Welcome to the RDAR Newsroom. You’ll find our latest news, views and outward impact here, all in one place.

One year, one million acres covered, and $28 million distributed; a successful first year as RDAR powers the on-farm adoption of OFCAF beneficial management practices across Alberta

Producer groups and RDAR announces $1.25 million commitment to clubroot research

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) has announced a $833,000 investment into clubroot research. Together, RDAR, the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, and the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission awarded $1.25 million to Dr. Stephen Strelkov, professor of plant pathology at the University of Alberta, to lead an expert team in breeding resistance into new crop varieties, developing new ways to control the pathogen, and to identify clubroot resistant genes.

RDAR Announces $833,000 Investment for Canola Clubroot Research

Outcomes from this five-year project (2023 – 2028) led by Dr. Strelkov and team will contribute to the sustainable long-term control of clubroot and improved resistance stewardship, helping producers manage and reduce clubroot spores contaminating their fields.

RDAR and Alberta Poultry Boards Invest $733,000 to Support Vital Avian Flu Research

This new research investment in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAI) will help define effective, science-driven biosecurity procedures, and outbreak control measures

Researchers take a step forward in turning chicken feathers into water filters

Improved technology boosts potential for a low-cost, sustainable solution to the global problem of contaminated water.

Insights from Lethbridge Study applicable to greenhouse growers across canada

A collaborative project conducted by scientists at Lethbridge College’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and an industry partner has revealed some useful results for Canada’s greenhouse industry, some of which will be investigated further. The study was funded by the provincial ‘Results Driven Agriculture Research’ program.

Adding silicon to soil could help protect canola from clubroot

Treatment may also help crops weather drought and extreme heat, researchers find.

Dr. Natalie Diether of RDAR talks Innovation and Collaboration with PIP

Natalie Diether discusses RDAR, Innovation and Collaboration with Poultry Innovation Partnership.

WCVM team aims to detect the minimal infective dose of a pathogen

Since the clinical signs of S. zooepidemicus disease are very similar to African swine fever, researchers are looking for a way to distinguish both in situ.

Federal ‘climate action’ grants are a huge hit with alberta producers

More than 1,000 applications have flooded in, prompting program administrator to push the pause button.

Potato research targets disease

Researcher Dmytro Yevtushenko said his study will develop molecular protocols to detect pathogens and parasites that can damage provincial potato crops.

$3.8 million announced for agricultural research projects in lethbridge

The Agricultural Funding Consortium (AFC) has announced a total of $11.49 million in funding for 39 research initiatives.

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) for a prosperous industry

Dr. Redmond shares how RDAR contributes to agriculture research in the province for both crops and livestock, from developing seeds to processing food products for the end consumer.

AFC announces $11.49 million in funding to 39 agriculture research projects

39 research projects have been awarded $11.49 million in funding via the Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC). The AFC is a body comprised of 18 agricultural organizations that leverage and coordinate funding to support sustainability, diversification and long-term growth for agriculture and the food industry in Western Canada.

Aphanomyces test research needs soil samples

Aphanomyces has become a massive challenge for pea and lentil growers because spores from the disease have infected hundreds or thousands of fields in Western Canada.

RDAR Funds Alberta Regional Variety Trials – Providing Alberta Producers with Access to Crop and Variety Performance Data

RDAR, The Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) and Alberta Oat Growers Commission are pleased to announce a $782,400 investment in Alberta Regional Variety Trials (RVT). This project will put verified variety data into the hands of Alberta producers, enabling them to make the best crop decisions for their farm operations.

Are feed-efficient cattle the best bet for climate change?

Researcher aims to find out if those cows are better able to deal with sweltering heat and bitter cold.

Swath grazing study needs respondents for online survey

A researcher is looking for cow-calf producers across Western Canada who want to take part in an online survey about swath grazing.

Livestock, forage research funding announced

Thirty-four livestock and grazing research projects, most of them at the University of Saskatchewan, received more than $6 million in funding last week. Saskatchewan agriculture minister David Marit announced the annual spend on behalf of the provincial and federal governments. He noted that seven industry partners are co-funding nearly $300,000 worth of projects, including the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, SaskMilk, Alberta Milk, Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission, Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission and Results Driven Agriculture Research in Alberta.

RDAR Invests in Alberta Regional Silage Trial Program

RDAR is investing $150,000 for 2-year funding for a project to operate regional silage trial program in Alberta. The goal of the project is to conduct Regional Silage Trials in a very targeted and controlled method focusing on delivering high quality data that is relevant to the Alberta livestock and crop sectors.

