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.

Search Research projects from the Lacombe Research and Development Centre to learn more about what we do.

Sector Needs

The Lacombe RDC carries out innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities in support of the AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science, which include:

• Forages and beef / Dairy, pork, poultry and other livestock

Livestock research is improving the economic stability of beef production by reducing the cost of overwintering beef cows, increasing the value, yield and quality of pasture and forage resources while lowering production costs. Best management practices are evaluated in the field for their impact on livestock production as well as soil and water resources. Genomic and phenomic information are used to develop animal selection tools and carcass grading prediction tools for several species. As part of Other Livestock, the apiculture (honey bee) program in Beaverlodge focuses on detection and management of bee diseases and pests.

• Agri-food

Integrated meat science focuses on developing sustainable meat production systems in Canada, research on meat production, quality, preservation, and safety, with an emphasis on enhancing the microbiological safety and storage stability of meat.

• Cereals and pulses / Oilseeds / Agro-ecosystem resilience

Scientists are evaluating canola, cereal and field pea breeding lines and germplasm with improved disease resistance, adapted to the Northern and Parkland short-season environments of Western Canada. Agro-ecosystem research includes watershed and landscape assessment and management planning. Northern and Parkland agriculture focuses on integrated field crop, forage, weed, plant disease, insect pest management strategies, and field pea breeding.

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Lacombe Research and Development Centre through their profiles below.

You can also visit the Fields of Science campaign featuring 11 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists from coast to coast. Discover why they chose to pursue a career in agriculture and learn more about their research.