Becker Underwood announced today a $50,000 contribution toward the new pulse field lab research addition being built at the University of Saskatchewan.

“We are delighted to be part of this significant project and to furthering the excellent work and contributions made by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers in improving the quality and agronomic standards of these important crops,” said Ferdie Schneidersmann, Business Development Manager for Becker Underwood.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) is raising capital for the construction of a world-class, multi-user pulse crop field research facility, which is being built in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. The new facility will be a 14,000 square foot addition to the existing Crop Science Field Laboratory. The addition will provide enhanced capacity and efficiency in pulse breeding, physiology, pathology and agronomy research.

“Becker Underwood has consistently supported Saskatchewan Pulse Growers initiatives in the past and we’re pleased that they’ve made a pledge to support the pulse field lab project,” said Dean Corbett, Chairman of the SPG Board. “This new facility is going to change how we do pulse research and will allow us to expand our programs in areas like breeding and pathology.” A 2003 study showed that every dollar SPG investments in pulse crop research leads to a $15.60 return for farmers and a $31.30 return for the industry as a whole.

The pulse industry in Saskatchewan has grown significantly over the last twenty years and part of this phenomenal growth can be directly attributed to the development of technology such as the inoculants Becker Underwood manufactures. Becker Underwood has been a partner in the growth of the pulse industry, and they, like other inoculant manufacturers, recognize the value of investing in research to keep the industry growing.

Recent progress on the fundraising portion of the project has been substantial and now with the Becker Underwood contribution, SPG is within $200,000 of its goal. Of the $3 million needed to construct the facility, $750,000 will be raised from industry contributions. Construction on the project started in November 2004 and will be completed in the summer of 2005.