Profitability/Competitiveness Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

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

a person watching the "Field Crops Virtual Breakfast" on a laptop

Virtual education programs reach clientele where they live

Since 2020, virtual education has increasingly helped land-grant university research and Extension programs be more available to clientele where they live. These virtual programs are user-friendly and can be tailored to an audience’s educational level. By creating a virtual series that is informative and interactive, land-grant universities can significantly enhance the reach and impact of research and Extension information. Here [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Connecticut, Crop Management, Extension, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, University of Connecticut, Urban Agriculture

fruit growing on a tree

Specialty crop growers benefit from land-grant university research

Scientists at land-grant universities are responding to local grower needs to strengthen specialty crop quality and economics. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in New York are studying a new threat to vineyards. Research on how the disease is spread through hoppers led to recommendations on management practices to manage the virus spread.Cornell AgriTech. See full statement. Two-thirds of [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Arkansas, Cornell University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, New Hampshire, New York, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, University of New Hampshire, Western

cows

Land-grant university research, outreach support beef production

The United States is the world’s top producer of beef, contributing to about 20% of the world’s production. In 2023, the U.S. beef industry had an estimated value of $102 billion. Land-grant universities are supporting the beef industry through research, Extension and education, ensuring producers remain economically viable and are able to safely meet changing market demands. Here are a [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Missouri, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Pennsylvania, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Missouri, Workforce Development and Readiness

pigweed

Research and outreach on invasive species keep agriculture productive, profitable

Land-grant university research and outreach is helping manage the impacts invasive weeds and species have on growers and agricultural productivity. Here are a few examples of that work: When invasive pigweed threatened Idaho agriculture, Extension educators educated stakeholders on identification and best management practices. Educational materials have been widely shared, including more than 50 presentations to more than 4,000 direct contacts [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2025, Alaska, Arkansas, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Idaho, Invasive Species, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Idaho, Western

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 [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Central State University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Idaho, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, New Hampshire, Northeast, Ohio, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Idaho, University of New Hampshire, Western

pumpkins in a tractor wagon

Research and Extension strengthens markets through technology, education

Preserving and strengthening markets is essential to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Through technology and educational programs provided by land-grant universities, small agricultural businesses can identify new trends, develop risk management strategies and adopt new methods to ensure their businesses thrive. Here are a few examples of that work: Broadband plays a vital role in marketing businesses and facilitating commerce. [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Extension, Food Systems, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Rural Communities/Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Vermont, Vermont

a scientist examining a plant

Land-grant scientists help farmers manage costly plant diseases effectively

Each year, plant diseases cost the global economy around $220 billion. Plant diseases kill crops and make their products unmarketable, wasting food and other resources while driving up costs for farmers and consumers. Land-grant university scientists are helping farmers monitor for diseases and manage them in a safe and cost-effective manner. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Systems, Kentucky, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Kentucky, University of Vermont, Vermont, Western

a person wearing PPE and looking at a device

Land-grant universities support the viability of livestock production

From teaching producers biosecurity techniques to keeping poultry cool in extreme temperatures to identifying genetic traits that will optimize production, land-grant university researchers and Extension professionals are supporting the viability of livestock production in the United States. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers at land-grant universities nationwide are developing and using advanced technologies and data to improve poultry [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of Delaware, University of Wisconsin, University of Wyoming, Western, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H

a person in woodworking shop works at a laptop

Building stronger rural economies: The role of education & entrepreneurship

The Community Economic Development Program at the University of Wisconsin Extension launched research-driven programs to support entrepreneurs, community leaders, and stakeholders. The Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture provided three years of coaching to rural communities, helping seven towns strengthen local business ecosystems. The Homegrown program assisted 60 community leaders in underserved areas with economic data analysis, support networks and business [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness

a woman farmer checks on a cow

Program for women farmers increases well-being, safety and productivity

Nationally, women account for 36% of all U.S. agricultural producers and 41% of beginning farmers. The Northeast corridor, which extends from Maine to West Virginia, is home to many of the counties with the highest percentage of women farmers. Yet, U.S. Department of Agriculture data consistently show that farms in which a woman is the primary operator tend to be [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Extension, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, University of Vermont, Vermont, Workforce Development and Readiness

honey sale sign at a farmers market

Developing new farmers, new products and new markets to boost agriculture sector

Many communities across the United States are seeing a decline in the agricultural workforce as experienced farmers retire. This issue has been exacerbated by national declines in new and beginning farmers. Land-grant universities are working to recruit and train new farmers, address their challenges and find ways to help them to thrive, including new crops and new marketing opportunities. [...]

Food Security, Summary 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Nevada, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Nevada Reno, University of Vermont, Vermont, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

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 [...]