USask awarded $5.2 million for innovative research projects

Early detection of infectious diseases in chickens and developing regional influenza vaccines for pigs are among 28 innovative livestock and forage research projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to be awarded a total of $5.2 million in new funding Wednesday.

One newcomer on RDAR board

David Chalack has been re-elected to the board of RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) and will continue as chair. Bentley producer Jason Lenz was also re-elected earlier this month to a three-year term. New to the board is Josie Van Lent, dean of agriculture technology and applied research at Lakeland College.

RDAR ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF DAVID CHALACK AS BOARD CHAIR, and MELISSA DOWNING AS BOARD VICE CHAIR

RDAR is pleased to announce that the RDAR Board of Directors elected David Chalack, DVM, ICD.D as Board Chair and Melissa Downing, BSc (Ag), PAg, as Vice-Chair to serve until the 2024 Annual Meeting of Members.

RDAR Announces Official Results of the 2022 Election and Names the Board of Directors: 2023-2024

RDAR announces the official results for the election of three Directors and the appointment of its Board of Directors for 2023 – 2024.

The payoffs and pitfalls of voluntary carbon offset

In an era of increasing concern over climate change where companies are seeking to financially offset or compensate for their carbon emissions, producers potentially have an ace up their sleeves. They could use their farms to voluntarily generate carbon credits to sell to such businesses.

Alberta Ag Researchers Shine Bright at RDAR’s Inaugural Research Showcase

Producers and the public are invited to Feet in the Field, Eyes on the Stars: our inaugural ag research showcase. Experience over 20 diverse and producer-led research projects taking place across the province.

Potato project focuses on sustainability

A new research project at Lethbridge College will work to determine what steps can be taken to ensure the best result for producers, while also moving toward environmentally sustainable agriculture practices. Rezvan Karimi, research scientist in the Mueller Irrigation Group, is heading the three-year $446,500 project, which is funded by Results Driven Agriculture Research.

Climate mitigation grants a huge hit on Alberta farms

Hundreds of Alberta producers have completed climate mitigation projects on their farms and the administrator of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund is expecting another wave of applications when the program reopens in February.

Lethbridge College researchers to give tour of Brooks Greenhouse Facilit

Funded by Results Driven Agriculture Research and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Lethbridge College’s collaboration with Sunterra encompasses both strawberry and tomato trials and spans two locations: pre-commercial validation studies at the Brooks facility as well as a commercial application at Sunterra’s high-tech 20-acre operation in Acme.

Study in canada’s alberta province looking at rapid detection and early diagnosis of potato diseases

RDAR recently announced a project to establish a system for early and rapid diagnosis or all potato diseases, and provide Alberta potato growers a proactive surveillance platform.

$650,000 RDAR investment will accelerate beehive technology adoption, boost honeybee health and improve economics for Alberta beekeepers 

Alberta Beekeepers Commission (ABC) and Vatorex will receive $653,227 in funding, with $161,000 cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). This project will position Alberta as a pioneer in beneficial beekeeping practices and sustainable apiculture. 

New fund for ag producers

A new initiative is available to help growers tackle climate change through the Agricultural Climate Solutions On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

Federal climate cash gets a welcome from producers here

Many farmers had rotational grazing, cover crops or nitrogen management on their to-do list.

Bovine Gastronomy: It turns out that garlic pairs well with minerals

Alberta researcher finds cattle will consume more mineral if it’s flavoured with fresh garlic.

Agricultural service board updated on on-farm climate action fund

The county’s agricultural service board has been updated on the federal On-Farm Climate Action Funds for ranchers and farmers (OFCAF).

ALUS Supports Drought and Heat Resilience with Support from Results Driven Agriculture Research

RDAR is pleased to present ALUS with financial support of $150,000 of which the full funding amount comes from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). This project will demonstrate the efficacy of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in creating resilience to drought and extreme heat throughout Alberta.

Polymer-coated urea approved for OFCAF funding

The federal government has added polymer-coated urea to the list of enhanced efficiency fertilizer products approved for reimbursement from its On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

Window for getting climate fund cash closes in early November

There’s been a rush of applications for grants, which can be as much as $75,000 per farm.

On-Farm Climate Action Fund Program overview workshop — LACOMBE MEMORIAL CENTER

On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) program provides financial support to producers to accelerate the adoption and on-farm implementation of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that strengthen rotational grazing strategies by improving forage quality with deep-rooted, nitrogen-fixing legumes (alfalfa, sainfoin) and increasing soil health (organic matter, nutrient cycling).

