Research

Research Topic: Marketing

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Funded in part by AAFC and directed by POGA through Emerging Ag
• Project Dates: April 2021 – March 2023
• Abstract/Summary: Mexico is the third largest importer of oats globally and several other Latin American countries who import oats could offer additional opportunities for Canadian exports. A long-term strategy for POGA is to make use of the proximity to these markets, and build on the strong Canadian reputation for products in Mexico which would support the efforts to differentiate Canadian oats. This project focuses on diversification of Canadian oat exports to Mexico. The activities aim to increase per capita consumption of oats, increase Canadian oat exports to Mexico, and increase consumer awareness of the health benefits of oats. Since this project began in 2015, Canada has been able to more than triple its oat exports to Mexico.

Research Topic: Intercropping/Other

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Myriam Fernandez, AAFC
• Project Dates: April 2019 – February 2027
• Abstract/Summary: This project will look at the relationship between various intercrop dynamics to see where benefits can occur. Intercrop species use soil available nutrients and soil moisture, and at given times inter- and intra-competition are expected. Specifically, the project will look to determine if intercrops with crops or a living mulch can reduce weeds compared to sole crops and will look at various seeding ratios to evaluate impact on each crop. It will aim to identify if there is a nitrogen benefit from legumes in the intercrop to its companion crop, as well as look to determine the biomass and grain yield/quality due to the intercrop dynamics. It will also look at the disease pressures, and evaluate if intercrops have less disease than monocrops, as well as develop crop growth and nutrient models for intercrop verses monocrop scenarios.

Research Topic: Variety/Trials

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Aaron Beattie, CDC
  Dr. Allan Feurtado, NRC
• Project Dates: April 2022 – March 2025
• Abstract/Summary: This project will evaluate root system architecture in oat cultivars which vary in lodging resistance. It will evaluate stem and root lodging in field trials; assess impact of seeding rate on key stem and root lodging-related traits; assess the correlation between various root phenotyping methods; and compare root system architecture between Canadian oat germplasm and a diverse set of oat germplasm. Lodging and mechanical failure of the stem or root system is a significant issue for oats, leading to yield reductions for producers. Identifying root and stem traits important for lodging resistance will lead to enhancements in breeding cultivars with high standability. This project is co-funded by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

Research Topic: Oat Breeding

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Jim Dyck, Oat Advantage
• Project Dates: August 2021 – July 2026
• Abstract/Summary: This private breeding facility has supplied five new oat varieties for the Prairie provinces which contribute to over 200,000 oat acres. This research project is targeting a 10% higher bushel weight, low hull content, high protein, harvest durability, and ultimately high yielding and valued oat varieties. Heavy oats are a focus for Oat Advantage, as the improvement on weight is expected to yield benefits in transportation and storage.

Research Topic: Intercropping/Other

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Peiqiang Yu, University of Saskatchewan
• Project Dates: April 2016 – August 2024
• Abstract/Summary: This project aims to increase and enhance basic knowledge of the optimal nutrient supply to dairy cattle through variety selection, feed processing, and optimal feed ingredient blending. Objectives within this project include: finding the best oat variety or type of oat grain with the highest Feed Milk Value (FMV) for dairy cattle; improving the FMV of oats through processing applications; and finding the maximum or optimum level of oats to replace barley in high production lactation dairy cow diets. Among other things, this project will carry out a detailed metabolic study in dairy cattle to understand the effects of feed processing on rumen fermentation, degradation kinetics, intestinal digestion, and truly absorbed nutrient supply from Prairie oat grains to dairy cattle using various techniques.

Research Topic: Fertility/Climate/Environment

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Kate Congreves at the University of Saskatchewan
• Project Dates: January 2021 – December 2024
• Abstract/Summary: There is no direct annual data on net carbon footprints of Saskatchewan cropping systems. This project will address this gap by providing spatially and temporally integrated data on greenhouse gas (GHG; N2O and CO2) emissions at the field scale level. This information will be used to determine net ecosystem exchange and the net carbon footprint of the cropping system.

Research Topic: Insect/Disease/Weeds

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Meghan Vankosky, AAFC Saskatoon
• Project Dates: April 2018 – March 2028
• Abstract/Summary: The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network is a collaborative project and participants include federal and provincial entomologists, university scientists, agronomists, industry, and producers. Participants monitor insect pests annually across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the BC Peace Region. Data is released on a weekly basis when insect pests pose the greatest threat to crop yield. Annual data is collected and compiled into distribution maps, and in some cases, forecast maps for the subsequent season. These tools provide up-to-date, relevant information that can be used by agronomists, industry representatives, and farmers to make decisions regarding insect pest management.

Research Topic: Variety/Trials

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Saskatchewan Agriculture
• Project Dates: Yearly
• Abstract/Summary: Looks to assess various oat varieties and their suitability to various Saskatchewan regions. Trials are conducted in various areas throughout the province, and the varieties are chosen based on top yearly performers. The information is important for producers to grow the variety best suited for their region to ensure a quality, profitable crop. In the near future, the regional variety testing program intends to enhance the lodging data collected on oats.

Research Topic: Variety/Trials

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Gateway Research Organization
• Project Dates: 2017 - ongoing
• Abstract/Summary: Alberta will test 11 approved milling varieties to investigate the impact of the variety and growing conditions on the yield and beta-glucan in both Westlock, AB and Fahler, AB. The goal of the trials is to determine if a variety with higher beta-glucan can outperform Morgan oats in Alberta to meet oat miller demands for higher beta-glucan.

Research Topic: Marketing

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: POGA
• Abstract/Summary: In 2016, POGA applied to the AAFC Market Access Secretariat for elimination of the requirement for methyl bromine fumigation on raw oats for human and feed consumption as well as a reduction in tariffs for processed oats and groats into India. This requirement for methyl bromide is also prevalent in other crops, most notably pulses. The Government of Canada has advised that until this issue is resolved in pulse it is unlikely to be resolved in other crops like oats.

Research Topic: Marketing

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: funded in part by AAFC and directed by POGA through Emerging Ag
• Abstract/Summary: POGA has reduced efforts in this area until the political landscape becomes more favourable. Other funds originally earmarked for market access have been redirected to the Japanese market.