As part of its $32 million Capacity Initiative, WGRF is pleased to announce a $293,492 investment at the Gateway Research Organization (GRO) to purchase a new combine.  

Established in 1994, GRO is a producer run not for profit applied agricultural research association serving Westlock and surrounding counties in North-Central Alberta.

“WGRF is very excited to be making this investment at GRO in order to enhance their research capacity,” says Dr. Keith Degenhardt, WGRF Board Chair.  “The old plot combine has been in use for 26 years; a new combine was needed to continue with the expanded role in crop research and agronomy projects GRO has taken on in recent years.”

“Our mission is to provide cost-effective research, demonstrations, and extension for producers to facilitate greater returns on their investment,” says Sandeep Nain, General Manager, Gateway Research Organization. “The new combine will not only improve our efficiency in research data collection but will also be a step up for employee safety standards. We are very grateful to WGRF for this opportunity to enhance and increase our research capacity.”

“Research associations do not typically have a lot of opportunities to apply for infrastructure/asset replacement,” says Garth Patterson, WGRF Executive Director. “With increased demand for trial work from government researchers, collaborating municipalities and farmers, WGRF is pleased to be providing the funds for this new combine to help the long-term sustainability of GRO.”

In total, twenty-four Phase 2 Capacity Initiative applications were approved by WGRF. Additional Capacity funding announcements will be made in the coming months.