Economic Development – Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

a student writes in a notebook

Illinois Extension program prepares youths for the real world

Young people often don’t have a grasp of how much money it takes to cover necessities like food and bills. At a time when many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, money management strategies are more important than ever. The 4-H Welcome to the Real World program, offered through the University of Illinois Extension 4-H team, opens young people’s eyes to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Illinois, North Central, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Youth Development/4-H

two teens prepare food for a charcuterie board

Florida 4-H Extension leverages charcuterie trend to teach youths about food safety, financial planning

Charcuterie boards have been all the rage in recent years. These artfully arranged spreads of cured meals, cheeses, fruits and preserves combine creativity with delicious flavors. University of Florida 4-H Extension leaders have leveraged the charcuterie trend to teach youth about food and kitchen safety and financial planning, among other topics. A contest called Charcuterie Masters allows 4-H members to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Florida, Southern, University of Florida, Youth Development/4-H

wildfire in the mountains of Del Norte County, northern California

Timely wildfire loss data supports rapid recovery for residents, businesses in northern California

Starting on Aug. 15, 2023, the Smith River Complex fires burned almost 100,000 acres in Del Norte County in northern California. The lightning-sparked fires knocked out the main power line to the small, rural county. On average, residents and businesses were without power for six days. Property burned and food spoiled. To help the community recover some economic losses, University [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, California, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, University of California, Western

young woman examines a plant in her garden

Historically Black land-grant universities reach diverse communities

In 1890, the Land-grant University System was expanded to include institutions for Black citizens. Today, these institutions continue to provide access to higher education for underserved communities, and their research and Extension programs impact people worldwide through advancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, food security, human health, and community and youth development. Here are a few examples of that work: First-time [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence, Breeding/Genomics, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Prairie View A&M University, Research, Texas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

closeup photo of hands chopping asparagus on a cutting board, in an industrial looking kitchen

Training the next generation of culinary professionals

The food industry can be a path to economic stability. But to ensure public health, workers must know about foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other employees. Trained individuals can also explore nontraditional culinary paths, which can have benefits for the home and family. Here are a few examples how land-grant institutions are contributing: Michigan Extension trains [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Georgia, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Southern, The University of Georgia, Workforce Development, Youth Development/4-H

house for rent sign

Improving housing security through renter education

Challenges with securing and maintaining housing underpin many societal challenges, and a lack of understanding about the issues and what can be done persists. To address this issue, University of Minnesota Extension provided renter education for individuals, community members and community organizations. Generally, community members had a low income, needed to build credit and rental histories, were new to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

group of women talking

Extension boosts resilience in rural South Dakota communities

With the advancement of technology and a greater interest toward rural migration, rural communities have more opportunities to attract and capture new talent, entrepreneurs and working populations who can build local economies. For that reason, South Dakota State University Extension responded to the demographic changes happening in the rural Great Plains by creating Marketing Hometown America. This Extension-based program helps [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

a man holding a wood pallet in a workshop

Nebraska eCommunities program boosts rural economies

In rural Nebraska, many communities have experienced population losses leading to a decline in economic activity. Since 2021, an Extension program from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has offered support for business owners in 20 communities in 12 rural counties, helping them set and develop strategies for achieving their goals. The Nebraska Entrepreneurial Communities, or eCommunities, initiative sets up a steering [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Nebraska, North Central, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

aerial view of a combine harvester

Assessing effects of international conflict on U.S. ag markets

International conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, can greatly affect agricultural markets in the United States. To help producers better plan for these impacts, economists at Kansas State University began a monthly series of webinars to provide real-time analysis and education. Market impacts included grain and livestock fluctuations, interest rate hikes, fuel and fertilizer cost increases and availability as well [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Kansas, Kansas State University, North Central, Research

