Georgia – Land-Grant Impacts

State/Territory

a woman and child smile with a boxed laptop

Georgia 1890 land-grant pilots ecosystem for digital equity

Rural communities often lack adequate technology resources, including broadband access and personal computers for home use. Many students often do their work at public access locations, facing barriers such as limited hours, lack of transportation and limited digital skills. In response, Fort Valley State University in Georgia is reducing these barriers and increasing access for underserved students by using loaner [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Community Development/Engagement, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia

kids swimming in a natural body of water

Strengthening families through engaging programs

Research and Cooperative Extension professionals in the Land-grant University System are dedicated to developing innovative programs that impact diverse communities nationwide. This work helps improve the lives of youths and families by connecting them with educational resources and engaging opportunities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oklahoma, the Co-Parenting for Resilience program is helping parents effectively cope with [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Vermont, Vermont, Youth Development/4-H

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

photo of plates of healthy foods, including pita, veggies, salmon, chicken, and avocado toast

Improving gut health advances healthful outcomes

Probiotic bacteria have sparked considerable interest in both the food industry and among consumers, thanks to their potential to contribute to disease interventions and enhance human health. These microorganisms must navigate the challenging terrain of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to exert their beneficial effects. Land-grant universities are discovering and sharing ways to improve probiotic absorption and gut health to [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, New Hampshire, Northeast, Research, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire

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

volunteers give donated goods to citizens

Extension mobilizes after tornadoes

On January 12, 2023, at least four tornadoes touched down in Spalding County, Georgia, including an EF3 tornado that tore through the center of downtown Griffin. More than 2,200 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed across the county. University of Georgia Spalding County Extension staff established a call center that organized relief efforts, connecting residents with relief organizations, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia

4-H fair, agent samples planting for a group of students

4-H buddies help special needs youth experience camp

Camping programs are among the hallmark experiences in 4-H that many young people look forward to every year. But some 4-H participants with special needs, such as disabilities and medical concerns, are unable to participate. In Columbia County, Georgia, a 4-H volunteer approached Extension staff with the idea of hosting an inclusive mini camp. Three two-day programs were held that [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

fire truck

Georgia 4-H-ers get trained on how to help during natural disasters

In the past five years, Gordon County, Georgia, has dealt with its fair share of natural disasters. Tornadoes, winter weather, hurricanes, flooding and severe thunderstorms have all affected the county. In coping with these challenges, 4-H leaders with University of Georgia Extension realized an opportunity to train youth to be helpers when their community might need them during future [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

a woman looking at a laptop in her home

Virtual programs support healthy lifestyles

Programs that support healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, physical activity and mental health, provide critical education, support and resources for many residents. COVID-19 forced programs online and the Land-grant University System continues offering online options to positively impact residents and support their healthy lifestyles. Virtual programs offer greater flexibility for participants, allowing more to engage in and benefit from the [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary Child/Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Illinois, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A hand holds carrots and a beet among a spread of other vegetables.

Getting more local, fresh produce into communities

Although fresh fruits and vegetables are key to health, difficulties abound in obtaining local produce. Land-grant institutions across the country work in a number of ways to promote growing produce as well as marketing and buying it locally. Here are a few examples of that work: In Georgia, the Fresh on DeK Mobile Farmers Market targets communities without access to a [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Idaho, Kansas, Kansas State University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Idaho, Urban Agriculture, Western

closeup of hands holding a pea seed packet. there is a bag of seed packets in the background.

Community gardens increase food security and community well-being

Based on the 2023 National Gardening Survey, 80% of American households participated in a gardening project in 2022. Through Extension trainings, seed libraries and gardening kits and the efforts of Extension Master Gardener volunteers, land-grant universities are increasing access to gardens, improving community well-being, and helping individuals learn to grow their own food. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Food Security, Summary 1994, 2024, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Human Nutrition, Kansas, Kansas State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western

an agricultural field

Increasing food security with better food products

Ensuring an adequate supply of safe and nutritious food requires improving existing food varieties and innovating to develop new ones. Here are a few examples of how land-grant universities are contributing: Researchers in Washington generated more than 25 unique lines of rainbow trout with many more in the pipeline. Using biotechnology, they are developing commercial trout lines with enhanced production and [...]

