Tag - Central State University

Institution

young child walking in strawberry patch

Land-grant university research and Extension support resilience for youths, families and communities nationwide

Here are a few examples of that work:  The effectiveness of the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness System depends on well-trained Extension professionals with research-based tools and resources. Extension specialists in Kentucky contributed by providing personal finance training to military service providers so they can pass on knowledge, tools and resources that help military families prevent and navigate financial [...]

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Healthy foods and exercise equipment.

Land-grant university research and Extension strengthen nutrition, health and well-being

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in America. Research and Extension are fighting back. Over half of adults who participated in a Texas diabetes education program now choose healthier foods, monitor glucose levels during exercise, and control their diabetes to avoid interference with daily life. These changes could help participants save up to $94,021 in [...]

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Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

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A river bisects a field and forested riparian area

Research and Extension support resilient ecosystems

Recent studies and programs are conserving and protecting water used for drinking, fishing, irrigation and recreation.  Washington research helped establish 25 anaerobic digesters across the Pacific Northwest, turning dairy manure from more than 143,000 cows into biogas that provides more than 126 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. Digesters decrease water quality risks associated with nutrient runoff from manure [...]

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a woman paying bills

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 University System helps adults improve their financial literacy and stability. Here are a few examples of that work: In-person and virtual finance education programs in South Dakota taught fiscal management practices and consumer economics that helped [...]

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a family in silhouette, holding hands

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 by building life and parenting skills and fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. Here are a few examples of that work: In 2025, Ohio Extension educators launched a maternal health program to support mothers [...]

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a smiling pregnant woman

New maternal health program strengthens preparedness, well-being

Many pregnant women face preventable complications, inadequate postpartum education and challenges with self-advocacy during medical appointments. According to CDC data, Ohio’s maternal mortality rate average between 2018 and 2022 was higher than the U.S. average, at 24.5 per 100,000. Ohio also struggles with a 10.7% preterm birth rate — graded a D+ nationally. These statistics reflect systemic gaps in [...]

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an Extension educator talks toa community member about a prediabetes risk test

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 productivity. Those affected often lack access to education that supports day-to-day diabetes self-management. Complications can include kidney disease, heart disease, loss of limbs and vision loss. This prevalent chronic disease is a major contributor [...]

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a young person wearing exercise clothing eating a healthy meal

Food is medicine

The “food is medicine” approach emphasizes the role diet has in preventing disease, supporting overall health and improving quality of life. Land-grant universities connect research-based nutrition and community education to the people who need it most. By supporting access to fresh, locally grown foods, teaching evidence-based nutrition practices and partnering with communities to reduce health disparities, land‑grant programs help [...]

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A smiling woman in a green shirt and maroon cap crouches in a sunny field, harvesting a head of deep red leaf lettuce. She is working in a well-tended garden plot with irrigation lines, representing local agricultural impact and food production

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 productivity. Land-grant universities are rising to the challenge of meeting these needs through partnerships, trainings, certifications and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen the agricultural workforce. Here are a few examples of that work: Health and safety [...]

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berries on the vine

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 conditions or greater yields. Some cultivars can be a pathway to new market opportunities and new bio-based products. Here are a few examples of that work: Hemp is re-emerging as the basis of a viable industry [...]

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a researcher examines equipment for irrigation measurement

Informed decisions to optimize water use and irrigation investments

Harsh weather conditions and limited water access are driving research and technology innovation that will help farmers and producers make informed decisions about irrigation investments and how to optimize water use efficiency.   In Nevada, water is so limited that inefficient use of irrigation water can reduce crop yields and threaten a farm’s financial viability. Traditional irrigation systems assume uniform field [...]

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a smiling group of master gardeners

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 Extension Master Gardener programs partner with local organizations, schools and vulnerable communities to grow and distribute locally grown produce as well as create jobs.  Here are a few examples of that work: The Master Gardener program [...]

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two smiling Extension agents in a community garden

Growing food security in urban spaces

Urban communities continue to face persistent constraints related to food access, limited growing space and water availability. Urban, small-scale food production, including controlled environment agriculture such as greenhouses and vertical farming, is a rapidly growing part of local food systems. These systems support food security, environmental sustainability and community resilience. Here are a few examples of that work: A program to [...]

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two UAPB athletes speaking at a meeting

Land-grant universities educate individuals and communities about health, nutrition and chronic disease prevention

Many American individuals and communities struggle with building or maintaining healthy lifestyles that contribute to better health outcomes. A lack of awareness of health information and resource constraints limit people’s abilities to eat healthy foods or get enough physical activity. Extension leaders from 1890 land-grant universities are bringing information to communities struggling with high rates of obesity and chronic [...]

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Tahirah Johnson examines testing samples under a magnifying glass in a research lab on the University of Maryland Campus in 2024.

Innovative methods for safer, healthier food production practices

Regional food production is critical to local economies and supporting American food systems. Rising reports of foodborne illnesses, increased antibiotic resistance and newer production systems like soilless agriculture necessitate a better understanding of the risks and options to improve the safety and health value of food products from produce to shellfish and tree nuts. 1890 land-grant universities are examining [...]

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a person cooking on a cast iron skillet

Preserving food traditions

America’s heritage is deeply rooted in food. It’s important for people to learn where food comes from, how it is produced and how to prepare it. Land-grant universities are connecting youth and adults to these traditions to sustain agricultural knowledge while preparing the next generation with practical skills, responsibility and leadership capacity. Here are a few examples of that work: For [...]

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Fort Valley State University scientist harvesting a ripe peach on the campus research plot.

Addressing food insecurity to drive community impact

Food security is fundamental to the health, resilience and economic vitality of rural and urban communities. Across the United States,1890 Land‑grant Universities are uniquely positioned to meet this critical need by advancing research, education and Extension programs that connect communities to practical solutions and sustainable food system innovations. Here are a few examples of that work: When food insecurity hits, older [...]

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a piggy bank with the "Financial Literacy in Progress" logo

Empowering economic resilience through Extension

Across 1890 land-grant universities, Extension programs play a critical role in strengthening economic stability by delivering trusted, community-based education and technical assistance to underserved rural and urban populations. By expanding access to financial literacy, farm management training and wealth-building resources, these efforts empower families and producers to make informed decisions, protect assets and build long-term resilience that supports community [...]

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preschoolers look at plants in a raised bed

Strengthening youth development through experiential learning

Experiential learning equips young people with hands-on skills, critical thinking abilities and real-world problem-solving experiences that strengthen academic success, workforce readiness and lifelong learning. Through community-based programs, 1890 land-grant universities play a vital role in ensuing opportunities by connecting research, Extension, and education to support youth and prepare the next generation of leaders. Here are a few examples of that [...]

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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 that work: In Georgia, researchers are developing an AI-powered app to help farmers accurately identify Sericea lespedeza, a valuable forage crop with natural anthelmintic properties, reducing time ad labor costs.Fort Valley State University; USDA Capacity-Research. See full statement.   In Arkansas, researchers are [...]

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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 effectively and prevent complications. Extension programs provide evidence-based nutrition education, promote physical activity and support access to affordable, healthy food. Research is driving innovations in diabetes prevention and management. By combining scientific expertise with local engagement, land-grant universities empower [...]

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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 creek through the woods

Precision monitoring aids decision makers and stakeholders in protecting key watersheds

Nutrient pollution, biodiversity losses and weather variability 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: To better understand [...]

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a robot picking berries

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 are at the forefront of researching and applying these technologies, paving the way for increased productivity, better disease management and optimized harvest timing. Here are a few examples of that work: In Idaho, many cattle producers [...]

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