b'While the partnership between the FCDC Field Day andimplemented a strategic plan. One of its initial steps was engaging AgSmart was a resounding success, there are challenges onwith stakeholders to identify key focus areas. Recently, FCDC the horizon. Securing stable funding for long-term breedingcompleted a science plan that outlines the methodology to achieve initiatives is crucial to sustain progress, Agblor added. The collegethe goals set out in the strategic plan. is committed to helping navigate these challenges and investing inFCDC Business Development Officer Erin Collier noted that FCDCs future sustainably, Ormann said. plant breeding is a long-term endeavor, and the varieties FCDC is working on today wont be available for licensing for almost a Smart Seed decade. That means long-term planning is necessary.Nowhere is the concept of smart technology more apparent thanIts crucial to incorporate industry and producer feedback to in plant breeding and seed, and FCDC made that fact front-and- ensure our trajectory aligns with future needs. Our science plan centre at the field day held Aug. 2, 2023. is aimed at 2030, a mere seven years away. Were determined to The journey from a summer student at FCDC to a seasonedestablish FCDC as a center of excellence for barley and triticale research scientist has been nothing short of unique for Lori Oatway,breeding. Were striving to have FCDC varieties grown on most who has revolutionized cereal quality assessment at FCDC. barley acres in Western Canada, she said. Oatways journey began unexpectedly when she transitionedThat goal might seem lofty, but with the changes were from a university research role to joining FCDC as a summerimplementing, from modernizing operations to focusing on student due to changes in funding. This unplanned shift allowedefficiency, theyre within reach.her to discover her love for research and laid the foundation for Marc Zienkiewiczfuture contributions. The evolution of her career and the impact of her work highlight the incredible potential of technology in advancing agricultural research and breeding programs. Her passion for research led to the development and implementation of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in cereal quality assessment at FCDC. This innovative technology fascinated her, as it offered a new way to analyze various components within cereal grains without the use50 Years of Innovationof chemicals.Not only did 2023 mark the first time the Olds The most significant advantage of NIRS was its speed. OatwayCollege Field Crop Development Centre and her team could analyze thousands of samples using this(FCDC) took place as part of AgSmart, it was technology every year, with results generated in mere seconds. Thisalso the 50th anniversary of the FCDC. Some efficiency was a game-changer for their breeding program.milestones from the past five decades:Were exploring how to leverage our labs expertise in near-infrared technology. Our goal is to integrate it with combines.1973Feed barley program beginsImagine the impact of conducting assessments right in the fields without the need for lab testing. The technology has advanced to1978Research farm moves to Lacombe, Alta.the point where combines can analyze protein, moisture, and more1980Triticale program beginson the spot. This could revolutionize the way we work, she said.What if we could predict how a cow would digest certain crops?1982First feed barley varieties releasedOr determine the quality of malt a crop would produce before its even harvested? This kind of insight could speed up our selection1987First spring triticale variety releasedprocesses significantly. 1990First winter triticale variety releasedHer lab is also exploring the potential of drone technology. Drones could provide them with insights into biomass and forage1993Malting barley program beginsquality. Shes particularly curious about how the industry might go beyond simple biomass measurement and delve into assessing finer2008First malting barley variety releasedquality characteristics. 2020FCDC becomes part of Olds CollegeThe Path to 2030It all feeds into FCDCs long-term vision for the future. Since FCDCs transition to Olds College a few years ago, FCDC 34seed.ab.ca'