2024 Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Land-Grant Impacts

Year

a woman looking at a laptop in her home

Virtual programs support healthy lifestyles

Programs that support healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, physical activity and mental health, provide critical education, support and resources for many residents. COVID-19 forced programs online and the Land-grant University System continues offering online options to positively impact residents and support their healthy lifestyles. Virtual programs offer greater flexibility for participants, allowing more to engage in and benefit from the [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

photo of signage at the entrance of the Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center

Reducing recidivism and improving mental health

Experiencing hopelessness and struggling to manage weight can have detrimental mental effects on a woman, leading to unhealthy eating habits, the misuse of prescription medications and even resorting to drug use as a form of self-medication. Teen girls between the ages of 12 and 17 have a higher likelihood of reporting a substance use disorder within the past year [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western

Photo of blueberries, glucose monitor, cherries, dumbbell and tape measure

Diabetes education helps individuals, families manage chronic disease

Type 2 Diabetes is increasing at an epidemic rate in the U.S. This chronic disease requires daily management to control blood sugar levels and prevent life-changing complications. Many individuals and families struggle with diet modifications that would help manage health and also have limited access to nutrition and diabetes professionals. The Land-grant University System helps fill that gap, providing [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1994, 2024, American Samoa, American Samoa Community College, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Connecticut, Western

a group of smiling participants in athletic clothing flex their arms

Strength training program builds health and resilience

Chronic disease and health disparities are increasing. Physical activity, particularly through strength training, is one way to counteract these negative outcomes. Strength training contributes to enhanced bone density, joint flexibility, metabolic function and improvements in daily living activities, in addition to building muscle strength. Less than 15% of residents age 65 and older get the recommended amounts of aerobic [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 1994, 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

spices on a spoon

Using unique flavors to boost health

Developing dietary interventions that help to reduce increasingly common chronic diseases is an important goal for researchers and Extension professionals across the Land-Grant University System. Sometimes it is as simple as using a familiar flavor in a new way to add health benefits. Here are a few examples of that work: Louisiana ranks among the highest states in adults diagnosed with [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University

brown chicken eggs in a carton

Improving safety of eating eggs through novel pathogen-killing method

Almost one in 10 cases of foodborne illness in the United States is associated with eggs. Americans eat, on average, 287 eggs per person annually. More than 14.1 billion eggs are incubated to produce chicks for the egg and poultry meat industries. Reducing the risk of disease-causing bacteria on eggshells is a priority for the industry, as is the [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Food Safety, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University

a farmer standing in a field

Aiding farmers and rural residents with mental health struggles

Agricultural producers have one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in the nation but can be hesitant to seek help when struggling with their mental health or have limited access to mental healthcare. Land-grant institutions across the country have implemented programming targeting mental health concerns. Here are a few examples of that work: The Farmer Focus Project surveyed producers [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, College of Micronesia, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, Micronesia, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, North Central, Northern Marianas, Northern Marianas College, University of Guam, University of Missouri, Washington, Washington State University, Western

hand holding a potted pepper plant

Researchers develop new snacking pepper cultivars for indoor agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture is growing rapidly in Virginia, using fewer resources and enabling year-round planting in indoor spaces. Crops are grown vertically, with more crops grown on fewer acres. In response, Virginia Tech researchers are partnering in the development of snacking pepper cultivars suitable for growing in controlled agriculture environments. The project explores the potential of indoor agriculture to ensure [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Crop Management, Research, Southern, Urban Agriculture, Virginia, Virginia Tech

pile of rotten apples

Packaging improvements reduce food spoilage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that over 30% of food in the U.S. is lost to spoilage at the retail and consumer level. Researchers at Tennessee State University are developing environmentally friendly solutions to reduce the amount of food lost to spoilage. The goal is to create improved packaging composed of natural materials that incorporate natural compounds to [...]

Food Security, Story 1890, 2024, Food Security, Food Systems, Research, Tennessee, Tennessee State University

man cooking in an industrial kitchen

Licensed kitchen requirements made easy by South Dakota Extension

Before food entrepreneurs can sell products to retailers, they often must have them tested or evaluated in a licensed kitchen. However, finding one or figuring out how to create one can be difficult for those trying to bring new products to market. To assist those new to the business, South Dakota University food safety specialists put together easy-to-follow information [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, North Central, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Workforce Development and Readiness

closeup of corn kernels

Iowa researchers find method to speed up new plant breeding techniques

Some of the newer techniques to speed up plant breeding, have challenges such as leaving some varieties sterile. At Iowa State University, researchers made a breakthrough that overcomes a major hurdle of these new techniques by restoring fertility to certain plant species. The breeding tool known as doubled haploid technology is a faster way to breed plants but often fails. [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Crop Management, Food Security, Iowa, Iowa State University, North Central, Research

hands planting in soil

Afghan war refugees empowered to grow familiar foods

For Afghans resettling in the United States because of war in their country, the transition can become even more difficult as they must become accustomed to different foods. Michigan State University Extension found a way to help them grow some of the culturally important foods for their holidays and family gatherings. Food banks in the Lansing area were supplied container [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Urban Agriculture

mixture of various dry beans

Webinar helps dry bean producers make critical decisions

In the midst of the growing season, producers must make many decisions that impact the yield and quality of their crop. A webinar hosted by North Dakota State University Extension was the source of vital research-based information on how to optimize profits for dry bean production. Attending classes and lectures before and during a growing season is not practical method [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Workforce Development and Readiness

a variety of seed packets spread out on a table

Seed-sharing libraries extend plant access

A seed library is a resource where seeds are shared with community members free of charge. The North Carolina State University Extension Master Gardeners support seed-sharing libraries across the state to encourage local gardening. Typically found at libraries or community centers, gardeners, students and teachers are encouraged to check out the seeds and plant them in a garden. At the [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Southern, Urban Agriculture

closeup of hands holding a pea seed packet. there is a bag of seed packets in the background.

