crop award

University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Tom Warkentin (PhD) has been awarded the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade Association (CPSC) Industry Appreciation Award for his significant contribution to Canada’s pulse and special crops industry.

USask research explores the science of the bovine gut

As USask spotlights Saskatchewan Agriculture Week in October, we profile researchers uncovering surprising findings from comparing heifers’ digestion behaviours.

CBRC commits $1.8 million to CDC barley breeding activities

The Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) announced today it will provide $1.8 million in funding over three years to the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC), to extend the core breeding agreement and support the development of varieties with improved agronomics, disease resistance and end-use quality.

Four USask researchers recognized by Royal Society of Canada

Four University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been recognized with one of Canada’s highest academic honours for invaluable contributions in their fields. Dr. Dwight Newman (DPhil) and Dr. Leon Kochian (PhD) have been named Royal Society of Canada (RSC) Fellows, and Dr. Steven Rayan (PhD) and Dr. Allyson Stevenson (PhD) have both been named College Members of the RSC.

Take 5: Five things to know about the Agriculture Greenhouses

USask graduate Jackie Bantle (BEd’88, BSA’92) manages a state-of-the-art facility with 1,500 square feet of growing space.

Young Innovators: USask researchers giving canola producers never-before-seen insight into their crops

Golden fields of canola flourishing against a bright blue sky might just be the quintessential image of a Saskatchewan summer. With 12 million acres of canola grown across the province every year, the crop’s delicate yellow flowers are a common and beautiful sight on any given Prairie highway.

Moose on the loose: Five facts about urban wildlife around Saskatoon

Have you ever seen a moose in-person?

USask appoints Sask Wheat research chair to accelerate crop variety development

Dr. Valentyna Klymiuk (PhD) has been appointed as the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) Applied Genomics and Pre-breeding Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), supporting the development of productive, climate-smart crop varieties.

Three USask students recognized nationally with Vanier scholarships

Three University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students have received funding in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership skills, and innovative research potential.

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

Discover the latest research and hands-on learning experiences!

Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest $3.4 Million to Support Usask's Integrated Genomics for Sustainable Animal Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship Project

Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison have announced $3.4 million over four years to support the development of two new facilities at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask researchers discover genes that protect wheat from disease

Bacteria, viruses and fungi are masters at evolving new strategies to infiltrate plants and cause disease that harm crops.

Nitrogen’s role in food systems

Envision change as a ripple effect, reverberating outwards to affect various interconnected domains. The impact can be substantial, especially if the starting point is a central element like nitrogen, where a shift in practices can lead to benefits across multiple areas, suggests University of Saskatchewan researcher Kate Congreves.

USask graduate explores economics of Canadian wheat genetic improvement

Lampros Nikolaos Maros’ thesis research focused on farmers’ adoption of wheat varieties and the economics of wheat varietal development, which affects long-term food security.

New USask infrastructure to bolster agricultural research

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has received $11.8 million in funding for two new facilities that will provide critical workspace for crop and soil science research and teaching.

Asian Heritage Month: From the Philippines to Saskatoon, USask plant scientist grows connections

College of Agriculture and Bioresources researcher celebrates 30 years at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask data-driven anthropology research project receives international acclaim

As modern development spreads across Canada, First Nations in the Peace River region of British Columbia and Alberta require unbiased, data-driven research to maintain their Treaty-protected cultural and economic traditions.

Cutting-edge USask chickpea research thrives through cold temperatures

Amid the snow and the slush of frigid Saskatchewan winters, one place on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus always remains warm and green: the greenhouses.

Exploring the intersection of climate change, water security and gender equity

USask professor and researcher Dr. Sabine Liebenehm (PhD) makes international connections to find solutions to complex, interrelated problems.

USask makes top 100 in two subjects in world university rankings

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has established itself among the best universities in the world and has been ranked in the top 100 worldwide in two subject areas.

USask graduate student’s startup wins big at Opus Innovation Expo

A University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led business focused on plant-based products brings home this year’s coveted People’s Choice Award.

USask researcher imagines a greener future with sustainable fertilizers

To feed the growing global population, crop producers need to first feed the plants that are the foundation of our food supply.

USask student strives for wildlife conservation that upholds Indigenous voices

Kim Lebel honoured for academic excellence during Indigenous Achievement Week.

USask industry chair to advance forage research

In a move to strengthen research into crucial livestock production systems, Dr. Flavia van Cleef (PhD) has been appointed as the new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization (IFMU) Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Young Innovators: USask researchers ‘dig deep’ to address heavy metal contamination in Canada’s boreal forest

The open expanse of Saskatchewan’s Prairie landscape quietly recedes into a thick band of spruce, pine and fir trees only a few hours’ drive north of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) campus. Stretching for more than 400,000 km2, the province’s boreal forest is just a snapshot of a large network of trees and hardy plants that reach across the entire country.

USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources research receives $8-million boost

Researchers in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Agriculture and Bioresources have received more than $5.1 million from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) and more than $2.9 million from industry co-funders for crop and livestock research.

Celebrating women in science: A look inside the labs of USask researchers

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11 and promotes gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). For this year, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is celebrating researchers who are making great advancements in their field and forging a path for the next generation of scientists.

USask graduate student getting to the root of chickpeas

As the United Nations prepares to celebrate World Pulses Day on Feb. 10, USask international graduate student Ifedolapo Adebara is investigating the variability of the often-understudied pulse crop’s roots, and whether its special fungus resistance could improve pea and lentil yields.

New USask crop research chair receives Sask Wheat support

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has committed $6.5 million to support the establishment of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission Applied Genomics and Pre-breeding Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Collaborative USask research exploring yeast genetics for better chicken feed

A team of multidisciplinary University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers has hatched an innovative project to improve the health of chickens by upgrading the feed that they eat.

Diverse USask livestock research projects receive government support

Livestock and forage research at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) takes a variety of forms, and new government and industry funding will help support cutting-edge livestock research across campus.

CWRC commits $11.8 million to USask Crop Development Centre

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has committed $11.8 million over the next five years to a core breeding agreement (CBA) with the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC).

USask explores innovative soil carbon mapping research

When it comes to crop production, soil is vital for plant health, nutrient supply and water retention. Today, two soil science projects dedicated to the future of mapping carbon levels in Saskatchewan soil have received support from a major government fund, allowing researchers to create a better roadmap of soil health for the province’s producers.

USask crop research projects receive lion’s share of ADF funding

Twenty-three crop and cropland-focused research projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have received $4.18 million in support from the provincial government through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

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.

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.

Meet the new meat

Surveys say novel hybrid products created at USask taste great.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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 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.