For immediate release – Nov. 13, 2025
Lakeland awarded large CFI grant for applied research infrastructure
(Vermilion, Alta.) Thanks to a $1 million investment from Canada Foundation for Innovation’s College Fund, Lakeland College will purchase state-of-the-art crop and livestock research
infrastructure over the next two years that will greatly enhance the college’s capacity to support Alberta’s agriculture sector.
The funds will be used to purchase equipment and technology that supports Lakeland’s work to enhance crop and livestock production efficiency, productivity, sustainability and promote
adoption by livestock and crop producers, says Francois Paradis, Dean of Applied Research at Lakeland.
He says that the infrastructure will strengthen the college’s existing capacity in four core areas: individual animal feed intake and performance monitoring, animal and crop GHG emission
monitoring, small plot crop research, and controlled environment agriculture for livestock feed production.
The equipment will be used in research projects that evaluate livestock health, feed efficiency, reproductive performance, agronomic strategies for crop productivity, management of pests
and disease, and sustainable farming practices. Specialized infrastructure that has or will soon be purchased includes:
• research plot combine, precision seed drill and precision sprayer for crop trials.
• feed intake bunks, smart water systems and virtual fencing systems to monitor feed and water intake for beef and dairy cattle research.
• monitoring systems to measure greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and crops.
• fodder infrastructure to grow sprouted grains as a source of livestock feed.
“With this new equipment and technology, our researchers, together with our industry, producer and community partners, will be able to gather real-time information that will help them make informed, data-driven decisions,” says Paradis. Many of the research projects supported by this funding will take place at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus, home to the college’s Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland lab. “A core component of Applied Research at Lakeland is student engagement and this equipment will provide training opportunities and skill development sought by industry,” says Paradis.
About Lakeland College
Established in 1913, Lakeland College is a place of possibility that serves more than 6,000 students every year at its campuses in Vermilion, Alta., and Lloydminster, Alta./Sask., and
through online and off-site programs and courses. Lakeland offers programming in the areas of agricultural sciences, business, energy, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services,
health and wellness, human services, interior design technology, trades and technology, university transfer and foundational learning.
Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, applied research at Lakeland College continues to grow thanks to the support of government, industry partners, funders and
community collaborators. Lakeland is currently involved in 55 research projects focused on addressing real-world challenges in crops, livestock and ag technology, while giving students
hands-on research experience that builds their skills.
Image supplied by Lakeland College
