U of C Receives Funds for Genomics Work on Field Peas

Sep 07, 2023

As part the Genome Canada-led Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (CSAFS) initiative the University of Calgary will receive funding to use state-of-the-art genomic technologies to increase the quality, profitability and resilience of field peas, a Sept. 6 news release said.

The release noted increased uptake of field peas in crop rotations reduces nitrogen fertilizer use and can lead to a 22 to 37 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to economic growth, jobs and exports.

“Corteva Agriscience is committed to climate smart cropping systems and we are thrilled to join the PeaCE research team and advance pea breeding through our phenotyping and analytics infrastructure,” Sara Lira, senior research scientist with Corteva Agriscience, said in the release.

Click here to see more...

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.