Facilities/Infrastructure Archives

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 [...]

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides disaster relief and recovery

In 2025, the state of Texas experienced 31 severe weather events, including drought, floods and major fires. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center activated 21 times in 2025 for a total of 94 days. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery (DAR) is an educational network that focuses on preparing for, mitigating and responding to disasters. The DAR [...]

Technology provides hands-on experiences for students to explore soil science and career opportunities

Healthy soils are critical to sustain U.S. food production needs. Currently, the agricultural industry is experiencing a shortage of professionals who are skilled and knowledgeable in soil health and resiliency, and high-tech data analysis. Many students in grade school through college lack adequate exposure to careers in agriculture, including the cutting-edge science of deep soils, which play a significant [...]

Plant disease testing saves New Mexico growers money

Plant diseases threaten crop yields, farm profitability and export markets. Most New Mexico farms are small or family-owned and lack access to private diagnostic services, increasing vulnerability to disease outbreaks and unnecessary pesticide use. The New Mexico State University Plant Diagnostic Clinic provides New Mexico farmers with free diagnostic services using culture-based and molecular testing to identify plant diseases and [...]

Fine-tuning livestock production systems to overcome challenges

Livestock researchers are exploring new ways to achieve higher profitability through reproductive research, technology and traditional education outreach to help offset rising production costs. Here are a few examples of that work: In Louisiana, the Geaux Beef Heifer Development Program was created to support producers with expert-guided, forage-based heifer development. The program utilized artificial insemination or natural breeding combined with expert [...]

Land-grant universities help communities tackle stormwater challenges

Across the country, communities face challenges in managing runoff after rainfall. When not properly managed, stormwater can cause flooding, erode land and transport contaminants and debris into waterbodies. Land-grant universities are helping residents, businesses and local governments find solutions — from installing rain gardens to changing the way ditches are drained — while raising public awareness of stormwater issues [...]

Addressing injuries and stress in agriculture

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers face significant challenges, from physical strain and injuries to financial uncertainty. Extension programs at land-grant universities address provide essential support tailored to the agricultural community. These programs not only improve individual well-being but also strengthen the resilience of rural economies by ensuring farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to continue their essential [...]

Land-grant university research helps stakeholders lower costs with renewable energy solutions

Non-renewable energy sources are limited, and growing demand exacerbates pollution and health issues. Enhancing energy efficiency and developing renewable sources are crucial to meet demand, reduce costs, create jobs and boost rural prosperity. Reducing fossil fuel reliance improves national security and public health. Researchers and educators in the Land-grant University System are finding innovative ways to improve energy efficiency [...]

Robots make plant inventory easy as 1, 2, 3

Ornamental plant growers manually count tens of thousands of plants each season to get an accurate inventory before they commit to fulfilling major orders. An Alabama ornamental nursery might have as many as 80,000 plants per acre, with larger nurseries covering more than 1,000 acres. Some growers estimate they spend more than $6.5 million in labor each year simply [...]

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