The Mackenzie Applied Research Association is getting a “much-needed” agronomy centre and repair shop at its Fort Vermilion site. Half of the funds for the $600,000 facility have been raised by local producers and half is being contributed by the Western Grains Research Foundation.

“Our current research and workshop facility is antiquated and very expensive to operate,” said board chair Greg Newman. “The new facility will allow staff to process samples and build and repair specialized equipment to better serve the farming community in our region.”

The organization has an extensive array of research projects including trials of varieties more suited to northern areas and research into ‘ultra-early’ seeding, split nitrogen applications, and assisting producers in an organic oats and wheat-breeding project.