Brooks, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) — Ron Howard spent years conducting plant disease research at the Crop Diversification Centre South facility near Brooks, giving him a front-row seat to its productive years and its decline.
The centre, which once served as a hub for agricultural research in southern Alberta, is getting a second chance after the County of Newell took over management of the Crop Diversification Centre South (CDCS).
For the plant disease expert and former plant pathologist at the centre’s greenhouse facility, the transition brings renewed optimism.
Howard watched the number of staff, resources and research programs gradually decline over the years and began to believe the provincial government no longer considered the centre a priority. When he learned the County planned to revitalize the facility, he was glad to hear it.
He believes with time, direction and investment, the centre can once again become home to valuable agricultural research and programs.
READ MORE: Collaboration Takes Centre Stage at First Ever CDC Newell Ag Summit
“To this day we don’t have a full-time greenhouse specialist here. Hopefully someday they will, and the research can resume,” said Howard.
After completing his studies in plant diseases, Howard joined the Brooks facility, where he appreciated the freedom to research diseases affecting a range of crops grown in southern Alberta.
At its peak, the greenhouse program employed eight to 10 research scientists studying crops, weeds, insects and plant diseases. Howard believes the facility was then being used as it was intended.
With 36,000 square feet of growing space, the County says the Greenhouse offers significant opportunities for universities, start-ups and producers to explore sustainable crop production.
The production wings, smart climate controls, irrigation systems and other specialized infrastructure provide opportunities to test new crops and agricultural technologies. The county also hopes the facility will create new partnerships, including educational collaborations that provide research and training possibilities for students.
Howard’s own greenhouse research ended years ago when budget cuts eliminated the greenhouse program.
“I’m glad to see that it’s being rejuvenated and hopefully will go on to live another day,” he said.
The County of Newell recently hosted researchers, farmers, government officials and industry stakeholders for an information day and facility tour, as part of the CDC Newell Ag Summit showcasing its vision for revitalizing the research centre.
The CDCS has been sitting somewhat underused since 2020, when the Alberta government scaled back its direct involvement in agricultural research. The County signed a 10-year lease with the province back in April 2025, allowing it to take over management.
To learn more about CDC South, click here.