Community gardens increase food security and community well-being

Based on the 2023 National Gardening Survey, 80% of American households participated in a gardening project in 2022. Through Extension trainings, seed libraries and gardening kits and the efforts of Extension Master Gardener volunteers, land-grant universities are increasing access to gardens, improving community well-being, and helping individuals learn to grow their own food. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Food Security, Summary 1994, 2024, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kansas, Kansas State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western

two people look in a box of food at a food pantry

Food security resources for local communities

Limited access to healthy food options can lead to problems such as poor health, chronic illness, child development and family instability. Food pantries can help people who lack adequate food resources access a range of products locally. By connecting food pantries with resources, land-grant universities are helping communities better serve those in need. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Food Security, Summary 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, New York, North Central, Northeast, Southern, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Minnesota, Western

Aerial view of a field mapped out with drone technology

Emerging technologies aid conservation and management

Climate change and biodiversity losses pose extraordinary challenges for the sustainability of natural ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Land-grant universities are developing and applying emerging technologies that can help to more efficiently, accurately and safely monitor, measure, and precisely manage these systems with minimal environmental impact. Here are a few examples of that work: In New Hampshire, researchers found [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Connecticut, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Florida, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Western

cattle walking through a field

Rapid response to animal and food safety and security threats

When disasters happen, land-grant universities are partners with local communities in sharing resources and information, providing training, offering testing and technical assistance and collaborating on future research. Timely and coordinated response efforts support local communities and producers and ensure access to a safe food supply. Here are a few examples of that work: Extension educators in Oregon responded quickly to coordinate [...]

Food Security, Summary 2024, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Kansas, Kansas State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western

a honeybee sits in the middle of a flower

Pollinators support agriculture profitability

Bees, flies, moths and other pollinators are essential to the environment. Pollinators improve the quality and quantity of farmers’ crop yields, which adds an estimated $18 billion in crop production revenue annually. Pollinators also support healthy ecosystems needed for clean air, stable soils and diverse wildlife. However, both wild and domesticated pollinators are at risk, most notably many wild [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2024, Arkansas, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Security, Forest Protection and Management, New York, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

the torso of a person checking something off on a clipboard

Research and education combine to fight food contamination

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimate that 48 million people become ill from foodborne illnesses annually, resulting in 3,000 deaths. Through research and education, land-grant institutions are working to reduce the pathogens contained in food and increase food security. Here are a few examples of that work: In Vermont, a certification program known as CAPS+ was developed to assure retailers [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2024, Connecticut, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Indiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, Research, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western

forest with wildlife

Forestlands are fundamental for healthy ecosystems

Forests are vulnerable to climate change, but when managed sustainably they can play an important role in mitigating climate change. Healthy trees provide oxygen by removing carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis. The carbon is stored in wood, plants and soil, helping to reduce carbon emissions. Land-grant universities are supplying research and outreach to improve our forestlands. Here are [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2024, Connecticut, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Forest Protection and Management, Kentucky, New York, Northeast, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Kentucky, University of Vermont, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia Tech

a closeup of hands examining wheat

Strong farms strengthen local food systems

New farmers just starting out and established farmers looking to expand markets have something in common: looking to the Land-grant University System to support their growth. Strong local farms strengthen local food systems and food security. Here are a few examples of this work: When participant surveys indicated a need for more in-depth and hands-on farmer education, Idaho Extension educators responded [...]

Food Security, Summary 2024, Alaska, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Idaho, Kansas, Kansas State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Idaho, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Vermont, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

a body of water covered in lotus plants

Managing invasive species

Invasive species are organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem and whose introduction causes economic, social or environmental harm. Nearly every terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystem in the United States has been invaded by non-native species, with economic losses estimated at $137 billion per year. Land-grant universities are leading the battle against invasive species. Here are a few examples of [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2024, Arkansas, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Indiana, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Purdue University, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, Water Resilience/Management

an agricultural field

Increasing food security with better food products

Ensuring an adequate supply of safe and nutritious food requires improving existing food varieties and innovating to develop new ones. Here are a few examples of how land-grant universities are contributing: Researchers in Washington generated more than 25 unique lines of rainbow trout with many more in the pipeline. Using biotechnology, they are developing commercial trout lines with enhanced production and [...]

Food Security, Summary 2024, Arkansas, Crop Management, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Security, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, Washington, Washington State University, Western

a person's torso and hands, holding a cellphone

Gaining real-time insight on food insecurity

Social media is a great tool for immediate feedback on emergency situations. To gain an understanding of issues surrounding access to adequate food and assess how people felt about their food situation, Pennsylvania State University rural sociology researchers and international colleagues analyzed Twitter posts during the pandemic. Posts expressing anger, disgust or fear were strongly associated with actual food insufficiency [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University