Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Agricultural Research in Alberta
Established in 1991, Lakeland Agricultural Research (LARA) has dedicated over three decades to advancing agricultural practices in Northeastern Alberta. Our organization was founded by local producers seeking region-specific research solutions, and we continue to provide unbiased, producer-led applied research and extension services. Through programs focused on crops, pest management, forage, livestock, and environmental stewardship, we help farmers optimize yields while maintaining ecological balance. Our team of experienced researchers and agricultural professionals delivers demonstrations, trials, and educational initiatives tailored to the unique challenges of Lakeland producers. We collaborate with municipal districts, government agencies, and industry partners to ensure our work directly addresses the evolving needs of Alberta's agricultural community.Our commitment to sustainable practices combines profitability with long-term environmental health, supporting family farms across generations. With regional variety trials and specialty crop testing, we equip producers with data-driven insights to improve decision-making. Our horticulture program extends this mission to community education, offering hands-on learning opportunities for students and residents. Through funding assistance and policy advocacy, we help farmers access critical resources and navigate agricultural programs. This combination of scientific rigor, local expertise, and community engagement has made LARA a trusted partner for Lakeland producers since our founding.
Services
Crops & Pest Management
Forage & Livestock Program
Horticulture Education
Environmental Stewardship
Funding Assistance
Research Trials
Sustainable Farming
Demonstration Projects
Soil Health Assessment
Pest Management Surveys
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We conduct region-specific crop variety trials since 1991
- Our programs combine profitability with environmental sustainability
- We provide producer-led, unbiased agricultural research
- Our team includes certified agrologists and research scientists
- We offer hands-on horticulture education programs for communities
Services
Crops & Pest Management
Our crop and pest management programs help Alberta producers select optimal crop varieties and implement effective pest control strategies. We conduct regional trials for cereals, oilseeds, and pulses, testing new varieties and management practices. Our research provides data-driven recommendations to improve yields while reducing environmental impact through sustainable pest management techniques.
Forage & Livestock Program
This program focuses on reducing feed costs while improving livestock production efficiency. We demonstrate winter feeding systems, conduct feed testing, and develop grazing management strategies. Our research identifies high-yielding forage crops and provides marketing strategies for livestock producers while maintaining soil health and environmental sustainability.
Horticulture Program
Our horticulture initiatives include demonstration gardens and educational programs for schools and communities. The program features perennial and vegetable gardens, greenhouse operations, and no-till practices. We promote sustainable growing methods, pollinator habitats, and community engagement through hands-on agricultural education and youth outreach activities.
Environmental Stewardship
We develop and promote sustainable farming practices that balance profitability with ecological health. Our programs address soil conservation, water management, and invasive species control. Through workshops and field demonstrations, we help producers implement beneficial management practices that maintain environmental quality while ensuring long-term agricultural viability.
Funding Assistance
We help farmers access agricultural funding programs including Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership initiatives. Our services include identifying grant opportunities, assisting with applications, and providing information about environmental and production-related funding. We support producers in implementing beneficial management practices through available financial assistance programs.
People
Alyssa Krawchuk
Executive Director
B.Sc. Ag, P.Ag certified professional with extensive agricultural research experience leading LARA's strategic initiatives and producer-led research programs.
Dr. Angelica Ouellette
Research Scientist
PhD-level scientist conducting applied agricultural research trials and developing evidence-based solutions for Lakeland producers' specific challenges.
Momna Farzand
Cropping Agrologist
Specialist in crop production and pest management providing technical expertise for regional variety trials and agronomic research projects.
Kristy Tetreau
Environment & Communications Coordinator
Environmental stewardship advocate managing sustainability programs and communicating research findings to agricultural producers and community members.
Lance Ouellette
Research Agrologist
Agricultural researcher implementing field trials and providing technical support for crop production and soil health improvement projects.
Questions
What agricultural regions does LARA serve?
We serve producers in Bonnyville, St. Paul County, and Smoky Lake County in Northeastern Alberta.
How can farmers participate in research trials?
Contact our office to discuss current trial opportunities and on-farm demonstration participation options.
Do you offer youth agricultural education programs?
Yes, our horticulture program includes school field trips and summer camps for children.
What funding programs are available through LARA?
We provide information about Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership grants and other producer support programs.
How do you support sustainable farming practices?
Through environmental stewardship programs focusing on soil health, water conservation, and beneficial management practices.
Can I access past research findings?
Our research reports and trial results are available through our website and extension services.
