The agronomy unit at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in New Liskeard (New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station) focuses on adapted crop species, including spring wheat, barley and oats, canola and perennial forages such as alfalfa, clovers and grasses. Research trials have been continuously conducted on this site under the direction of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) since 1922, and station management was transferred to the University of Guelph in 1997. The station currently operates on 140 acres of land at two sites in New Liskeard and Verner, Ontario, which is 150 kilometres to the south. The Verner site has been active since 1988 and operates on four acres of rented land, sponsored by the West Nipissing Soil & Crop Improvement Association.

Research areas and outcomes

Research programs include cultivar evaluation, soil fertility and nutrient management, integrated cropping systems, environmental impact, pest management and new species evaluation. Crops include wheat, corn, oats, barley, canola, soybeans, dry beans and forages. Research is also being conducted on renewable fuel and fibre crops including hemp and hybrid poplar.