Lacombe Research and Development Centre

The Lacombe Research and Development Centre (Lacombe RDC) was established in 1907 in Lacombe, Alberta. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres.

The Centre is associated with one satellite location: Beaverlodge Research Farm.

Areas of Research

The Lacombe RDC conducts research on two major strategic activities, related to livestock and meat production, and to crop sciences.

Research on livestock and meat production aims to enhance the economic stability and reduce the environmental impact of Livestock production systems and to support the Canadian fresh meat processing sector in supplying safe, high quality fresh meat with good storage life, mostly beef and pork.

Research in crop sciences includes plant breeding (field pea and oats), integrated crop protection (weed science and pathology), and the development of best agronomic practices.

In addition, the Beaverlodge Research Farm is host of AAFC’s national honey bee research program, with an emphasis on bee health.

Sector Needs

The Lacombe RDC supports innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities related to the following AAFC Science Sector Strategies:

• Forages and Beef / Dairy, Pork, Poultry and Other Livestock
• Agri-Food
• Cereals and Pulses / Oilseeds / Agro-Ecosystem Resilience