2026 Featured Impacts
- All
- Agricultural Systems
- Energy and Bioproducts
- Environmental Stewardship
- Food Security
- Nutrition and Health
- Youth, Family, and Communities
Cheers to gluten-free beer made with malted rice
Arkansas produces more rice than any other U.S. state, including about half of the nation’s long-grain rice. As long-grain rice exports have dropped from 50% […]
Florida researchers find a speedier way to screen palms for disease resistance
Florida’s iconic palms are under attack by Thielaviopsis trunk rot, a fungal disease that causes plants to collapse and die suddenly. With little information known […]
Arkansas researchers study environmental effects of de-icers
Winter road safety depends heavily on salt-based deicers, but there are concerns about how their use is contributing to increased salinity in streams and affecting […]
Empowering volunteer leaders to facilitate supportive networks and personal development
According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, one in four people in Puerto Rico live with a mental health condition. With research-backed approaches and […]
New Robigus app allows viewers to track invasives, crop diseases worldwide
Plant diseases pose a global threat to food security, yet critical data on outbreaks are scattered across thousands of journals and reports. This fragmentation makes […]
Cold plasma-treated rice seeds inhibit fall armyworm, improve early crop vigor
Fall armyworm, a major crop pest particularly damaging in rice, often requires repeated insecticide applications for control. Plasma — the same electrically charged matter responsible […]
Examining Arkansas’s growing timber surplus
Maintaining a balance between forest growth and harvests is vital to sustaining a healthy ecosystem. When the growth-to-drain ratio rises too high, forests become vulnerable […]
Reducing barriers to strengthen community resilience across Florida
Nearly half of Pasco County households (more than 109,000) struggle to meet basic needs. Of the county’s 230,060 households, 28,079 live below the federal poverty […]
In Louisiana, Extension helps industrial facilities, farms save water, cut costs
Water plays an essential role in many industrial settings. To help manufacturers, processors and agricultural operations adopt sustainable practices, the Louisiana State University AgCenter launched […]
Safeguarding farms through improved biosecurity
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has been stepping up producer education in biosecurity and agroterrorism, and pest and disease surveillance and control, to […]
Disaster response and recovery: partnering in times of local community need
As threats from wildfire and extreme weather increase, producers and communities need information to help prepare and resources to support recovery once impacted. Land-grant universities […]
Well water testing improves public health
Clean and safe water is essential to public health, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Those with private wells are responsible for their own water safety. […]
Extension program bridges poultry knowledge gap for Mississippi youths
Most Mississippi youths have limited exposure to agriculture and little understanding of poultry production, food systems and related careers, despite poultry being the state’s leading […]
The U.S. prepares for a potential screwworm outbreak
As a New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak spreads from Central America to Mexico, states in the Southwest are ramping up efforts to raise awareness among […]
Promoting research-based solar development
With the growth and expansion of solar energy production, producers and consumers in rural areas frequently express concern over whether solar development may compete with […]
Land stewardship program strengthens Edwards Plateau
With a goal to empower landowners to care for the Edwards Plateau, the Bennett Trust Land Stewardship program at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides practical, […]
Mitigating urban heat island effects
Extreme heat is a concern in Sarasota County, Florida. In 2023, the county experienced 63 consecutive days with a heat index above 100°F and a […]
Ranch Management University program helping new landowners understand agriculture, natural resources
In Texas, many inherit land properties without any formal training in soil health, livestock management, wildlife habitat or water stewardship. The result can be land […]
Combating rice delphacid in the Southwest
Rice delphacid, an invasive insect that has caused economic damage in the Southwest, has received quick attention from Texas A&M AgriLife with response work focusing […]
Encouraging health and wellness in U.S. youth through hands-on activities, education
One in five school-aged children nationally suffer from obesity, and regular physical activity and balanced diets can lead to improved focus, behavior, self-esteem and academic […]
Disease-resistant wine grape reduces losses in Florida
Pierce’s disease devastates grapevines in warm, humid regions like Florida, making wine grape production nearly impossible without costly interventions. This disease forces growers to rely […]
Building Arkansas’ future workforce through 4-H SeaPerch robotics
Arkansas employers increasingly seek workers with engineering aptitude, mechanical skills, critical thinking ability, teamwork, communication and digital literacy. To help prepare youth for these workforce […]
Equipping military service providers to strengthen family financial security