Energy and Bioproducts, Summary 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Cornell University, Economic Development, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Kentucky, New York, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas, University of Kentucky

ear of corn with fungal growth

Mitigating fungal contamination of cereal grains with light

Fungal contamination threatens food security and public health and causes significant economic losses, especially in cereal crops. Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum are particularly impactful, with Fusarium alone causing over $300 million in annual U.S. losses. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that far-ultraviolet-C light (222-nanometer wavelength) effectively kills these fungi without harming grain quality. This treatment, safe [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Crop Management, Food Safety, Food Security, Illinois, North Central, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

a flooded agricultural field

Cover crops help reclaim contaminated vegetable fields

When 84 Vermont vegetable farms were flooded by heavy rains, crops were destroyed on nearly 450 acres, at an estimated loss of $4.6 million. The flooded soil also became contaminated, affecting the safety of produce and soil nutrient levels. The loss represented about 10% of the state’s commercial vegetable production. The University of Vermont Extension provided free soil testing to [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Northeast, Profitability/Competitiveness, Soil Health, University of Vermont, Vermont

Supporting the next generation of ranchers in Texas

The Generation Next course led by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension gives new landowners (or those who expect to inherit land) the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to operate successful ranches and achieve their dreams. The 12-week, online course is taught twice per year covering topics that include understanding agricultural business taxes and insurance, finance tracking, evaluating land resources, land [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Workforce Development and Readiness

3 scientists taking samples in a field

Extended-season cattle grazing reduces invasive grasses and wildfire risk in eastern Oregon

Wildfires have burned 2.5 million acres in eastern Oregon since 2010, devastating the natural landscape and negatively impacting rangelands essential to Oregon’s cattle and dairy industries. In this region, invasive grasses out-compete native plants and create a buildup of “fine fuels” that increase wildfire risks. To address this issue, an Oregon State University Extension Service specialist and associate professor in [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Invasive Species, Oregon, Oregon State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Western

Dogs can be lifesavers for livestock

Like guardian angels, guardian dogs can be lifesavers for livestock. Increasing conflicts between livestock and predatory wildlife have prompted ranchers to seek effective and affordable protection for their cattle, sheep and other livestock. Through workshops, consultations and online resources, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension researchers help livestock producers manage and train livestock guardian dogs to effectively deter predators such as coyotes, [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Extension, Food Systems, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University

tractor with a mechanical mower mowing grass on the side of the asphalt road

Autonomous machine systems to increase productivity, efficiency of crop production

Purdue University in Indiana is leading an autonomous machinery project to enhance productivity, efficiency and elevate profitability by alleviating labor workload. Autonomous machines can capture data and help overcome labor-related limitations. This data capture helps farmers with comprehensive insights and data-driven decision making. Purdue has used an autonomous inner-row sensor platform, harvest logistics tracking and autonomous roadside mowing as part of [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Crop Management, Indiana, North Central, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research

tomatoes on the vine

Optimizing nutrition for tomatoes enhances economic returns to growers

Nutrient deficiencies and excess can reduce tomato crop productivity, harvest quality and economic return. Mississippi State University Extension researchers evaluated nitrogen application rates in field tomato production in north Mississippi during the summer seasons of 2023 and 2024. They collected soil, water, leaf, fruit, stem and harvest samples, then processed and analyzed them. Based on the field studies, they determined [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern

hemp

Helping hemp growers improve crop quality

Hemp, a non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis sativa L, has re-emerged as a popular crop after the 2018 Farm Bill granted hemp “crop status,” therefore removing it from the Drug Enforcement Administration list. It is sought after for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products including cosmetics, foods, fiber, building materials, biofuel and soil remediation. Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station scientists [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Crop Management, Extension, Fiber Systems, Northeast, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Specialty Crops, University of Vermont, Vermont, Workforce Development and Readiness

a group of scientists smile around the AI-powered robot in an experimental field

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 [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Alabama, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, Crop Management, Facilities/Infrastructure, Food Systems, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern

a person spraying pesticide on a plant

Restricted-use pesticide training boosts wages and saves local farmers money on pesticide management costs

Most farmers need to pay a contractor to spray restricted-use pesticides on their farms if they don’t have a license to do so. At $8 per acre, applied three times each growing season, the cost can really add up. On average, a farmer in Jackson County, Florida, can expect to spend more than $2,400 on pest control each season. A [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Crop Management, Extension, Florida, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, University of Florida, Workforce Development and Readiness

irrigation on a wheat field

Tennessee farmers increase irrigation for higher crop yields

When adopting irrigation, Tennessee row-crop producers must make appropriate choices of when and where to place it because the cost is high, varying from $1,500 to $2,500 per acre in a region where rainfall and good water-holding soils often provide a majority of the crop’s water requirement. University of Tennessee researchers and educators held on-farm research demonstrations, webinars and educational [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Tennessee, University of Tennessee, Water Resilience/Management

cattle in a smoky wooded area

Wildfire smoke research provides insights to help ranchers protect their herds and reduce stress

Wildfires that scorched nearly 2 million acres in Eastern Oregon exposed many local cattle to significant levels of wildfire smoke. In the aftermath, cows across the state, on both dairy and beef operations, have been getting sick with symptoms like runny noses, runny eyes and severe discharge. An Oregon State University Extension Service beef specialist hypothesized that inhaling smoke dries [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Extension, Food Security, Oregon, Oregon State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Western