Research Archives - Page 6 of 8 - Land-Grant Impacts

Mission Area

chickens in an outdoor pen

Interventions developed to reduce bacteria transmission in livestock

Food-borne diseases may be preventable with changes in behavior or the adoption of new practices. An interdisciplinary study conducted at Purdue University in Indiana identified knowledge gaps that hinder producers from adopting food-safety practices. The researchers also developed technologies to reduce the contamination of food products from pathogens in poultry. The technologies can be used in place of broad-spectrum antibiotics [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Food Safety, Food Security, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Research

students and faculty examine samples under a microscope

Researchers find natural ways to provide sheep immunity from parasites

Overuse of antibiotics and dewormers in animal production can lead to the development of parasite resistance. As a result, conventional control programs relying solely on chemical interventions are becoming increasingly ineffective. At the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, researchers are looking for natural means of controlling livestock parasites. In a two-year study they tested black walnut-hull powder and a [...]

Food Security, Story 1890, 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Research

shelves of a food bank

Novel data set combines public and private food assistance measures

Determining whether food insecurity is a temporary event or a long-term condition for families is difficult given a lack of comprehensive food assistance information. Researchers at the Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station in New York constructed a novel data set that matched Food Bank client use records from a six-county region with similar data of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Cornell University, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New York, Northeast, Research

rows of hydroponic crops

Researching strategies to protect produce from contamination

Food contamination can occur at various stages from farm to table. At Louisiana State University AgCenter, researchers are studying foodborne pathogens to better understand how they are transmitted and what might be done to prevent them from contaminating fresh and processed foods. Among the research projects are efforts to treat foods to make them less vulnerable to contamination. Those include [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Food Safety, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Public Health, Research, Southern

two scientists smile next to samples of dairy byproducts

Upcycling a problematic food waste offers a safe food additive and new market for farmers

Acid whey, a byproduct of Greek yogurt, is a major contributor to food waste and can have a negative environmental impact if not properly managed. In recent years, the production of Greek yogurt and acid-coagulated cheeses has grown, but the acid whey waste that results is not easily disposable, causing challenges for water treatment and lowering oxygen levels in [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Economic Development, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Missouri, North Central, Research, University of Missouri, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management

researchers observe drone data collection

Drone images help monitor for invasive beetle in Palau

The invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle has damaged at least 25% of Guam’s coconut trees, the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Biosecurity Division estimates. About 800 miles away, officials in the Micronesian island Palau are looking for efficient ways to monitor this invasive pest. They’re seeking to prevent a resurgence that could devastate the economy and livelihoods that rely on native [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Forest Protection and Management, Guam, Invasive Species, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Research, University of Guam, Western

a downed tree across a road

Evaluating forest hurricane damage with AI and lasers

As hurricanes continue to increase in intensity and frequency in the Gulf of Mexico, the risk of damage to homes and businesses continues to rise. Hurricanes can also destroy forests and timber farms, impacting local and regional economies. Getting an accurate assessment of how much timber is damaged by hurricanes is essential for environmental management decisions, salvaging logging operations, [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Florida, Forest Protection and Management, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Florida

a row of potted sprouts in an experimental plot

Sourcing seeds to bolster Pennsylvania forest resiliency

Humans depend on forests for wood and other ecosystem services. In Pennsylvania, many forests suffer from insect infestations, diseases, invasive plants and climate impacts that have degraded their quality over time. Many trees regenerate naturally, but planting trees will help to restore our forests. It’s seen as a valuable management strategy to bring the kind of species we want into [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Ecosystem Services, Forest Protection and Management, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University

aerial view of a Wisconsin lake

Research explores freshwater lake microbiomes

Freshwater lakes are an important drinking water source. People use these lakes for recreation and fishing. But they’re also vital ecosystems to some aquatic communities. Each lake has its own community of microorganisms, called a microbiome. Certain factors, such as precipitation and nutrient runoff, can affect whether there are more “good” bacteria or “bad” toxin-producing bacteria in a lake. Unfortunately, [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Invasive Species, North Central, Research, University of Wisconsin, Water Resilience/Management, Wisconsin

clams in an industrial sink

Creating biosecure standards for a growing aquaculture industry

Shellfish harvests contribute more than $1 billion annually to the New Jersey economy. Although wild caught harvests are sustainable, they are maxed out. A viable alternative is shellfish aquaculture, which can provide many environmental benefits, yet the growth of this type of farming relies on the hatchery production of seed or juvenile shellfish. Interstate transfer of seed stock to support [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, New Jersey, Northeast, Research, Rutgers University, Virginia

