More than half a million dollars will help University of Lethbridge researchers continue their work in agriculture. The $700,000 in funding comes from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) and will allow three researchers to continue working through 2027-2028.
Drs. Michele Konschuh, Shelley Hoover and Kim Stanford originally joined the university as part of the Agriculture Research Transition Project in 2020.
“The impact of their work has been substantial both on and off campus,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge’s vice-president (research). “With this five-year extension, it allows them the opportunity to take on longer-term research projects, apply for federal funding programs and train more students for our region and beyond. This arrangement also ensures that we continue to grow the university’s partnerships with local and global agri-food industries.”
Konschuh’s research looks to improve the sustainability of crops in a changing climate.
“I’ll be working with local producers and agri-businesses like the Potato Growers of Alberta, Farming Smarter and Galaxy Ag Ventures,” says Konschuh. “It’s important to identify the priorities of crop producers and help them transition to more sustainable practices while reducing risks associated with climate change.”
Stanford is investigating cattle feed and food-borne pathogens. She is examining ways to improve detection and control of E. coli.
“Along with minimizing the negative effects on animals, my research aims to identify sustainable feed sources for producers, such as creating silage using food waste from grocery stores,” says Stanford.
Hoover is researching honeybees health, commercial beekeeping and pollination.
“My work with various partners, locally, nationally and internationally, is aimed at ensuring our honeybees are healthy, not only for their important role as pollinators but also as producers of honey,” says Hoover.
RDAR is a non-profit corporation designed to enable Alberta producers to determine priorities and lead agriculture research.
“RDAR is pleased to support the good work that these scientists are pursuing,” says RDAR chair, Dr. David Chalack. “We cannot see great results for Alberta’s producers without investing in the people and building capacity for those who are driving positive change for the province.