Swift Current Research and Development Centre

The Swift Current Research and Development Centre (Swift Current RDC) was established in 1920 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres.

The Centre is associated with two satellite locations:

• Indian Head Research Farm (IHRF), Indian Head, SK; and

• Prairie Directorate Regina Office, Regina, SK

Areas of Research

Swift Current RDC focuses on developing varieties of spring wheat and durum; agronomic research into pulses and specialty crops; environmentally-sustainable production practices; and improved nutrition for pasture-fed beef. It also leads initiatives on bio-products, environmental stewardship and sustainable development, including mitigating the impact of climate change and maximizing producer returns, while reducing agricultural impacts on the environment.

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

Sector Needs

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

• Cereals and pulses

Research on spring and durum wheat includes genomics-assisted breeding, incorporating resistance to pre-harvest sprouting and weather-related damage, mitigating weather- and disease-induced loss of market value and food quality, and reducing losses from pests and disease, with special emphasis on Fusarium Head Blight and abiotic stresses.

• Forages and beef

Swift Current RDC is a Centre of Excellence for Rangeland Management of Beef. Research includes native forage breeding, production and management; riparian ecology and biodiversity; and ecologically based approaches and solutions that support sustainable agricultural systems. The Centre is home to the only facility in Canada that tests the salinity tolerance of plants.

• Agro-ecosystem resilience

Integrated cropping systems and best management practices for cereals, pulses, forages and woody species are enhancing environmental performance and sustainability, improving agriculture water inputs and sustainable water use practices, developing irrigation and drainage technologies, and integrating trees with crops and livestock.

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Swift Current 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.