Agricultural Systems
Increasing profitability and productivity for farmers, ranchers, and sustainable food and fiber production systems by using innovative and time-tested methods.
Featured Agricultural Systems Impacts
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Understanding and identifying solutions for weather impacts on agriculture
Drought, severe weather and wildfires can have significant economic impacts on agriculture. Research and educational programming by land-grant universities helps us understand these effects and [...]
Harnessing artificial intelligence for agricultural innovation
Land-grant universities are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve agricultural efficiency, productivity and sustainability. Here are a few examples of that work: In Georgia, researchers [...]
Virtual education programs reach clientele where they live
Since 2020, virtual education has increasingly helped land-grant university research and Extension programs be more available to clientele where they live. These virtual programs are […]
Specialty crop growers benefit from land-grant university research
Scientists at land-grant universities are responding to local grower needs to strengthen specialty crop quality and economics. Here are a few examples of that work: […]
Land-grant universities offer solutions for pest management
Land-grant university pest management programs promote sustainable agriculture. In particular, research-based education helps farmers use pesticides more effectively and safely, improving pest control efficiency and […]
Land-grant university research, outreach support beef production
The United States is the world’s top producer of beef, contributing to about 20% of the world’s production. In 2023, the U.S. beef industry had […]
Research and outreach on invasive species keep agriculture productive, profitable
Land-grant university research and outreach is helping manage the impacts invasive weeds and species have on growers and agricultural productivity. Here are a few examples […]
Digital agriculture enhances production, monitoring capabilities
Data modeling, automated machinery and drones are just a few of the technologies that are powering improved efficiencies in livestock and crop production. Land-grant universities […]
Education opportunities elevate agriculture issues and importance
Reaching youths and students early increases awareness of the importance of agriculture and the critical issues impacting producers. Land-grant universities are creating solutions to address […]
Research and Extension strengthens markets through technology, education
Preserving and strengthening markets is essential to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Through technology and educational programs provided by land-grant universities, small agricultural businesses […]
Land-grant scientists help farmers manage costly plant diseases effectively
Each year, plant diseases cost the global economy around $220 billion. Plant diseases kill crops and make their products unmarketable, wasting food and other resources […]
Land-grant universities support the viability of livestock production
From teaching producers biosecurity techniques to keeping poultry cool in extreme temperatures to identifying genetic traits that will optimize production, land-grant university researchers and Extension […]
Land-grant universities drive sustainability through innovative agricultural practices
The 1890 land-grant universities are dedicated to improving the well-being of economically challenged communities. By focusing on sustainable practices, these institutions help address key challenges […]
Reducing barriers to success for new farmers
Beginning farmers face an increased need for educational support and networking to remain profitable. Land-grant universities are working to understand and meet these individual and […]
Multistate project studies solutions to bacterial spot in tomatoes, peppers
Tomatoes are big business for Florida farmers, contributing $500 million annually. Bell and chili peppers are also popular crops among consumers with production value of […]
Extension helps strawberry farmers in Georgia and South Carolina save their growing season
Strawberries grown in Georgia bring in more than $15 million in sales annually, but the true value of growing strawberries is in agritourism — farms […]
Dogs can be lifesavers for livestock
Like guardian angels, guardian dogs can be lifesavers for livestock. Increasing conflicts between livestock and predatory wildlife have prompted ranchers to seek effective and affordable […]
Autonomous machine systems to increase productivity, efficiency of crop production
Purdue University in Indiana is leading an autonomous machinery project to enhance productivity, efficiency and elevate profitability by alleviating labor workload. Autonomous machines can capture […]
Optimizing nutrition for tomatoes enhances economic returns to growers
Nutrient deficiencies and excess can reduce tomato crop productivity, harvest quality and economic return. Mississippi State University Extension researchers evaluated nitrogen application rates in field [...]
Trapping training helps reduce feral hog population in Arkansas
Feral hogs cause extensive economic losses in agricultural economies and impact forests, wildlife habitat and the landscape. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates feral hogs […]
Helping hemp growers improve crop quality
Hemp, a non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis sativa L, has re-emerged as a popular crop after the 2018 Farm Bill granted hemp “crop status,” therefore removing […]
Extension assists Michigan beekeepers to improve honeybee management
The Michigan State University Extension apiculture team partnered with the Michigan Beekeepers Association to conduct a needs assessment of the state’s small-scale beekeepers. Keeping bee […]
Robots make plant inventory easy as 1, 2, 3
Ornamental plant growers manually count tens of thousands of plants each season to get an accurate inventory before they commit to fulfilling major orders. An […]
Restricted-use pesticide training boosts wages and saves local farmers money on pesticide management costs
Most farmers need to pay a contractor to spray restricted-use pesticides on their farms if they don’t have a license to do so. At $8 […]
Tennessee farmers increase irrigation for higher crop yields
When adopting irrigation, Tennessee row-crop producers must make appropriate choices of when and where to place it because the cost is high, varying from $1,500 […]
Wildfire smoke research provides insights to help ranchers protect their herds and reduce stress
Wildfires that scorched nearly 2 million acres in Eastern Oregon exposed many local cattle to significant levels of wildfire smoke. In the aftermath, cows across […]
Leaf removal supports healthy wine grapes
Wine grape vineyards are vulnerable to fungal diseases that can ruin the grape crop and make the wine unsellable if not managed properly. As more […]
Researchers develop learning approach for drone-based surveillance, scouting
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) aid farmers in crop disease management, field scouting and pesticide applications. UAS has the unique ability to gather aerial imagery and […]
Livestock education programs result in $1.5 million in savings
People need protein in their diet to maintain health. The Pennsylvania State University Livestock Extension team offered an array of educational programs to help beef […]