Tag - Alaska

State/Territory

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 their research, education and Extension initiatives, these institutions spark advancements that accelerate economic development and advance food security, ensuring resilient and strong communities. Here are a few examples of that work: Santa Fe County has experienced a decline in the number [...]

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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 and industry across the United States, are helping farmers identify pests and determine whether and how to manage them. Effective pest management can help prevent crop failure, related economic losses and higher consumer prices. Here are a few examples of [...]

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flowering plants growing in the desert

Extension programs help producers, communities manage pests sustainably

Agricultural land and natural ecosystems face growing threats from invasive and noxious grasses and weeds, feral animals, pests and diseases that impair ecosystem services and agricultural productivity. Chemical pesticides can pose human and environmental health risks. Extension educators at land-grant universities help agricultural producers and communities develop and implement pest management strategies that are cost-effective but also minimize risks. Here [...]

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an experimental setup for plant growth

Land-grant university research creates sustainable domestic products from agricultural waste and biomass

Petroleum and other nonrenewable materials are widely used for daily products, but many of these items can be made from biomass, including food and agricultural wastes. Bioproducts enhance energy, food and national security while reducing fossil fuel reliance and emissions. They also create jobs, boost the economy, provide farmers with extra income and reduce harmful disposal methods. Here are a [...]

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pigweed

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 of that work: When invasive pigweed threatened Idaho agriculture, Extension educators educated stakeholders on identification and best management practices. Educational materials have been widely shared, including more than 50 presentations to more than 4,000 direct contacts [...]

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honey sale sign at a farmers market

Developing new farmers, new products and new markets to boost agriculture sector

Many communities across the United States are seeing a decline in the agricultural workforce as experienced farmers retire. This issue has been exacerbated by national declines in new and beginning farmers. Land-grant universities are working to recruit and train new farmers, address their challenges and find ways to help them to thrive, including new crops and new marketing opportunities. [...]

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Using remote imaging to aid management decisions

Alaska’s 126 million acres of forested land provide critical ecosystem services that benefit local and global communities. With persistent warming, inconsistent participation, insect pests and intensifying wildfires, Alaska’s forests are facing serious threats to biodiversity as well as local communities and economies. University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers have developed processes that allow them to visually and spectrally observe changes in [...]

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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 [...]

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an Alaskan lake surrounded by native and invasive plant species

Alaskans root out invasive bugs and weeds

Invasive weeds and insects can lower land values and farm productivity and interfere with recreation, tourism and foraging. Improving the ability of residents, farmers and land managers to assess pest management practices is critical to protecting the Alaska way of life. To get residents involved in controlling invasive pests, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service provided education about [...]

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