Olds College has received $1.75 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to develop a new state-of-the-art research facility.
That facility will be known as the Olds College Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TAC).
The money, announced Sept. 7, will help fund core operations of the TAC. It will be provided over five years, $350,000 per year. If the TAC is found to be successful, that cash injection may be renewed.
The TAC will help provide access to new technologies that improve industry sustainability and producer viability.
With a focus on beef cattle and sheep, the TAC will assist producers in enhancing production efficiency and promoting herd health and welfare.
It will also serve as a knowledge, networking and technology transfer hub for the region.
The TAC will demonstrate new and innovative tools and technologies, helping the livestock sector adopt new technology faster.
The TAC will allow Olds College to continue to expand its efforts to collaborate with key stakeholders throughout Alberta, including the University of Alberta, Livestock Gentec, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
It will also enable the college to help dozens of industry producers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises who will have the opportunity to become more productive and innovative through readily available access to college expertise, technology and equipment.
“Connecting applied research and expertise in a producer-friendly way will provide enhanced ability for industry to meet future challenges, such as greater environmental stewardship and animal welfare, while improving overall competitiveness,” an Olds College news release says.
“TAC will be a valuable resource to the livestock industry, and will enhance the learning experience for our students, the future leaders in agriculture.”
Canadian Hereford Association executive director Stephen Scott is pleased with the announcement.
“Every year, research is conducted on new products, or on new practices that can really make a difference to the profitability of the beef industry,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the commercialization of research outcomes into new on-farm practices is a rare occurrence.
“The Technology Access Centre will be a place for producers to bridge the gap between the newest science and implementation of these practices on their own operations.
“The centre will provide Alberta beef producers with the tools they need to remain competitive in a changing marketplace.”
The TAC will operate within the Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI), the applied research arm of Olds College.
It will be overseen by an advisory board, including an OCCI representative and representatives from various stakeholder groups who will be tasked with providing high-level input, business direction and industry perspective.
“Olds College is known for its long-standing history in agriculture training, and this makes us the ideal location for the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production,” Olds College acting vice-president of advancement Tanya McDonald said.
“Our Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) has had a number of successes in livestock research, and the expertise of our faculty and research staff will continue to make a difference for producers who work with us. TAC will allow us to work directly with producers in helping solve problems faced in every livestock operation.”
“We are proud to invest in Canadian colleges that are at the forefront of applied research and technological innovation,” said B. Mario Pinto, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
“This unique program supports research and development excellence and invests in the next generation of highly skilled innovators.
“By deepening interactions between the college community and businesses we're helping local companies increase their research and development capacity, access new technologies and boost their competitiveness.”
"The centre will provide Alberta beef producers with the tools they need to remain competitive in a changing marketplace."STEPHEN SCOTTCANADIAN HEREFORD ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
