By Kaylyn Whibbs, Communications Consultant, Communications Branch, Regina
Adam Carter is settling in nicely to his recently appointed role.
chair journey at the University of Saskatchewan.
In July, Carter was named as the new Strategic Research Program (SRP) chair in the spring wheat and canaryseed breeding and genetics program at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan.
“I am fortunate in that I’m inheriting an already productive and successful breeding program,” said Carter. “I’m trying to maintain momentum as I get to know all the people involved in the operation and see where I can fit in.”
Carter is the successor of Pierre Hucl (PhD), who held the chair for 33 years.
“I’m also working to optimize the breeding program with the intent to gain efficiency, whether it’s applying new technologies or making minor changes in breeding methods,” he added, “I’m keeping my eyes open to see where I can have an impact.”
His interest in genetics stems back to Carter’s undergrad at the University of Manitoba. From there, he landed a summer job with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Brandon, his hometown, working for a barley breeding program.
That summer is when his initial interest in plant breeding sprouted.
“I’m interested in genetics and seeing genetics in the field is always exciting to me,” said Carter.
Next, Carter went on to study plant breeding and genetics at the University of Guelph before returning to work with AAFC for a few years. This led him to the opportunity to do a PhD at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing and defending his thesis, he was able to interview for the chair position.
As Carter navigates his way through the first year at the CDC, he admits he still has learning to do.
He said he loves working as part of a team, as plant breeding programs rely on the contributions of many different people in order to operate and be productive.
“Something I really enjoy is working with other people, trying to figure out solutions to problems where we can all work together and achieve something as a group,” Carter explained, adding working in a university environment is kind of unique compared to other plant breeding programs.
“We have expertise in such a wide range of disciplines and topics and seeing how those can connect and benefit the breeding programs is interesting to me as well.”
Within the collaboration, Carter will also be meeting with and learning from the industry when it comes to finding solutions and identifying where impacts need to be made.
The main goal, according to Carter, is to develop better varieties that are suitable for markets and commercially viable. Seed breeders can have a positive impact on agriculture in Western Canada.
“Hopefully the work that we do out here ends up having that positive impact in farmer’s fields and they can see those benefits at the end of the growing season.”
The SRP chair positions are funded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.