Getting the dirt on dirt: Big hopes for soil database app

There’s no easy way to know whether management practices are putting carbon back into the soil, or how much. But Alberta producers may soon have an app that measures soil carbon, shows what management practices work best in their area, and allows them to trade carbon credits with high emitters.

Preg testing technology for producers

Researchers are working to place some of the complex technology found in veterinary laboratories into handheld devices that will allow producers to more easily diagnose pregnancies in sheep.

Make environmental changes on your farm, but without the risk

Producer applications are open for the On-farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), a program that will offset a large portion of costs as farmers try a new management practice such as rotational grazing, cover cropping or nitrogen management.

Regional organization showcases agricultural research to producers in St. Paul

The Lakeland Agricultural Research Association (LARA) invited local producers on August 4 to discuss its latest agricultural research for the St. Paul Summer Field Day.  

Lethbridge College researchers studying ways to simplify potato quality testing

A research project out of Lethbridge College strives to simplify the way potato quality is tested. Currently, the best way to find out if a potato is good enough to go to market is to cut it open and look to see if it has any defects. Officials say that’s a process that takes time and is destructive.

Wheat varieties could move from midge tolerance to midge resistance

A group of western Canadian researchers is trying to create wheat strains with built-in resistance to wheat midge. Though midge-tolerant varieties are available, they are on a mission to add another layer of defence.

Researchers aim to identify Bovine Respiratory Disease pathogens

Researchers in the University of Lethbridge's Southern Alberta Genome Science Centre and its bioinformatics core are collaborating with scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to find viable solutions to mitigate Bovine Respiratory Disease — the most prominent feedlot cattle disease in North America — that is responsible for an estimated financial burden of $3 billion annually.

Open for Applications – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) Starts Application Intake in Alberta

RDAR announces that it will be open to receiving applications for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) program starting August 4, 2022.

RDAR Investment in Lethbridge College Research Project Will Help Producers Get More Potatoes From Field To Market 

RDAR funding will support a new research project at Lethbridge College that aims to use cutting-edge technology to test potato quality more quickly in a way that doesn’t destroy good product.

RDAR Announces a $5.1M Leveraged Investment into a $12.1M Agricultural Genomics Research Initiative to Benefit Alberta Producers and Consumers

RDAR and Genome Alberta, with the Government of Canada and Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development, today announced $5.1 million in funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) for agriculture genomics projects.

RDAR funding to Support Potato Research Project focused on Sustainability

RDAR fund a new research project at Lethbridge College with $446,500. Work led by Dr. Rezvan Karimi will determine what steps can be taken to ensure the best results for potato producers, while also moving towards environmentally sustainable agriculture practices.

RDAR invests in partnership to grow irrigation research

RDAR invests $105,500 in research partnership project between Lethbridge College and Southern Irrigation to help producers maximize crop production.

RDAR and industry partners invest in collaborative soil health project to improve pasture yields for Beef cattle producers

This collaborative pasture health project brings together industry investment from Results Driven Agriculture Research, Beef Cattle Research Council, Alberta Beef Producers, and additional in-kind research funding support from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC), Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE), the Saskatchewan and British Columbia Forage Councils.

RDAR CEO talks OFCAF & BMP’s to help Alberta Producers Manage Climate Change

RDAR CEO Mark Redmond talks to Alberta Farm Express media about OFCAF - the federal climate program that RDAR will administer in Alberta to support Alberta producers.

RDAR funds research project to map invasive wild pigs in alberta

This RDAR supported project will study the spread of wild pigs in the province, how they interact with other species, in particular domesticated animals to determine how they may spread infectious diseases.

Invasive Wild Pigs: RDAR Invests in Protecting Alberta Against Threats to Crops and Livestock

RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) has invested $432,000 in a transdisciplinary research project to study Invasive wild pigs and the potential spread of infectious diseases across Alberta.

RDAR invests in research to support bee health and honey industry sustainability

Dr. Olav Rueppell at the University of Alberta and his team were awarded $437,268 from RDAR for honey bee research that will directly contribute to the sustainability of the beekeeping and apicultural industry in Alberta.

Collaboration enables more than $3.2 million in grower-funded canola agronomic research in 2022

RDAR contributes $450,000 to three canola research projects led by the Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) that will focus on increasing yield and profitability, reducing production risk and enhancing sustainability.

RDAR to Deliver Federal Funding Program to help Alberta Producers Tackle Climate Change

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced a new $185M Fund – the Agricultural Climate Solutions On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).  RDAR will administer $33M of the total Fund to help Alberta producers tackle climate change.