Illinois researchers use designer biochar to tackle nutrient pollution

Farmers apply fertilizer to crops to help them grow, but nitrogen and phosphorus in those fertilizers can seep from fields into adjacent waterways and degrade water quality. Once in waterways, nitrogen and phosphorus pose threats to drinking water supplies and to habitat for aquatic organisms. They can also contribute to harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers at [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Illinois, North Central, Research, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Water Resilience/Management

two scientists take samples from a tree

Research guides management decisions to protect Guam’s native forests

Guam’s limestone forests are being overtaken by an invasive overstory tree called Vitex parviflora, known commonly as the molave tree. Native to the Philippines, Vitex is now the most common invasive tree species in Guam. Because this tree tends to form a monoculture, it competes with the native species that are needed to balance and sustain Guam’s ecosystems. Clearing the [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Forest Protection and Management, Guam, Invasive Species, Pest Management, Research, University of Guam, Western, Wildlife

closeup of hay

Reducing the cost of production for biofuels

Renewable products, such as biobutanol that is derived from biomass feedstocks, can provide alternative energy solutions to petroleum-based products like gasoline and diesel. However, producing renewable biofuels and biochemicals faces significant challenges due to the inefficient fermentation processes and high production costs. Researchers at The Ohio State University developed an innovative separation technology that reduced production costs of biobutanol by [...]

Energy and Bioproducts, Story 2025, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, North Central, Ohio, Research, The Ohio State University

researcher Pam Roberts standing in experimental tomato crops

Multistate project studies solutions to bacterial spot in tomatoes, peppers

Tomatoes are big business for Florida farmers, contributing $500 million annually. Bell and chili peppers are also popular crops among consumers with production value of more than $536 million. However, bacterial spot is a threat to yields and harvest revenue. University of Florida researchers are working to solve this major issue along with scientists at the University of Georgia, North [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Alabama, Auburn University, Crop Management, Florida, Food Systems, Georgia, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Ohio, Pest Management, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The Ohio State University, The University of Georgia, University of Florida

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

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

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

two scientists take a sample

Land-grant universities drive sustainability through innovative agricultural practices

The 1890 land-grant universities are dedicated to improving the well-being of economically challenged communities. By focusing on sustainable practices, these institutions help address key challenges like food security, environmental stewardship and economic resilience. Through research, Extension and education, they equip farmers and communities with innovative techniques that preserve resources for future generations. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2025, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Central State University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Langston University, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Ohio, Oklahoma, Prairie View A&M University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Urban Agriculture, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Workforce Development and Readiness

a scientist in a university laboratory

Developing the next generation of agricultural workers

A skilled workforce is critical to sustaining agriculture, advancing food security and fostering economic growth. Land-grant universities are preparing students for the agricultural workforce through hands-on training, research opportunities and industry partnerships. These programs focus on historically underserved communities, ensuring broad participation in food and agriculture careers. Here are a few examples of that work: Georgia Extension professionals are helping students [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2025, Arkansas, Central State University, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, International/Global, Ohio, Research, Rural Communities/Health, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a mosquito on a flower

Reducing mosquito populations through nectar control

Mosquitoes pose a significant public health challenge as vectors of diseases such as Zika, malaria and West Nile virus. At the same time, they contribute to ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for various species. In urban and suburban environments, managing mosquito populations is crucial for reducing disease transmission while minimizing ecological disruption. A research project at [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Invasive Species, Pest Management, Public Health, Research, Southern, Virginia, Virginia Tech

drone flying overhead

Researchers develop learning approach for drone-based surveillance, scouting

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) aid farmers in crop disease management, field scouting and pesticide applications. UAS has the unique ability to gather aerial imagery and other large amounts of data although interpreting aerial images can be complex and time consuming. Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana have developed AgSemiSeg, a semi-supervised learning approach designed for agricultural semantic segmentation. The objective [...]

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

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, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Prairie View A&M University, Research, Texas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

Dark storm clouds brewing over a field

Monitoring climate change to reduce emissions and waste

Land-grant universities are working to provide critical data, tools and strategies to help predict, monitor and mitigate climate change and its impacts on communities and natural resources. Here are a few examples of that work: Dairy waste is a major source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which contribute to global warming. Scientists in Washington showed that vermifiltration (which uses filters [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 1994, 2024, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Soil Health, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, The Pennsylvania State University, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Western

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, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Hampshire, Northeast, Research, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of New Hampshire