The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) has joined Western Crop Innovations (WCI) as a voting member, committing $50,000 in core funding as a transitional grant for the current fiscal year.
“This is an important endorsement, signalling that SaskBarley not only wants WCI to succeed, but seeks a role in shaping our new business plan and in the election of the new Board, taking over April 1 of 2025” commented Mark Olson, interim executive director for WCI. “There is a reason we named our organization Western Crop Innovations — the work we do is intended to benefit farmers from Manitoba to British Columbia.”
Jill McDonald, executive director of SaskBarley added, “SaskBarley is committed to driving innovation and ensuring that barley producers in Saskatchewan have access to the latest research and development. Joining WCI as a Tier 1 member allows us to collaborate more closely on projects that will directly benefit our growers, and we’re excited to contribute to shaping the future of this organization.”
Last month’s AgSmart 2024 event in Olds, Alta., was an opportunity for WCI to showcase itself. Formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre, WCI held its first field day where its staff came together to showcase research innovations including Western Canada’s only dedicated breeding programs for triticale and feed/forage barley.
“We’ve got a veteran team that’s weathered many ups and downs over the years. My goal was to reassure them about the future, laying the groundwork for stability and confidence,” Olson said.
