USask industry chair to advance forage research

In a move to strengthen research into crucial livestock production systems, Dr. Flavia van Cleef (PhD) has been appointed as the new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization (IFMU) Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

As the industry chair, van Cleef will bridge disciplinary boundaries, lead systems-based forage and pasture management, and utilization research to address the needs of all levels of the agricultural sector.

“Working with researchers, industry and producers, Dr. van Cleef will develop innovative tools and resources to improve forage management and use,” said Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at USask. “We are excited to have Dr. van Cleef join the college to deliver the collaborative, interdisciplinary research needed to support a sustainable livestock and forage sector.”

Forages are plant systems that act as high-quality livestock feed with potential benefits for soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. Established to address a gap in forage research, the IFMU chair will explore the soil-plant-animal interface to help maximize the agronomic, economic and environmental benefits of forages. 

“Productive pastures and forage crops are key to maintaining a strong and competitive beef industry in Canada,” said Craig Lehr, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) chair and Alberta beef producer. “The investment Canadian producers have made to establish the chair in IFMU will contribute to improved forage and grazing management strategies as well as training of new expertise to serve Canada’s beef cattle and forage sectors.”

van Cleef joins USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources with a joint appointment between the Department of Plant Sciences and the Department of Animal and Poultry Science. As the industry chair, she will work to advance forage utilization by enhancing system health, productivity and resilience.