Research is a core function of the POGA. Working collaboratively with other partners and research organizations, POGA seeks to leverage research investment dollars to increase profitability of oat production for Prairie growers.
Through 2025, POGA has turned $6.6 M of producer dollars into $49.2 M for research and market development. This means producers are spending less than $0.14 on each dollar invested!
National Oat Research Strategy 2025–2030
Prepared with the support of the Government of Saskatchewan, Industry Organization Development Fund, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and The Prairie Oat Growers Association.
SUMMARY
Oats are a vital part of the Canadian cropping rotation. Canada is the largest exporter of oats in the world and has a premier reputation for quality production. This success is underpinned by good research, so a National Research Strategy for Oats has been developed with all parts of the value chain involved.
FULL PROJECT LISTING
For a full list of projects that are ongoing/completed, please see the Annual Reports under the respective provincial commissions.
POGA Research Projects
Select the options below to filter research projects:
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Research Topic: Oat Breeding / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Kirby Nilsen, AAFC Brandon Research Centre
- Project Dates: April 2018 –March 2023
- Abstract/Summary: Developing milling quality oat cultivars suitable for organic production in western Canada, and potentially across Canada. Dr. Nilsen will evaluate and identify germplasm with high levels of genetically conferred disease resistance, and develop oat cultivars with durable resistance, especially to oat rusts, with acceptable milling qualitysuitable for organically managed production systems in western Canada, and for the ever-increasing organic markets.
Research Topic: Oat Breeding / Popular
- 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 / Popular
- 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 / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Elwin Smith and Dr. Danny LeRoy
- Project Dates: April 2018 – October 2022
- Abstract/Summary: While some short rotations are currently profitable, the lack of diversification in a cropping system can be detrimental to maintaining crop yield and profitability. This study will look at determining the net return and the variability of net return, associated with cropping systems of different rotation length and diversity of crops. This project has now been completed.
Research Topic: Fertility/Climate/Environment / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- 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: Nutrition/Product Creation / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Sijo Joseph, AAFC
- Project Dates: August 2020 – March 2023
- Abstract/Summary: The objective of this project is to provide scientific evidence of the specific health attributes of oat protein in reducing abnormal levels of cholesterol and glucose, and thereby generate preliminary data for an oat protein health claim petition. Ultimately, the Canadian oat industry could capitalize on new opportunities for marketing efforts with new evidence promoting the health benefits of adding oats in a diet. This information will enable the Canadian oat industry to meet consumer expectations in search of value-added oat products both at home and worldwide.
Research Topic: Nutrition/Product Creation / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Yongfeng Ai, University of Saskatchewan
- Project Dates: January 2019 – February 2023
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Abstract/Summary:
This project addressed two interlinked but distinct research gaps:
1) investigate the effects of milling/processing of pulse and cereal flours on their physicochemical functionality in foods.
2) determine the impact of milling on nutritional benefits of pulses and cereals with a focus on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia.
The first priority will generate the new knowledge and technologies needed in the food industry to produce high-quality food ingredients with functional versatility, and the latter will support future health claims to promote the consumption of heathy pulse and cereal products.
Research Topic: Intercropping/Other / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Kui Liu with AAFC
- Project Dates: April 2021 – March 2024
- Abstract/Summary: Intercropping pea with oat or canola enhances biodiversity and likely increases resource (e.g. nitrogen, water, and phosphorus) use efficiency. The improved quality and quantity of straw from the intercrops likely affect straw decomposition, soil carbon and N dynamics, and soil health. In this study, the effects of intercropping on soil particulate organic matter carbon and N will be determined. This study will be conducted at three sites in Saskatchewan. This project is co-funded with ADF and will be completed in 2024.
Research Topic: Fertility/Climate/Environment / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Fran Walley, University of Saskatchewan, Richard E. Farrell(co-PI)
- Project Dates: January 2020 – June 2023
- Abstract/Summary: The goal is to develop new estimates for crop nutrient uptake and removal, as the current information regarding crop nutrient uptake and removal does not reflect current crop yields, and the grain and straw nutrient concentration estimates are not adequately reflective of current varieties. Also, there is no consistent data regarding micronutrient uptake and removal. This project is co-funded by ADF.
Research Topic: Insect/Disease/Weeds / Popular
- Project Status: Completed
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Shaun Sharpe with AAFC
- Project Dates: April 2021 – Feb 2022
- Abstract/Summary: The study objective is to characterize the dose response, interaction, and optimal mix of potassium nitrate and pyroligneous acid (liquid smoke) to determine the suitability of either pre-seeding or post-harvest germination stimulation of wild oat, volunteer barley, oats, and wheat. Wild oat is a strong competitor and can cause significant yield loss when emerging prior to cereals. The development of herbicide resistance in wild oats results in additional herbicide inputs and costs, as well as standard practices to control wild oat.
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 / Popular
- 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.
