Other utilization projects currently on the go include the development of pulse protein-based pet food kibble, a line of pulse-based gluten free ready-meal products and the use of pea flours in food products with improved nutrition and taste, among others. There will always be a market for pulses, says Fischbuch, especially through recent efforts to increase utilization. And although there are many agronomic reasons for producers to add pulses to their rotations — for example, pulses fix their own nitrogen, make soil healthier by putting nutrients (including nitrogen) back into the ground, help break disease cycles in the field, and give yield boosts to canola and cereals planted after them — it’s the bottom line that counts. Producers will find that pulses pencil out. “Pulses have been good business for many growers for many years,” says Fischbuch. “It’s a crop for which there is always a market, and it’s one we’re trying to develop more.” National Alliance To further increase the pulse market, APG has aligned its research efforts with the national pulse organization, Pulse Canada. “That’s to grow the industry; to add 25 per cent utilization of pulse ingredients by 2025 in areas where you may not have seen them before,” says Fischbuch. Although the ways in which producers benefit from APG- funded research are many and varied, tangible outcomes are ongoing, says Hilgartner, such as better varieties, agronomic practices and recommendations. Also, he says, market demand for pulses has grown substantially over the last few years. However, producers demand research that is broad in scope, from highly technical laboratory-based research to field trials where production is carried out under the same conditions growers experience, says Hilgartner. “We try to spread our research across the board, so that it helps producers throughout the [entire] process. You can develop a product that works well in a sterile environment, but doesn’t work in a commercial setting — to the producer that has no value,” he says. As demand climbs and producers increase pulse acres, APG is growing as well. Hilgartner says the organization is working hard to meet the needs of its members, and he encourages producers to be part of the commission and part of the process. He’s excited about his role in pulse production and the opportunities available to his fellow Alberta producers. “I look at pulses, not only in Alberta, but Western Canada, as a great story economically and environmentally, as to what we can produce here and what we can provide, not only to North American markets, but to the world. A lot of that is because of the research and the high-quality products that come out of here,” he says. Kari Belanger 37 Advancing Seed in Alberta | fall.2017 AAC GATEWAY Winter Wheat New AAC GATEWAY Consistent Yields Best Lodging Less Fusarium High Protein Shorter Medium Maturity “Working Hard to Earn Your Trust” Your CANSEED CANADA LTD dealers are: Galloway Seeds Ltd. Fort Saskatchewan, AB 780-998-3036 Hadland Seed Farm Ltd. Baldonnel, BC 250-793-9746 Meinczinger Seed Farm Ltd. Busby, AB 780-349-2456 Rick’s Pedigreed Seed Barrhead, AB 780-674-6713 Dealer inquiries can be made by calling 780-674-6713 Introduces AAC Barrhead peas, an early maturing, medium size, human consumption yellow pea. CANSEED CANADA LTD CANSEED CANADA LTD CANSEED CANADA LTD Barrhead, Alberta 780-674-6713 CANSEED CANADA LTD CANSEED CANADA LTD CANSEED CANADA LTD