Featured Impacts

The National Land-Grant Impacts Database (NIDB) is the nation’s most extensive repository of the land-grant system’s collective impacts statements in research, education, and Extension. It serves as a comprehensive and important resource for the land-grant system to tell their stories.

Each year, a team of professional land-grant university communicators selects high-impact statements to feature in educational materials. Check out the 2025 featured impacts below, or visit the database to see all impact statements from 2019-2025.

AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

Increasing profitability and productivity for farmers, ranchers, and sustainable food and fiber production systems by using innovative and time-tested methods.

ENERGY AND BIOPRODUCTS

ENERGY AND BIOPRODUCTS

Leading the way in energy technologies such as bioproducts, biofuels, biomass, and other energy technologies and techniques for a cleaner energy future.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Building a sustainable future for people and the natural environment through stewardship of the ecosystem, energy conservation, and water management.

FOOD SECURITY

FOOD SECURITY

Ensuring that everyone has safe, ample, affordable, accessible, and nutritious food.

NUTRITION AND HEALTH

NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Strengthening public health by advancing and promoting nutrition, genomics, physical activity, wellness, and disease management.

YOUTH, FAMILY AND COMMUNITIES

YOUTH, FAMILY AND COMMUNITIES

Creating engaged citizens for our future through economic and community development, leadership, and youth development opportunities.

2025 IMPACTS VIDEO

VIEW ALL FEATURED IMPACTS

Topic
Mission Area
Region
State
Institution
Year
a group of children smile around a science experiment
Land-grant universities support youths, build stronger communities
The Land-grant University System plays a crucial role in equipping young people with the skills, knowledge and leadership abilities they…
Read More
a family preparing a salad
Delivering nutrition and health education and resources at the community level
The SNAP-Ed program provides research-based nutrition education to SNAP recipients and those who are eligible for benefits, helping individuals and…
Read More
people hiking
Enhancing health and well-being through physical fitness
Regular physical activity, such as walking, is critical for overall health and well-being. It helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles,…
Read More
a tractor in a field
Addressing injuries and stress in agriculture
Farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers face significant challenges, from physical strain and injuries to financial uncertainty. Extension programs at land-grant…
Read More
chickens around a feeder
Mitigating costly poultry diseases
Avian diseases pose a major challenge to the nation’s $77 billion poultry industry and drastically increase the cost of poultry…
Read More
a purple flowering plant
Research provides more sustainable pest management options
Agricultural land and natural ecosystems face growing threats from invasive and noxious grasses and weeds, feral animals, pests and diseases…
Read More
view of tree canopy from below
Private land stewardship protects environment and communities
Practicing good stewardship of private lands is important for the health of our ecosystems and communities. Researchers, Extension professionals and…
Read More
crops growing out of dry, cracked soil
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…
Read More
scientists in a lab
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…
Read More
fruit growing on a tree
Understanding root causes of chronic health conditions, more natural ways to treat them
Chronic health concerns, including diabetes, autoimmune disorders and vitamin deficiency, are costly and debilitating to patients and the healthcare system.…
Read More
a scientist examines a sample
Land-grant university research uses natural methods to combat issues in antimicrobial resistance
Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials is a growing threat to human health. Researchers at land-grant universities have identified natural substances…
Read More
two scientists look at a tablet
Food industry worker training reduces foodborne illness and enhances workforce development
Foodborne illnesses are a common and costly, yet preventable, public health issue. Training workers in the food industry on food…
Read More
a scientist takes notes
Optimizing use of heat to minimize food safety risks, maximize food quality
Using heat is essential for reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses in fresh products like eggs and milk and dry…
Read More
a teacher reading a book to students
Building foundations for health with early childhood education
Early childhood education is imperative as it lays the foundation for a child’s academic, social and emotional development. Learning…
Read More
a spread of healthy foods
Youth empowerment leads to healthful resilience
Empowering youth with nutrition and health education essential for building healthier communities. The Land-grant University System provides science-based programs that…
Read More
a father and child running
A holistic approach to diabetes prevention and management
Land-grant universities play a crucial role in addressing diabetes. Their work helps individuals and families adopt healthier lifestyles, manage diabetes…
Read More
a family preparing a meal
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program strengthens families with hands-on education
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) strengthens families by providing hands-on nutrition education to those with limited resources.…
Read More
a person loading food into a car trunk
Supporting entrepreneurs, building stronger economies and fortifying food systems
The Land-grant University System empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens local economies and fortifies food systems in communities across the United States. Through…
Read More
a scientist examining plants in a controlled environment agriculture setting
Advancing sustainable food production in soilless environments
Land-grant universities across the nation are working to make the food supply more secure by exploring the best ways to…
Read More
a cicada
Land-grant universities help farmers manage pests in food crops
The challenges of managing pests and pesticide resistance requires ongoing, vigilant attention. Researchers and Extension specialists, in cooperation with farmers…
Read More