Economic Development Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

an Extension agent shows youths plants from a community garden

Encouraging health and wellness in U.S. youth through hands-on activities, education

One in five school-aged children nationally suffer from obesity, and regular physical activity and balanced diets can lead to improved focus, behavior, self-esteem and academic performance. Encouraging healthy behaviors at an early age fosters a value for physical activity, healthy eating and preventive habits. These healthy behaviors can lead to fewer chronic diseases, resulting in lower health care costs and a [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Idaho, Urban Agriculture, Western, Youth Development/4-H

Making aquaculture more productive, safe and economical

The seafood industry is economically vital and provides an important source of protein for the world. Challenges to aquaculture include inefficient production methods, expensive feed inputs and food safety. Land-grant efforts are protecting and promoting this booming industry. Here are a few examples of that work: As feed is the most expensive cost of aquaculture, researchers in Alabama are developing feeds [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, College of Micronesia, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, International/Global, Maryland, Micronesia, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Research, Rhode Island, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Rhode Island, Western, Wildlife, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

a graphic of 4 world maps showing the percentage change in 4 different crop types: maize, soybeans, sorghum, and wheat

Even when farmers adapt to extreme weather, crop losses continue

A first-of-its-kind study analyzed the real-life measures that farmers worldwide are taking to combat reduced yields due to higher temperatures, drought conditions and other extreme weather. The findings indicate that even as they try to adapt to changing conditions, farmers are still experiencing a decline in agricultural productivity. The steepest losses are occurring at the extremes of the agricultural economy, [...]

Food Security, Story 2026, Crop Management, Economic Development, Food Security, Food Systems, Illinois, New Jersey, North Central, Northeast, Research, Rutgers University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

kebabs

Bots for kebabs

Consumer demand is strong for grilled kebabs — meat and vegetable cubes on skewers — that require highly labor-intensive tasks and complex hand-eye coordination. This repetitive, low-skilled job of producing kebabs is getting harder to fill, and even the existing semi-autonomous skewering systems require human handling and oversight. Food processing companies are increasingly recognizing the need to fully automate [...]

Food Security, Story 2026, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Economic Development, Food Systems, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern

Mike Popp stands on a floating solar array with trees and mountains in the background.

Promoting research-based solar development

With the growth and expansion of solar energy production, producers and consumers in rural areas frequently express concern over whether solar development may compete with farmland availability or affect property values and local economies. For example, solar growth in Arkansas included 1,100 megawatts added in 2024, prompting questions about its impact on agricultural land use. To address these concerns, a [...]

Energy and Bioproducts, Story 2026, Arkansas, Economic Development, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Food Systems, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas

cattle in a field

Tech solutions for livestock management

Livestock producers face challenges such a shrinking labor force, limited veterinary access and rising costs. Artificial intelligence, precision agriculture technologies and genome sequencing have shown promise in improving livestock management, but up-front costs have generally restricted adoption to large-scale dairies. Small farms need economically feasible, effective tools tailored to their specific operations. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Illinois, Kentucky, Langston University, Maine, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, Water Resilience/Management

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 [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Maine, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Maine, Urban Agriculture, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

three generations of farmers

Securing agriculture’s future through successful farm transitions

Kansas State Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Purdue University Extension in Indiana helped families ease the transition of farms to the next generation through a four-session educational series. Keynote presentations were offered online addressing a wide spectrum of succession planning. From gaining a better understanding of family motivations and communications, to the complex financial and legal frameworks that govern farm [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Economic Development, Extension, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, Nebraska, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

a man with a prosthetic leg examines a tomato plant

Readying veterans for agricultural enterprises

Military veterans across the Midwest are increasingly pursuing careers in agriculture, yet many lack access to training in production economics, enterprise budgeting and sustainable farm management, essential skills for making informed decisions. In 2025, Michigan State University Extension partnered with organizations from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois to support the Military Veteran Farming Conference, designed to provide veterans with practical [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Soil Health, Workforce Development and Readiness

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 [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alaska, Arkansas, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Central State University, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, North Central, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Precision Agriculture, Research, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arkansas, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, Western

farmers watch a demonstration at a field day

Hands-on learning through trials and demonstrations

Lack of awareness and understanding of the latest research and technologies can impact profitability on small farms. Land-grant universities provide hands-on learning opportunities where producers can learn from one another, see real-time demonstrations and learn about the latest research trials to support decision-making. Here are a few examples of that work: Turmeric, a tropical plant that thrives in Guam, has been [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Crop Management, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, University of Guam, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Urban Agriculture, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

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 [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, Kentucky, Kentucky State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Prairie View A&M University, Research, Specialty Crops, Texas, The Ohio State University, University of Connecticut, Urban Agriculture, Workforce Development and Readiness

scientists examine plants grown with biochar

From field to fork: biochar strengthens the entire food system

Corn production is central to U.S. agriculture and food systems, yet its reliance on nitrogen fertilizer creates both economic and environmental challenges. While nitrogen is essential for high yields, corn typically uses less than half of the applied fertilizer. Unused nitrogen increases production costs and contributes to nutrient runoff, groundwater contamination, harmful algal blooms and ecosystem degradation. Producers and communities are [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Crop Management, Economic Development, Food Security, Food Systems, National Security, North Central, Precision Agriculture, Research, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Water Resilience/Management

Mario Soto and Aurelie Poncet with a plant and a light-emitting device.

