Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Lakeland College is requesting NSERC ARTI funding to purchase a specialized combine to build capacity to serve the crop industry and farmer's needs for small-plot agronomic research. There is an identified gap in crop research capabilities for our region's unique soil, cropping, and climatic agronomic area as noted by our industry partners. NSERC's investment will enable Lakeland College to provide quality small plot research services in our agronomic region, producing results of value to Western Canadian producers, SMEs and the agriculture value chain. The equipment will be of integral importance to the success of the crop research team to carry out collaborative research activities and to the team's ability to increase labour productivity through operational efficiencies. Students will be also exposed and trained on this unique equipment, helping them develop an understanding of how to apply the outcomes of research as they enter the workforce as employees or agricultural entrepreneurs.