Ergot (seen at right) is a common cause of mycotoxin in grains.

USask PhD student earns Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship for fungal research

Leading-edge research into ergot contamination recognized

University of Saskatchewan (USask) PhD student Jensen Cherewyk has been awarded one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral scholarships for leading-edge research into an overlooked compound formed by a toxic fungus in forage grasses and cereal grains that threatens human and animal food safety.  “I was not expecting it, and I’m very grateful,” Cherewyk said about receiving the Natural Sciences and […] Read more



Researchers Lipu Wang and Randy Kutcher have come up with a quick, accurate way to measure DON in cereal crops. (Photo: University of Saskatchewan)

USask researchers develop new test to identify toxins in cereal crops

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC) have developed a fast and accurate method for identifying and quantifying toxins in fusarium-infected cereal grain, an innovation that could reduce toxins that are harmful to both animals and humans. Fusarium head blight (FHB), a fungal disease affecting kernel development, causes millions of dollars […] Read more

Researchers at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence are comparing the economics and outcomes of feeding calves in conventional feedlot pens and in the field

USask livestock and poultry researchers awarded nearly $7 million

Twenty University of Saskatchewan (USask) projects have been awarded nearly $7 million through a joint federal-provincial government funding program to advance cattle, swine, and poultry research. Investment from the province’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), supplemented by contributions from industry partners, will help researchers improve health and safety for animals, reduce the environmental impact of livestock […] Read more



Photo: University of Saskatchewan.

U of S research reveals controversial insecticides are toxic to songbirds

Saskatoon – Research at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) has linked the use of insecticides to serious health issues in songbirds. “Studies on the risks of neonicotinoids have often focused on bees that have been experiencing population declines. However, it is not just bees that are being affected by these insecticides,” said Christy […] Read more