Pulse processing plants to bring value-added opportunities to Alberta

Alberta will soon have a new, high-capacity pulse processing plant - the very first of its kind in the province. This plant will power Alberta to become a leading processor and refiner of pulse-crop products.

RDAR invests $521,000 in research projects to combat the growing risk of chronic wasting disease

RDAR will invest a total of $521,000 into two critical Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) projects led by researchers from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.

Powering the Research to Transform Agriculture – RDAR launching its Strategic Framework

On the heels of a successful 2021, the organization will start 2022 off by hosting its first AGM on January 18th at 1pm MST to present its bold 5-Year Strategic Framework.

Industry and Researchers Collaborate on Soil Health Project to Enhance Fertilizer Stewardship On-Farm

Fertilizer Canada and RDAR have come together with matching investments of $257,272 towards a soil health project that will provide Alberta grain, forage, and crop producers with tangible results realized at the farm gate.

RDAR delivers key research investment to support livestock feed innovation

RDAR has announced a $110,291 Investment in CBS Bio Platforms to enable Alberta to lead development of enhanced and sustainable feed. Industry-leading outcomes from this research project will strengthen Alberta's reputation as a centre for world-class, livestock production.

RDAR makes Major Investment in CBIN Genetics Data Platform to Improve Efficiency and Profitability of Cattle Producers

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) has invested $640,000 in a collaborative research project with the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN) to springboard the development of a unified, standardized, and producer-accessible beef cattle genetics data platform.

Results Driven Agriculture Research continues to support Alberta’s farmers and grow the industry

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen gives a personal account of RDAR's annual highlights and investments to Alberta's agriculture industry

Working Together: RDAR, Feather Boards and researchers’ partner to boost technology transfer and innovation adoption across the poultry sector

The Poultry Innovation Partnership (PIP) has been awarded $400,000 by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) to develop a technology transfer ecosystem to support innovation adoption in the Alberta poultry industry.

RDAR commits $783K to grow Alberta’s burgeoning AgTech sector with Sunterra Greenhouse and Lethbridge College

To help boost boost Alberta’s crop output during times of limited supply and low import quality, RDAR will invest $783,205 in this producer-public- private partnership with Lethbridge College and Sunterra Farms.

Collateral victims of the heatwave, bees are suffering in Alberta

CBC Radio Canada talks about bee colony health and AgVisorPro. How this made-in-Alberta solution has the ability to connect farmers with experts across Canada.

RDAR funded research project explores new way to boost canola production

University of Alberta researcher and plant scientist Linda Gorim is leading a team of researchers to find out which canola breeds are best at photosynthesis, with the goal of improving yields for Canadian farmers.

Researchers, Producers and Industry Come Together to Address Farming Challenges

Three Alberta Ag Leaders (RDAR, AGvisorPRO and Alberta Beekeepers Commission) enter innovative agreement to share research and provide advice through new tech platform.

RDAR Invests in digitization technology solution to impact the cow/calf sector

RDAR provides financial investment to Flokk Systems to advance their work identifying factors that limit the digitization of Alberta cow/calf production.

RDAR makes $630,060 Investment in Antimicrobial Research to Support Livestock Producers

RDAR invests $630,060 to support the collection of antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from Alberta and Canadian cattle feedlots. This study will improve animal health and antimicrobial stewardship by understanding AMU trends and guiding management practices in feedlots.

RDAR invests $750K in project to shed light on pesticides in wetlands

A multi-million dollar water monitoring project in Alberta aims to ensure federal decisions that impact western Canadian farmers are based on accurate science.

RDAR Funds Landmark Agriculture Water Stewardship and Monitoring Project

RDAR has invested $750,000 over 3 years in a collaborative project by Alberta’s producer-led Crop Sector Working Group (CSWG) and three major life-science companies. This novel water monitoring project will help ensure that farmers have access to innovative crop protection tools while upholding sound environmental stewardship.

Not just for your latte! U Of A researcher developing nutritious oat-based beverage to help people with diabetes manage their health

University of Alberta Oat researcher Dr. Chen Lingyun thinks that oat milk can be more than a great-tasting ingredient in lattes and specialty coffee. Dr. Chen is leading research to develop a new non-dairy Oat milk recipe with an even better nutrient density with maximal protein content.

IRRIGATION RESEARCH AT Lethbridge COLLEGE receives RDAR Investment

Irrigation research at Lethbridge College is getting a funding boost of $420,658 from RDAR to measure soil moisture with the goal of allowing producers to adjust irrigation on the fly.

