UM Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility

The University of Manitoba's new Prairie Crops and Soils Research (PCSR) Facility will be a cornerstone of research excellence, building on the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences' global reputation for innovation, rigour, and discovery. Your support will make it possible.

Landscape image of crops in a field.

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With your support, UM will develop the most advanced agronomic training institute in North America.

  • The PCSR Facility will allow us to accelerate soil and crop research far beyond what is currently possible. Our scientists will be able to establish more sophisticated field trials and improve the quantity, quality, and efficiency of seed, soil, and plan sample processing and archiving.

    UM students and faculty will be able to better integrate soil, crop, entomology, livestock, and engineering research to make crop production in Western Canada more sustainable. Furthermore, we can expect to attract and retain top scientists and students whose field studies will advance nutrient management, cropping system design, digital agronomy solutions, and breeding.

    The research enabled through this initiative will contribute to economic vitality in Canada and enhance global food security and agricultural sustainability.

  • 2 people in field using a drone.
  • Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility mock up.

Features of the Prairie Crops and Soil Research Facility:

  • New opportunities for Agricultural and Food Sciences students and faculty to explore new research horizons and have a global impact
  • Experiential learning opportunities through internships and employment that will prepare our students to become the agricultural leaders of tomorrow
  • New analytical capacity to explore and validate sustainable agricultural practices
  • New sample processing equipment for greater accuracy and efficiency in testing
  • New laboratory instrumentation
  • New opportunities for field study preparation and sample processing and storage

  • $11.8M

    The PSCR Initiative is an $11.8 million project.

  • $7.7M

    We have raised $7.7 million to date.

  • $4.1M

    We are only $4.1 million away from our goal.

Driving value-added agricultural innovation in Western Canada

Building on our legacy of innovation, the PCSR Facility will lead to growth and modernization in agricultural research and training capacity.

  • Our teams will develop agronomic best management practices to improve yield and quality of current and emerging crops in Western Canada.
  • The PCSRF will provide an ideal environment for developing digital technologies and translating their value to crop producers.
  • Our agribusiness researchers are using advanced data science to sort through the growing pool of data on farm level responses to climate to assess farm insurance risk.
  • Scientists will be able to develop a systems-based approach to integrated pest management research in plant pathology, weed science, nematology, and entomology.
  • We are formulating cropping systems that use diverse crop rotation and intercropping solutions, to develop strategies to reduce tillage and lower greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35% per bushel produced.
  • Teaming up with experts in image analysis, AI, and robotics, our scientists will continue to develop agronomic practices and new products to control weeds and eliminate or minimize herbicide use.
  • Our researchers will use the proposed infrastructure to protect our water resources and improve public trust surrounding current-use pesticides that are part of sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Our crops and soils research team supervises more than 100 graduate and 70+ undergraduate students annually. These students master diverse technical, critical thinking, and communication skills to prepare for careers in agronomy and the agri-food industry.
2 people digging in a field.

Innovative. Focused. Visionary. The Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility will become Canada’s pre-eminent resource for field crop research and innovation, capable of driving success across the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Invest in the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility

Our collective success depends on us doing things better, more efficiently and more cooperatively. First-rate facilities provide future generations with the best training opportunities in their pursuit of learning, discovery, and career growth and contributions. 

Your support will foster bold innovation and sustainable growth in food production in Canada and around the world. Thank you for your consideration.

Donate online Contact us to discuss a gift

Fred Greig.

Fred Greig
Past Chair, Manitoba Crop Alliance

“[UM researchers have] done an exceptional job of providing solutions to help us advance in the world market. As stewards of the land, we appreciate information that helps us make the right decisions in our farming practices. It’s our turn to help with the entire research process, to support the infrastructure and provide tools for students, faculty and staff to develop the next generation of scientists.”
https://news.umanitoba.ca/manitoba-crop-alliance-and-university-of-manitoba-adv…
Delaney Ross Burtnak.

Delaney Ross Burtnak
Manitoba Canola Growers Association

"MCGA has long recognized UM as a key resource for quality education and educational research. MCGA is proud to collaborate with other agricultural organizations in supporting UM as they advance to the next level of agricultural research with the innovative new Prairie Crops and Soils Research Initiative."
https://news.umanitoba.ca/manitoba-canola-growers-support-um-in-advancing-canad…
David Elser.

David Elser
SVP, North American Retail, Nutrien Ag Solutions

“Nutrien Ag Solutions is extremely excited to be partnering with the University of Manitoba for the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility. We understand the important role that research has in improving the quality of crops available to feed the future and are proud to support this program and the education it will provide to the next generation of agriculture professionals.”
Glenn Friesen and Maria Reimer.

Glenn Friesen, CEO, SCU & Maria Reimer, Chair, SCU Board of Directors

"We are proud to support the University of Manitoba in the establishment of the Prairie Crops & Soils Research Facility. We commend their leadership in field crop research and innovation, and in building a successful and sustainable future for agricultural communities around the globe."
Melvin Rattai.

Melvin Rattai
Board Chair, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers

"Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers is happy to support the Prairie Crop Soil Research Facility. We need to take advantage of funding opportunities when they come, and having this research facility will help us move agriculture in Manitoba forward."
Fred Greig.
Delaney Ross Burtnak.
David Elser.
Glenn Friesen and Maria Reimer.
Melvin Rattai.

Contact us

Brooke Karlaftis
Donor Relations
Unit 200-137 Innovation Drive
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B6 Canada

brooke.karlaftis@umanitoba.ca
204-474-7835

Charitable registration number: 11926-0669-RR0001