Alberta Grains Research in Action: Driving Alberta Farm Success
In the late 1800s, vineyard farmers in France had significant issues with grape theft and powdery mildew. Although there was no solution for powdery mildew, vineyard owners began spraying a bluish-white copper sulphate and lime solution on their crops to mitigate theft. The solution created a very unappealing appearance on the grapes, which, in turn, deterred thieves. One farmer, Pierre-Marie-Alexis, noticed that the vines sprayed with this solution had significantly less powdery mildew. This “happy accident” and intriguing observation led to the development of the more refined “Bordeaux mixture,” one of the first fungicidal treatments for crops.
Needless to say, these kinds of accidental discoveries that help drive an industry forward, although helpful, are few and far between.
Wheat and barley farmers in Alberta face more than just theft and disease. Insect pests, resistant weeds and diseases, market quality and sustainability requirements, drought, heat, and sharp margins provide a barrage of challenges to manage, to name a few. On the other hand, rapidly advancing technologies in genetics, digital agriculture, novel inputs, and equipment offer significant opportunities for farmers.
Given these realities, happy accidents just won’t cut it. Strategic and intentional research investment is a key focus for Alberta Grains. Strong engagement with the research community and farmers ensures that farmer levy funds are directed toward research projects and outcomes that provide direct value to wheat and barley farmers in Alberta.
At present, there are 107 research projects supported by Alberta Grains that directly benefit wheat and barley farmers. Investment in these projects totals $9.175 million over the life of the projects.
Diseases in barley production can cause significant economic and quality impacts. Investments in projects like Developing Multiple Disease Resistances in Barley, led by Dr. Sajid Rehman from Western Crop Innovations (WCI), target the discovery and identification of barley breeding lines with increased levels of resistance to both scald and fusarium head blight. With Alberta Grains investing $74,000, this research will directly impact farmers with the future availability of barley varieties that have stronger resistance to these diseases.
A major initiative supported by Alberta Grains is the Canadian National Wheat Cluster (CNWC), with an investment of $1.54 million. The CNWC is a collection of 15 different research projects that focus on the profitability and long-term sustainability of wheat in the cropping system. With matching funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the total investment in the cluster is $20.5 million. With more than $9.3 million of those dollars coming from producer investments, projects in the CNWC tackle a wide range of issues, such as wheat midge, disease resistance, winter wheat enhancement, yield increase, and nitrogen management.
Further commitment includes a $1-million investment by Alberta Grains in the National Barley Cluster. This $9.6-million cluster matches producer and private investment ($4.3 million) to AAFC's investment ($5.2 million). Projects within this cluster tackle many Alberta Grains research priorities, including lodging, disease resistance, variety development advancement, and input management.
Lodging can have a detrimental impact on the yield, quality and harvestability of both wheat and barley. Alberta Grains has invested in projects that move the needle forward on these challenges. Molecular Tools to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Lodging in Canadian Wheat, led by Dr. Belay Ayele at the University of Manitoba, looks to develop molecular tools for breeders to increase wheat stem strength and reduce lodging. The $100,000 invested by Alberta Grains will directly impact Alberta wheat farmers by providing varieties with greater resilience to lodging.
Maximizing yield and economics of feed barley while mitigating lodging is a significant concern for many Alberta barley farmers. A $15,000 contribution from Alberta Grains supports research at Lakeland College that delves into the management practices of feed barley. Maximizing Feed Barley Yield While Minimizing Lodging assessed different fertility rates, plant growth regulator timings, and environmental conditions that allow farmers to maximize their return on feed barley production.
Cropping systems and crop management techniques have a direct impact on soil health. Soil health plays a significant role in the performance of a crop. To help Alberta farmers gain a stronger understanding of this dynamic, Alberta Grains has invested $35,000 in Understanding the Interaction of N Fertilizer Technologies, Fungicides, and the Soil Microbiome to Optimize Sustainable Agriculture. The project, led by Dr. Monika Gorzelak at AAFC Lethbridge, looks to understand how different nitrogen rates, enhanced efficiency fertilizers and fungicides may impact the soil microbiome. Results from this research will provide a stronger understanding of how fertilizer management practices can be approached to make the most of Alberta's soils and productivity.
Looking forward, Alberta Grains remains dedicated to funding research that delivers direct value to Alberta wheat and barley farmers. Through strategic partnerships, innovative projects and targeted investments, Alberta Grains aims to enhance farm profitability, sustainability and resilience. Alberta Grains encourages farmers to actively engage with the commission through regional meetings, AGMs or direct contact. We welcome farmers to share their insights to shape the future of wheat and barley research investments.