RDAR invests in Grain drying research at Lethbridge College

RDAR invests $160,000 over 3 years to support Lethbridge College researcher, Dr. Chandra Singh with the development of wireless smart sensing technology to monitor in‐bin grain storage conditions.

RDAR Invests $5.7M in Alberta Applied Research Associations

- More than $5.7 million will be invested by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) to fund Alberta Applied Research Associations (ARAs) research programs.

RDAR Funds 3-Year Grant for Potato Research at U of L

Dr. Michele Konschuh, a researcher at the University of Lethbridge has received a three-year grant from Alberta’s Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) to look into management strategies for blackleg in potatoes.

RDAR Board Director Dr. Stanford Blade talks Food Security with Grains West Magazine

Dr. Blade breaks down the issue of food security, access, availability and quality in a feature article by Grains West Magazine

RDAR awards of U of L researcher with $700,000 to support critical beef industry research

With more than $700,000 in funding over two years from the province’s new Results Driven Agricultural Research (RDAR) fund, Dr. Kim Stanford, a research associate at the University of Lethbridge, will continue her research studies that support the beef industry

RDAR awards funding to U of L for Queen Bee and colony health research

RDAR funding of $496,513 supports bee health research at the University of Lethbridge

RDAR ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD CHAIR, VICE CHAIR AND NEW BOARD DIRECTORS

RDAR Board of Directors elect Dr. David Chalack as Board Chair and Ms. Melissa Downing as Vice-Chair to serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting.

RDAR Announces New Board of Directors

RDAR announces its first elected Board of Directors.

Dr. David Chalack, Interim Board Chair of RDAR, Reflects on Year One

Board Chair Dr. David Chalack reflects on RDAR's accomplishments in its first year in business.

RDAR Announces New CEO to Continue Funding Agriculture Research in Alberta

RDAR Board Chair, with our Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Redmond as the Chief Executive Officer of RDAR effective March 1, 2021.

RDAR allocates $3 Million to Funding Agriculture Research

Due to positive researcher response, RDAR puts forward additional $3 Million towards funding targeted ag research proposals

A CLEAR PATH TO RESULTS

RDAR Interim Board Chair Dave Chalack oversees the group's new approach to farm research.

RDAR Board Director Dr. Stan Blade talks Knowledge Transfer with GrainsWest magazine

Dr. Stan Blade discusses the importance of knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) between scientists and farmers and the impact of Covid-19 on agricultural information exchange,

Government of Canada announces up to $182.7 million to partner organizations to help farmers lower emissions and improve resiliency to climate change

RDAR, as a recipient organization will administer $33M of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund to help producers tackle climate change in Alberta.

Funding for producer-led research is on its way

RDAR and the AFC are set to roll out funding decisions for their 2020 calls for research proposals.

Research Reset: RDAR TAKES A NEW RESULTS-DRIVEN DIRECTION

An introduction to RDAR. A nimble, arm’s length from government agency, that is driven by producer-led research priorities.

The Need For RDAR

Get background on why Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), a non-profit, arm’s-length agriculture research organization, was created and how it will operate to benefit Alberta’s ag industry.

Dr. Chalack Talks About Results-Driven Agriculture Research

In late October, RDAR board chair, Dr. David Chalack had the opportunity to be featured on AgriPod, a weekly podcast about Canadian agriculture hosted by award-winning journalist Alice McFarlane.

First Call for Applications!

RDAR announces its initial targeted call for proposals.

Expanding Agriculture Research at the U of A

The University of Alberta will receive a $3.7-million grant to assist in the transition of critical agriculture research programs and researchers.

Alberta’s Barley Program Moving to Olds College

Agriculture and Forestry’s field crop development centre will now be housed at Olds College, leveraging research capacity and creating new teaching opportunities.

Expanding Research at the University of Lethbridge

Agriculture and Forestry is increasing research capacity by transferring three priority agriculture research programs to the University of Lethbridge, growing its research depth and range.

Investing in Research at Lethbridge College

Alberta’s government is increasing research capacity by supporting the transition of the Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre (AITC) and the Brooks Greenhouse to Lethbridge College.

Animal Health Research Boost for University of Calgary

The governments of Canada and Alberta are investing in critical animal health diagnostics at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Initial Research Priorities Announced

On October 14, 2020, our Advisory Committee released RDAR’s initial research priorities and shared them with the agriculture community.

Transforming Agriculture Research in Alberta

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen has announced the creation of Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), a non-profit, arm’s-length agriculture research organization.

Results Driven Agriculture Research

This arm’s-length non-profit organization is dedicated to farmer-led research.