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

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

cut lumber

Addressing workforce needs for Indiana’s hardwood industries

The hardwood industry in Indiana contributes $17 billion in value-added to the Indiana economy. With 3 to 10 job openings in wood products manufacturing for every qualified applicant, the lack of skilled hardwood employees is a significant impediment to growth for companies and the sustainable management of woodlands. To address the need for a workforce able to solve issues related [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Economic Development, Extension, Forestry, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Workforce Development

two people look at a financial document

Wisconsin farmer focus group program aims to improve profitability

Following record-high farm income in 2022, Wisconsin farmers in 2023 saw rising interest expenses, increasing debt and reduced working capital due to lower-than-expected commodity prices. To make sound, strategic financial decisions, the University of Wisconsin Extension partnered with 12 agricultural associations and community organizations, including the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, to implement focus group discussions with more than 120 participants. The [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

plants growing in a greenhouse

Extension on-site visits, conference support Connecticut greenhouse industry

Greenhouses in Connecticut represent a significant portion of the state’s $4.7 billion agricultural economy and are integral to the success of all agricultural businesses, according to a 2021 study by Farm Credit East. The total economic impact of the 583 greenhouse businesses in the state was $390 million in 2020. With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story Connecticut, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Extension, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, University of Connecticut

beef cattle in a field

Texas’ beef cattle short course, considered largest in the nation, provides education to thousands

Beef cattle production in Texas is a $9 billion industry, representing 50% of the value of all agricultural commodities. Beef cattle producers in Texas operate in widely diverse production environments across a large geographic region. Texas producers desire timely information that is relative to their specific production settings and in a forum where subject matter experts can answer questions. The [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University

sheep in a field

Sheep producers in Texas and beyond empowered by knowledge gained at shearing school

Wool sheep require annual or biannual shearing to maintain proper health and productivity. Prior to 2016, Texas did not have any formal schools or trainings to develop sheep shearing professionals, forcing sheep farmers and ranchers to quit the sheep industry or switch to sheep that don’t require shearing. The first Texas A&M AgriLife Sheep Shearing School was held in January [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University

brown chicken

Georgia researchers apply AI to track cage-free hens’ pecking behavior, welfare

Researchers at the University of Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station have used an artificial intelligence learning-based imaging system for automatically monitoring chicken pecking behavior. Severe pecking has been estimated to occur in 40% to 50% of cage-free flocks and is one of the primary reasons for increased mortality. Chicken mortality is doubled in cage-free systems compared to conventional caged systems. Egg [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Artificial Intelligence, Economic Development, Food Security, Georgia, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, The University of Georgia

dairy cow against a blue sky

Extension helps South Dakota dairies boost health, production and profits

South Dakota is among the 16 leading dairy states in the United States, contributing 13% of U.S. milk production. The dairy industry in South Dakota has more than doubled the number of milk cows since its historic low in 2004. This increase in milk cows in South Dakota and the surrounding region creates a unique opportunity to produce high [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Extension, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

a group of farmers attend an outdoor educational workshop

Seed initiative reflects role of beans in Puerto Rico culinary heritage and agriculture

Beans stand as a cornerstone within the vibrant tapestry of Puerto Rican creole cuisine. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 242 farms dedicated their land to cultivating dry, green and tender beans in 2017, generating an importation value of $15.2 million. Local bean varieties in Puerto Rico offer a host of advantages crucial for both farmers and consumers. [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Puerto Rico

small texas cows

Historically underserved south Texas small-acreage farmers benefit from Extension trainings

In 2019, the Texas Community Futures Forum identified critical issues in three Rio Grande Valley counties: sustainable business models for small farms, increasing small-acreage gardens and job creation. Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties have a combined agricultural market value of $214.45 million. Small-scale producers contribute to this total market value, but actual figures are unknown. Small-acreage farms – under [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University

a barn in kansas on sprawling field

Taking the mystery out of land leasing in Kansas

U.S. Census data reflect that half of Kansas farm and range land is operated on a leased basis. Much of the land is owned by widows and non-farming children who are often absentee. The success of leasing agreements is key to supporting healthy agriculture and rural communities in the state. Extension educators from Kansas State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, Nebraska, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln