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CEO commentary: How can we truly measure impact?
As we approach the end of our fiscal year and reflect on what LRIC has accomplished, one question continues to surface: how can we truly measure impact?
Traditional metrics, including event attendance, online reach, and post-event surveys, only tell part of the story. Much of LRIC’s impact happens through connecting people, aligning priorities, and enabling collaboration. It’s work that is often less visible, but no less critical – and notoriously difficult to quantify.
More often than not, it starts by bringing the right people together and asking questions early.
We were reminded of this recently at Swine Health Ontario’s Big Bug Day, where a sow mortality research project was highlighted and South West Ontario Veterinary Services noted that the work would not have happened without LRIC, specifically Jean Howden, helping to bring the right partners together.
As conversations across the sector raised uncertainty around how Canadian sow mortality trends compared to international benchmarks, Jean encouraged Southwest to take a closer look at their data to determine whether this was, in fact, a Canadian issue. The research being presented was a direct result of that initial question and connection.
This is the foundation of getting research into practice. Well before results are delivered or even fully conceptualized, it begins with relationships, shared understanding, and a willingness to explore the right questions.
So how do we measure this kind of impact?
The number of meetings or phone calls doesn’t fully capture the impact of work where results may not be immediate. Impact is seen when a question leads to new insight, when industry data is mobilized into research, and when connections accelerate the path from idea to implementation. These are not always reflected in traditional metrics, but they are clear indicators that the system is working.
Impact is measured not by the number of activities, but by what they enable: new collaborations, stronger alignment across the sector, and the translation of industry questions into research and into practice.
And as we look ahead, LRIC will continue to focus on the connections, conversations, and coordination that drive that change and ensure the sector is moving forward, together.
Kelly
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A light-bulb moment about research priorities
By Jean Howden, Director of Operations
Have you ever had a realization and wondered how you didn’t see it sooner? Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day that we forget to step back, look at the big picture and connect the dots.
Over the years, I’ve coordinated and facilitated many priority-setting sessions related to research. The goal is always the same: bring together a diverse group of people and figure out where limited research dollars can make the greatest impact.
In these discussions, certain topics inevitably get crossed off the list. The reasoning is simple: “That work has already been done.” If the research exists, it doesn’t need to be a priority anymore.
But that approach may actually be part of the problem.
By removing those topics entirely, we may also be overlooking something important: the need to translate and communicate the research that already exists. Just because a study has been completed doesn’t mean the knowledge has made its way into practice.
Instead of crossing those areas off the list, we should be identifying them as opportunities for knowledge translation and extension. Who needs to see these results? Who can use them? How do we make sure the information reaches the people who can act on it?
Too often, valuable research risks falling through the cracks simply because the results never land with the right audience.
So the next time you’re part of a research priority-setting conversation, take a second look at what isn’t being included. The areas that don’t need more research may actually be the ones that need more attention — not to generate new knowledge, but to ensure the knowledge we already have is shared, understood and put into practice.
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Emerging Trends and Opportunities Committee (ETOC)
Canada’s food value chain: emerging opportunities ahead
In a recent presentation to LRIC, food industry leader John Pigott shared perspectives on the future of Canada’s food value chain and the opportunities ahead for innovation, investment and collaboration.
His message was clear: despite growing economic and political uncertainty, Canada’s agri-food sector is well positioned to become a global leader if the industry works together and focuses on value creation.
Canada has a strategic advantage in food production. Natural resources, geography and a strong agri-food ecosystem position the country to be a global food powerhouse.
Public perception and affordability pressures are reshaping the food sector. Consumers are increasingly focused on food prices and corporate responsibility, creating both risks and opportunities for the industry.
Innovation and collaboration across the value chain are essential. Addressing unmet consumer needs and bringing new ideas to market requires strong partnerships from farm to processor to retailer.
According to Pigott, if Canada takes the right approach, the current period of change could become a catalyst for long-term wealth creation and growth across the agri-food sector. LRIC will be using these insights to help members identify cross-sector innovation gaps and strengthen their ability to respond to shifting consumer expectations and value-chain pressures.
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International Research Advisory Committee (IRAC)
Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in livestock research
Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as the next major social and economic disruptor, reshaping not only how research is conducted, but also how work is organized, how decisions are made and how industries compete globally. From labour and skills to consumer expectations and international competitiveness, its influence is expected to be far-reaching.
Recognizing both its potential and its risks, LRIC’s International Research Advisory Committee (IRAC) has begun exploring what AI could mean for the future of livestock research and innovation.
Used responsibly, AI could become a powerful tool across the livestock sector — helping farmers optimize feeding and animal health decisions, supporting veterinarians with faster diagnostics, and improving traceability and efficiency throughout the supply chain. It also has the potential to accelerate research, enhance data analysis and support more informed, real-time decision-making. However, without thoughtful oversight, AI carries risks related to bias, misuse and unintended consequences that must be carefully managed.
As other countries and competitors move quickly to adopt AI-driven tools and systems, preparing now will be critical to ensuring Ontario’s livestock sector remains competitive and well positioned for the future.
This discussion will help inform the development of a cross-sector research document examining emerging technologies and priorities for the livestock industry. Through this work, LRIC aims to support members in understanding where AI can deliver real value, while helping the sector navigate its adoption in a responsible, practical and forward-looking way.
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Mentorship
Mentorship program cohort is underway
LRIC’s mentorship program is now in full swing, bringing together a diverse cohort of participants for hands-on learning and industry engagement. The current group includes faculty and graduate students from the University of Guelph, as well as a staff member from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
The mentorship program is designed to build stronger connections between researchers, students and industry, while giving participants a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges and opportunities facing the livestock sector.
As part of the program, participants recently spent a full day on the road visiting a dairy sheep operation near Wallenstein, touring Wallenstein Feeds and visiting with South West Ontario Veterinary Services to learn about different aspects of the livestock supply chain.
For many in the cohort, the experience provided a new perspective. One participant reflected that while they had often been told farmers are extremely busy, the reality became much clearer after spending time on the farm and realizing just how many decisions are made in a single day.
As the cohort continues its on-farm and industry visits in the months ahead, LRIC aims to equip participants with practical insights they can carry forward into their research and careers, strengthening capacity and collaboration across the sector.
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Thanks for reading. We'd love to hear your feedback about LRIC - both about what we're doing and what you think we should be doing! Please contact us at info@livestockresearch.ca with any questions or comments.
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The Livestock Research Innovation Corporation is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a 5-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri?food and agri?based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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Call us: Kelly - 519 831 1719 or Jean - 519 767 8583
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