Three members of Lakeland College's applied research team have secured $1,598,583 over five years in additional funding from RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) that will allow them to continue their important research.
Dr. Susan Markus' research involves livestock technology, focusing on automating heifer replacement selection using remote-sensing technology, monitoring bull activity with the use of GPS, and smart, hand-held devices to assist in detecting pregnancy and litter size in sheep. Robyne Davidson's area of research involves pulse and special crops, with projects focused on agronomics of lupin production. Dr. Brenda Ralston's research involves livestock health, particularly developing a neo-natal supplement to improve newborn calf health and pain control in post-partum cattle and during castration.
"This grant funding is a testament to Susan, Robyne and Brenda's work and its importance for the respective industries their research supports," says Dr. Francois Paradis, Lakeland's dean of applied research. "RDAR is a fantastic supporter of our research program and we are so appreciative of all they do to ensure Lakeland can continue delivering the results-oriented research projects we are known for."
Clinton Dobson, RDAR Vice President, Research, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to retain such strong talent within Alberta's agriculture research community. Lakeland is a key academic partner for RDAR, and together we are successfully working to deliver the latest innovations into producer's hands."
About RDAR
RDAR is a not-for-profit organization, mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results- driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For more information, please visit: rdar.ca
