QUALITY
At Western Crop Innovations, our Quality Lab provides crucial quality analysis and expertise, directly supporting our breeding pipelines. This dedicated focus ensures the selection of superior new varieties that meet diverse industry use requirements, essential for advancing agricultural standards.
State-of-the-Art Non-Destructive Assessment
Using advanced non-destructive methods such as Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), our lab assesses quality traits without damaging the samples, allowing for early generation screening. This technique supports rapid and efficient analysis, critical for ongoing breeding decisions.
Expanding Capabilities with New Facilities
Our Quality Lab is significantly expanding its capacity. The recent addition of a micro-malt plant, including a germinator and kiln, along with the integration of wet chemistry analysis, enhances our capability to assess both malting and feed-forage qualities. The micromalt unit is already operational, with wet chemistry set to be fully functional in the coming months.
Advancing Genetic Marker Validation
The data generated from our new micro-malt and wet chemistry labs will play a crucial role in validating genetic markers developed by the biotechnology program. This integration of data ensures the markers are effective for evaluating our breeding population, and that breeding selections are guided by robust and reliable assessments.
Developing and Validating New Quality Assessment Techniques
Our commitment to innovation extends to the development and validation of new assessment techniques. Current projects include targets for the expansion and validation of NIR calibrations and equations, specifically tailored for forage quality enhancement. This work underscores our dedication to refining evaluation processes across all quality traits.
Strategic Lab Locations for Optimized Research
Strategically located, our NIR lab operates from our Lacombe office, while the micro-malt and wet chemistry labs are housed on the Olds College campus. These locations facilitate close collaboration and swift integration of research findings into practical applications.