Weed science society recognizes peers
The Canadian Weed Science Society recently presented three awards during its annual meeting.
The Fellow Award was given to Eric Johnson, who works at the University of Saskatchewan.
He is recognized internationally for his research on weed management, including his work on mechanical and chemical weed control.
He is also active in organic production systems and cropping systems/agronomy.
The Excellence in Weed Science Award went to Robert Gulden from the University of Manitoba.
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His research focuses on weed biology and management.
He has served on the society’s board of directors and is currently an associate editor for the Canadian Journal of Plant Science.
The Excellence in Weed Extension Award was given to Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph, Ridgetown campus.
A past president of the society, he has been involved in applied weed research and extension in field crops for 20 years at the university.
U of S names food security research chair
Leon Kochian was recently named the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Food Systems and Security at the University of Saskatchewan.
The $20 million, seven-year initiative will use cutting-edge plant and soil science to help global food production.
Kochian joins the U of S and its Global Institute for Food Security from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The aim is to improve crops by unlocking the secrets of plants’ root systems, which is an unexplored aspect of plant research and crop development.
He will serve as associate director of GIFS and also hold faculty appointments in plant sciences and soil science at the university’s agriculture college.
The federal government is contributing $10 million, GIFS $7 million and the U of S $3 million.
A further $800,000 will be contributed by the Canada Foundation for Innovation toward the cost of a $2 million Roots of Food Security research facility to support the work of the CERC team in designing and breeding better crops with more efficient root systems.
The remaining funding will be sought from public and private sources.
Couple honoured for species-at-risk work
Saskatchewan ranchers Miles and Sheri Anderson have been honoured for their contributions to protecting species at risk.
Governor General David Johnston presented them with the Meritorious Service Medal, Civil Division, for their work mainly to protect the greater sage-grouse.
The Fir Mountain, Sask., couple previously received provincial and national recognition as Environmental Stewardship Award winners.
The Andersons have 16 wildlife species at risk on their ranch, which borders the East Block of Grasslands National Park.
After observing nesting habits of the endangered sage-grouse, they adapted cattle grazing practices and worked with government on how best to help the bird population.
They received their award at an Edmonton ceremony recognizing more than 70 Canadians for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service.
