UoG Professor in Wheat Breeding Named

Apr 11, 2014

The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) Professorship in Wheat Breeding at the University of Guelph has been filled by Ali Navabi.

In 2013 GFO and SeCan announced a $1-million investment to create a professorship position focused in wheat breeding at the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture.

According to the university’s website, Navabi has been a bean breeder with the University of Guelph since 2008. He also has 15 years’ experience in wheat breeding.

The position will bring back a focus on cereal research. Previously, the university had four researchers who had specialized on wheat research including winter wheat breeding, but over the years had lost those researchers. Navabi will be tasked with developing new varieties for Ontario growers. In addition to the research component, he will also participate in the Ontario Cereal Crop Committee, which oversees cereal registration and performance testing.

Navabi will begin in the role starting May 1, 2014.

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.