Lesley Burton is leading a new applied research program studying soil health through MHC's Centre for Innovation. Burton has more than 22 years of expertise with soil classification and field crop agronomy.--SUPPLIED PHOTO
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Lesley Burton, a farm owner/operator and small business owner from Tilley, will lead a new applied research program at Medicine Hat College that will target key areas of agriculture innovation, with an emphasis on the health of soil.
Burton enters the roles with 22 years of expertise specializing in irrigated land and soil classification, field crop agronomy and sustainable agriculture practices.
Currently, Burton is working to arrange research projects for the upcoming season that will provide solutions to problems in real time and improve management practices.
“Being able to help improve the presence of agriculture from an innovation standpoint for our region was something I was very excited to be a part of,” says Burton.
The applied research program through MHC’s Centre for Innovation, known as C4i, was funded by a $750,000 grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to target key areas of technology, science and business innovation within the agricultural landscape.
“I believe that C4i is going to be able to enhance collaboration between ag producers, the industry and researchers to improve the quality of research being done and the extension of the results,” said Burton.
“Lesley is an invaluable addition to the C4i team with deep ties to the region and a producer focused lens,” said Chelsey Ehresman, manager for C4i. “She reinforces the C4i’s commitment to ensuring the voice of the industry is heard and that applied research directly addresses the needs of the local producers.”
The college says it has received positive feedback following the first few weeks of the applied research program and say industry stakeholders are “excited” the program focuses on agriculture research with a hands-on approach.
