Lethbridge Research Centre
Lethbridge, Alberta
The Lethbridge Research Centre (LRC) is one of the largest facilities within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network of 19 research centres. Located in southern Alberta, the centre was established in 1906 in a ideal location to address issues related to sustainable crop production systems under dry land and irrigated conditions, environmental issues associated with a semi-arid climate, and beef production systems. The centre also leads research in the development of bioindustrial platforms, particularly for triticale, and biocontrol.
The LRC is also associated with three research substations located in Onefour, Vauxhall, and Stavely.
The mission of the LRC is to improve the long-term competitiveness of the Canadian agri-food sector through the development and transfer of innovative technologies. It conducts research in four main areas:
- Beef Cattle Science;
- Crop and Livestock Biotechnology Platforms;
- Sustainable Crop and Livestock Production Systems;
- Environmental Impact of Agriculture.
Areas of Research
For over 100 years the research activities at the Lethbridge Research Centre (LRC) have evolved to address the changing needs of Canadian producers and the agri-food sector. Scientists continue to conduct innovative research to meet current challenges and create new opportunities for Canadian producers.
Research Highlights 2011 - The Lethbridge Research Centre
New Opportunities, Practices and Prospects
- Conducting research in new technologies to advance the efficiency, profitability and environmental sustainability of beef production
- Finding new strategies and techniques to preserve and enhance beef quality
- Gaining additional knowledge of the behaviour and welfare of cattle. Conducting research in new technologies to produce crops that are suitable for dry and irrigated lands, and are adapted sustainably to the Canadian prairies
- Breeding crop varieties (potatoes, wheat, beans, forages) with improved yield, quality, and disease and insect resistance, and developing production systems that will contribute to reducing costs of production, increasing value and achieving sector competitiveness.
- Research to support food safety and quality regulations, [sp] consumer nutritional needs and preferences, and to develop new products and processes
Commercial Agriculture and the Environment: Achieving the Balance
- Discovering crop, soil, water and manure management strategies that protect the environment, maintain biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil, water and air quality and make efficient use of water
- Conducting research on new management strategies to control weeds, crop and livestock pests, while maintaining environmental quality
Facts, Figures and Facilities
- 48 research scientists and a total staff of 350 and one (1) Emeritus researcher (Peter Harris, Ph.D., Weed biocontrol) are associated with the Centre's programs
- Centre is located in the southern Alberta city of Lethbridge, in an area of the province featuring both irrigation and dryland agriculture
- 25,000 square meters of laboratory /office complex and 500 hectares of adjacent land
- Insect-Microbial Containment Facility
- Greenhouse and controlled climate growth facilities
- Facilities for sheep and beef cattle, including a research feedlot and feedmill
- Weather station with 100 years of climate records
- Research farms at Onefour with 17,000 hectares of short grass prairie rangeland; Vauxhall with 190 hectares for irrigation and drainage research; Stavely with 400 hectares of rough fescue rangeland.
Contact Us
5403 1st Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 4B1
Tel.: 403-327-4561
Fax: 403-382-3156
Director of Operations: Brian Freeze
Tel.: 403-317-3445
Fax: 403-317-2211
Email: brian.freeze@agr.gc.ca
Director of Research and Development: Jeff Stewart
Tel.: 403-317-2208
Fax: 403-317-2197
Email: jeff.stewart@agr.gc.ca
Onefour Research Substation
P.O. Box 1
Onefour, Alberta
T0K 1R0
Vauxhall Research Substation
Vauxhall, Alberta
Stavely Research Substation
Stavely, Alberta