Kentucky ranks 11th nationally for active-duty military personnel, with approximately 44,000 service members across the Commonwealth and more than 295,000 veterans calling Kentucky home. While […]
Bots for kebabs
Consumer demand is strong for grilled kebabs — meat and vegetable cubes on skewers — that require highly labor-intensive tasks and complex hand-eye coordination. This […]
Artificial intelligence helps protect from Avian influenza
In the fight against the costly impacts of avian influenza, protecting poultry flocks from contact with wild birds is an important deterrent. However, the methods […]
Texas livestock, forage producers focus on profitability
Forage production for livestock in Texas is a necessity and expensive. The annual cost of producing Bermudagrass forage per acre can span $200 to $450 […]
Wild peanut varieties source of disease resistance
Cultivated peanuts are plagued by diseases and pests, which make them expensive to grow as use of chemical controls account for more than 30% of […]
Billion-dollar bacterial test for poultry
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is estimated to cost $6 billion in annual losses to the poultry industry, where it causes the death of cells and tissue […]
Medications for type-2 diabetes, weight loss also impact food preferences
As the popularity of medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1s) rises, questions have emerged about how these drugs affect […]
Louisiana 4-H SeaPerch builds workforce-ready STEM skills through experiential robotics learning
Preparing youth for tomorrow’s workforce is critical as STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.8% nationwide between 2022 and 2032. In Louisiana, demand for skilled […]
Peer-led program encourages healthier snack choices
In Louisiana, the Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) grant, leveraged by support from the LSU AgCenter, encourages youth to create positive change in […]
Scientists unravel corn pest’s overwintering genes
Western and northern corn rootworms cost U.S. growers more than $1 billion each season. The larvae chew roots that anchor and feed corn plants, knocking […]
Understanding government, building future leaders: Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor Program
Understanding how state government functions is essential for young people to become informed and engaged citizens. To address this need, the Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor […]
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides disaster relief and recovery
In 2025, the state of Texas experienced 31 severe weather events, including drought, floods and major fires. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center activated 21 […]
New vaccine and delivery system protect catfish against fatal disease, reduce antibiotic reliance
Catfish is the largest aquaculture industry in the United States. For decades, catfish producers have struggled against pervasive infestation from E. ictaluri, which mainly affects […]
Building resilient communities through low-impact development practices
Traditional infrastructure in Oklahoma communities does not fully address the challenges flooding, erosion and declining water quality bring, especially in rural and residential areas where […]
Creating healthier, higher-yielding eggs
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found several ways to increase egg production, ensuring a steady inventory hits the grocery supply chain. With more […]
Bringing automation to forest production with precision tools
Rising equipment costs, unpredictable weather, long hours and hazardous conditions make logging a high-risk industry. Not only is it difficult to attract and maintain skilled […]
Extension introduces youths to career opportunities in agriculture and STEM
The United States is facing a dearth of skilled and educated workers across the agricultural industry. With many young people being several generations removed from […]
Preparing youth for adulthood with financial literacy programs
Youths often enter adulthood unprepared to effectively manage finances. Studies reveal concerning trends, such as that only 24% of students and 20% of their parents […]
Research at land-grant universities looks to answer complicated disease questions
The basic and applied research that happens in labs at land-grant universities across the country helps to answer questions about the origins of devastating diseases […]
Growing tomorrow’s citizens: Land-grant universities empower youth voices
Civic engagement is essential to youth development because it builds leadership, responsibility, critical thinking and a sense of belonging. Land-grant universities play a vital role […]
Emerging technology offers new tools for growers
Emerging technology is giving farmers tools to reduce the impacts of labor shortages, rising costs, changing weather patterns and regulatory demands, while improving production and […]
Tech solutions for livestock management
Livestock producers face challenges such a shrinking labor force, limited veterinary access and rising costs. Artificial intelligence, precision agriculture technologies and genome sequencing have shown […]
New fruit, vegetable cultivars offer new opportunities for growers
Developing or restoring different fruit and vegetable cultivars allow farmers to plant crops based on disease resistance, fertilizer requirements, adaptations to site-specific soil and weather […]
Horticulture programs sprout more resilient communities
Local horticulture is an important tool to combat food insecurity in underserved communities, while boosting environmental sustainability and community health. Volunteers with horticulture training through […]
