Dynasty kidney bean named Innovation of the Year

Dynasty kidney bean named Innovation of the Year

Dynasty maintains significant yield lead after several years on market

The Dynasty kidney bean has been named the University of Guelph’s 2024 Innovation of the Year. A complex “conical” cross of four different edible bean varieties, Dynasty was first planted as an “F1 cross” in a growth room at the University of Guelph’s department of Plant Agriculture in 1997 and entered into provincial variety trials […] Read more

Man in a blue suit holds a glass award with a flat base and a spiral of glass with a yellow ribbon within the glass spiral.

Two winners of Early Career Research Award named

Research projects improve GRIP and disease readiness

For the first time, the 2024 Early Career Research Award (ECRA) will benefit two researchers, Drs. Ataharul Chowdhury and Sam Workenhe.

For the first time, the 2024 Early Career Research Award (ECRA) will benefit two researchers, Drs. Ataharul Chowdhury and Sam Workenhe. The Early Career Research Award is designed to acknowledge the value of livestock research being conducted by young researchers on behalf of the livestock industry, said Deborah Whale, Grand River Agricultural Society’s first vice […] Read more

Dr. Rene Van Acker has been appointed vice-president of research and innovation at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Rene Van Acker appointed as U of G vice-president (Research and Innovation)

Dr. Rene Van Acker has been appointed as the University of Guelph’s new vice-president (research and innovation). The University of Guelph said in a release his five-year appointment “will be crucial in furthering U of G as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities.” Van Acker has served as interim vice-president (research) since last July. and said […] Read more


Master of Sustainable Agriculture launched by U of G

Master of Sustainable Agriculture launched by U of G

A new, interdisciplinary Master of Sustainable Agriculture (MSAg) is being offered by the University of Guelph, starting in the summer of 2025. The university said in a release the new MSAg will “equip students with the latest advancements and skills in sustainable agriculture, data analysis and agri-tech innovations through graduate-level course work.” During the 16-month […] Read more


L to R: University of Guelph dean John Cranfield; Brett Shepard, Ridgetown Campus; Chris Gillard, researcher; Jamie Payton, OBG acting chair; Ryan Koeslag, Ontario Bean Growers executive director.

Weed research professorship receives funds

Ontario Bean Growers, anonymous donor contribute $2 million to ensure position continues

The Ontario Bean Growers are helping fund a Weed Management Professorship position based at the Ridgetown campus of the University of Guelph.  “With the retirement of Dr. Peter Sikkema in 2024, this funding will not only ensure weed research continues for dry beans but will also support the Huron Research Station for the next 10 […] Read more


“We do a great job in this country of coming up with amazing ideas.” But despite the fact taxpayers often fund the research which leads to those ideas, “we don’t do a good job of turning those ideas into patents.”

Universities collaborate on agriculture research

University of Guelph’s Arrell Food Institute and University of the Fraser Valley’s Food and Agriculture Institute sign MOU

The University of Guelph-based Arrell Food Institute has joined forces with the University of the Fraser Valley to collaborate on sustainable agriculture research, training and ag-tech startup incubation. Why it matters: Canada has a poor track record of moving university research into the marketplace. The two institutions recently announced they have signed a Memorandum of […] Read more

(LtoR): Dr. Filippo Miglior, Dr. Christine Baes, Dr. Francesca Malchiodi, Dr. Saeed Shadpour and Dr. Flavio Schenkel, pictured at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre in Elora.

Developers of methane emission reduction techniques win innovation award

A University of Guelph innovation that uses genetic selection methods to reduce methane emissions in dairy cattle has received the University’s Innovation of the Year Award for 2023.  The annual awards from the Office of Research and the Research Innovation Office recognize researchers for creative strategies or products that make a difference in people’s lives.  The team behind this year’s winning […] Read more