Food Security, Summary 2024, Arkansas, Climate Resiliency, Crop Management, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Security, Georgia, Human Nutrition, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, Washington, Washington State University, Western

drone flying over crop

Drones, virtual fencing, gene technology moving agriculture forward

Land-grant universities and state research agencies are using multiple technologies to solve production challenges and provide educational outreach. From using drones to assess damage following natural disasters to GPS tracking to monitor livestock within the boundaries of virtual fencing, advances in technology are helping propel food and fiber production. Successful examples include: Following Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 hurricane, Extension educators [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Breeding/Genomics, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Precision Agriculture, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, Western

a group of scientists planting experimental crops

Reaching diverse farms and farmers

Extension educators and researchers across the Land-grant University System reach diverse farmers and farms through programming, information and accessible tools. Their work ensures farming resources are available to all individuals. Here are a few examples of that work: Minnesota Extension launched a pilot project to bring Minnesota-grown goat meat to halal customers. The collaboration has resulted in the first halal certified [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Food Safety, Food Systems, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Minnesota, University of New Hampshire, Workforce Development

A tractor sprays pesticides in an orchard

Safer, more sustainable pest management

Managing pests is essential to healthy, safe and productive agricultural, urban, residential and natural areas. But pesticides can cause air and water pollution and unintended harm to nontarget organisms. Pesticide exposure has also been linked to human health problems. In addition, many pests eventually develop resistance to commonly used chemicals, rendering those chemicals ineffective. Researchers and Extension educators across [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2024, California, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of California, University of Minnesota, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Vermont, Washington, Washington State University, Water Quality, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Wisconsin

a drone flying on a blurred green and blue background

Drones assess ag damage in Georgia, support insurance-claim process

Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast on August 30, 2023. The storm entered Georgia at Brooks, Lowndes, and Echols counties with wind speeds around 90 miles per hour. Thousands of people were without power for up to a week. Agricultural structures and crops took a major hit. Barns and equipment sheds were [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia

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

closeup photograph of pile of strawberries

Breeding crops tailored for the future

Food crops are constantly under attack by plant diseases and pests that result in losses in crop quantity and quality. Declines in crop health can lead to food waste and threaten global food security. Land-grant universities are breeding plants that are resistant to pests and disease for greater resilience and sustainability. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2024, Alabama, Auburn University, Breeding/Genomics, Cornell University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Western

field with rows of crops

Healthy soils sustain food security

Researchers at the nation’s land-grant universities are studying the health of soils to increase agricultural production and decrease the use of agrochemicals used to grow food. Their work will contribute to our ability to meet the world’s growing demand for food. Here are a few examples of that work: Agricultural researchers in Pennsylvania are studying how soil salinity and soil nitrogen [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2024, Climate Resiliency, Connecticut, Cornell University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Soil Health, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Western, Wisconsin

closeup shot of turfgrass on a soccer field

Strengthening, beautifying turfgrass on the pitch

Natural grass is used in 70% of all soccer stadiums and practice fields in Mexico. However, turfgrass managers lacked professional, research-based support for managing these fields. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension was invited to help develop a certification system that trained more than 200 turfgrass professionals in Mexico’s premier soccer leagues — Liga MX, the top professional men’s soccer division, [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Extension, Georgia, Human Health/Wellness, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia

a tractor spraying pesticides

Farm pesticide training program decreases drift complaints in Georgia

For many family farms, pesticides provide the foundation for effective pest management. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s pursuit of protecting endangered species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act is challenging the practical use of these tools. In response, University of Farm pesticide training program decreases drift complaints in Georgia Extension participates in a joint effort that protects both family [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story Georgia, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, The University of Georgia

two woman farmers holding chickens

Southern Women in Agriculture Workshops build confidence among female livestock producers

Animal agriculture, specifically cattle production, is a male-dominated industry. According to statistics from a 2014 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 76% of those who identified as farmers or ranchers were male. In response to this disparity, female agricultural agents from University of Georgia Extension collaborated to develop Southern Women in Agriculture Workshops in 2016. The workshops were discontinued in [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Animal Management/Performance/Welfare, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Extension, Georgia, Southern, The University of Georgia, Workforce Development