Strengthening the agricultural workforce for the future
The workforce is changing. Across industries and states, trained workers are in demand to support local food systems, meet community needs, ensure safety and increase […]
Empowering community resilience
Community resilience support is a critical function of the land-grant system because it equips individuals, families and local organizations with the knowledge, tools and partnerships […]
Using genetics for crop disease resistance
Pests of major crops, including wheat, soybean, potatoes, tomatoes and wine grapes, cost American producers billions in yield losses each year and raise prices for […]
Improving crop profitability through disease management
Land-grant university research and Extension programs help producers manage costly plant diseases through early detection, risk assessment and science-based tools. By integrating applied research, diagnostics […]
Researchers look to science for healthier, better tasting food and drink
Working to create better tasting and more wholesome foods via science means not only healthier consumers, but also more markets for producers and value-added opportunities […]
Protective clothing for wildland firefighters
Wildland firefighters face escalating health risks as fire seasons lengthen and fires become more intense. Their work demands long shifts involving strenuous physical labor — […]
Engaging students in STEM, robotics
Exposing youth to innovative technology builds digital literacy, problem-solving skills and career readiness, preparing the next generation to compete in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven workforce. […]
Confronting farm stress through research, Extension
Across the Land-grant University System, outreach and research-based work are critical to strengthening the health, safety and well-being of agricultural communities. By pairing scientific evidence […]
Building networks to aid mental health strengthens communities
Mental health challenges affect individuals and families across the country, yet stigma and lack of knowledge often prevent people from seeking or offering help, especially […]
Extension programs strengthen families through health, parenting initiatives
Healthy and resilient communities are built by supporting families and youths through reliable childcare, mobile health services and strong, healthy relationships. Extension-led efforts strengthen well-being […]
Strengthening water quality across landscapes
Access to clean, reliable water for communities, ecosystems and agriculture is increasingly threatened by issues such as nutrient pollution and emerging contaminants. Land‑grant universities are […]
Gut microbial research promotes better health, prevents chronic illness
Gut microbial research is important because the microbes living in the digestive system play a central role in human and animal health. They help regulate […]
Fine-tuning livestock production systems to overcome challenges
Livestock researchers are exploring new ways to achieve higher profitability through reproductive research, technology and traditional education outreach to help offset rising production costs. Here […]
Improving financial literacy and well-being in adults
Adults in the U.S. often struggle with financial well-being. They face challenges including insufficient savings, debt struggles and confusion around changing tax codes. The Land-grant […]
Building resilient agriculture through pest management
Land-grant university pest management programs strengthen agricultural resilience by delivering research-based education that helps farmers manage pests more effectively and safely. These programs improve pest […]
Extension trainings keep Americans safe from foodborne illness
Foodborne illness is a widespread, costly public health concern in the United States. Each year, one in six Americans becomes sick from contaminated food, leading […]
Preparing for extreme weather
Extreme weather can affect communities, farms, businesses and livelihoods. These weather events, such as drought, wildfires and flooding can pose harm to people, livestock, plants […]
Making aquaculture more productive, safe and economical
The seafood industry is economically vital and provides an important source of protein for the world. Challenges to aquaculture include inefficient production methods, expensive feed […]
Supporting meat and dairy industries
Meat and dairy provide critical protein and a wide variety of other products for consumers and represent economically important industries across the country, not just […]
Extension programming educates, empowers teens to make informed health choices in supportive environments
Teenage youth are one of our greatest resources for influencing change that leads to healthier communities; they are our next generation of leaders. When creating […]
Fighting coastal erosion with nature-based shoreline solutions
More than half of Florida’s waterfront property owners have constructed seawalls and bulkheads to protect against erosion and flooding. These armored shorelines provide some protection […]
Land-grant universities improve lives through diabetes education, prevention
More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 98 million have prediabetes, which costs the U.S. $412.9 billion annually between health care and lost […]
Improving food and nutrition knowledge and skills
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps adult and youth participants improve their nutrition and health. It promotes budget-friendly food choices by teaching […]