Building resilient agriculture through pest management

Land-grant university pest management programs strengthen agricultural resilience by delivering research-based education that helps farmers manage pests more effectively and safely. These programs improve pest control decisions, reduce unnecessary pesticide use and minimize health and environmental risks—supporting healthier ecosystems and long-term productivity. Here are a few examples of that work: Louisiana State University’s AgCenter’s Field Crop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Food Systems, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, National Security, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Maine

attendees listening at a workshop

Agricultural tax education helps farmers understand tax law updates

With tax laws changing annually, farmers, businesses and tax professionals must navigate a challenging landscape to comply with the latest regulations. The University of Minnesota Extension’s Income Tax Short Course, as well as the Ag Tax School, provide focused opportunities for tax professionals to learn about the latest updates affecting current and future tax returns. The programs are beneficial for [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Economic Development, Extension, Minnesota, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, University of Minnesota

Water quality training

In Louisiana, Extension helps industrial facilities, farms save water, cut costs

Water plays an essential role in many industrial settings. To help manufacturers, processors and agricultural operations adopt sustainable practices, the Louisiana State University AgCenter launched the Water Quality Extension Lab in 2023. The lab helps small- to medium-sized industries by providing resources, facilitating workforce networking and promoting sustainability. Faculty and students with the lab make site visits to rural industrial [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2026, Economic Development, Extension, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Southern, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Workforce Development and Readiness

a lake

Strengthening water quality across landscapes

Access to clean, reliable water for communities, ecosystems and agriculture is increasingly threatened by issues such as nutrient pollution and emerging contaminants. Land‑grant universities are addressing these challenges through innovative research and hands‑on Extension programming that empowers volunteers, land managers and future water‑quality stewards. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in Montana found evidence that wetland conservation can [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2026, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Montana, Montana State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Public Health, Research, Rhode Island, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The Ohio State University, The University of Georgia, University of Rhode Island, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife

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 [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Public Health, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Urban Agriculture, Youth Development/4-H

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 [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Ohio, Profitability/Competitiveness, Tuskegee University

a group of smiling students

Advancing higher education and career readiness

Sectors across the agricultural landscape need more educated and skilled workers to support our national and local food systems. 1890 land-grant universities offer different pathways to introduce students to career opportunities and prepare them for employment. Here are a few examples of that work: In Tennessee, Extension leaders brought a cohort of undergraduate students to the Farm Credit Mid-America headquarters to [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Prairie View A&M University, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

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 educators at land-grant universities across the United States provide training, tools and other resources to help private landowners manage their land in ways that are environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. Here are a few examples of that work: Extension professionals in [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2025, Arkansas, Community Development/Engagement, Delaware, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Security, Forest Protection and Management, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Delaware, University of Maryland, University of Wyoming, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H

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 us understand these effects and strengthen resilience. Here are a few examples of that work: Red clover, a commonly used forage crop in the northeastern U.S., increases its phytoestrogen levels under drought conditions, potentially affecting livestock reproductive health. The economic impact [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Colorado, Colorado State University, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Food Systems, Maryland, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Northeast, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Delaware, University of New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, Washington State University, Western

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 safety issues is critical to public health as well as workforce development. Land-grant universities across the country continue to find innovative and effective methods to train workers on foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Delaware, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Workforce Development and Readiness

a person looks at information on their phone and laptop

Extension builds financial resilience for community prosperity

Extension professionals at land-grant universities across the United States are helping communities build financial resilience by providing access to education and resources that foster financial literacy and money management. Here are a few examples of that work: Twenty-one percent of Oklahoma children live below the poverty level. An Extension program called Reality Check helped youths learn money management practices and job [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2025, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Illinois, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Tennessee, University of Arkansas, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Washington, Washington State University, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

an adult and teen work on a car

Extension programs drive economic growth and community vitality

Especially in rural areas, business owners, local leaders and others can have trouble finding support, information and resources. Across the nation, Extension programs are helping boost local economies and build vibrant communities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Mississippi, Extension professionals lead a program that educates new small business owners about resources and strategies that can help them [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, Michigan, Michigan State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Nevada, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Tennessee, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness