Dr. Curtis Pozniak, wheat breeder with the Crop Development Centre, gave us (course: AgEcon 315) a tour of the Wheat Breeding quality lab facilities at the Crop Science Field Laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Pozniak has the dubious distinction of being the youngest wheat breeder in the world. Prior to the tour, he gave us an overview of wheat and wheat breeding plus a bit on the processes behind transgenics and GMOs. Although we have made inroads in terms of enhancing crop productivity, I have underestimated the value that traditional breeding techniques bring to the table. The process of transgenic transformation are only a small (and costly) part of the entire process. Breeding is key.

Thanks to Clayton Jackson and Ken Rosaasen for allowing me to tag along!