Specialty Crops Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

Topic

Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Maryland, Massachusetts, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Idaho, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of Puerto Rico, University of Rhode Island, Urban Agriculture, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Wildlife, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

A river bisects a field and forested riparian area

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 [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, California, Central State University, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Guam, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Utah, Utah State University, Vermont, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable, competitive and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Clemson University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Langston University, Lincoln University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Urban Agriculture, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

soybeans

Using genetics for crop disease resistance

Pests of major crops, including wheat, soybean, potatoes, tomatoes and wine grapes, cost American producers billions in yield losses each year and raise prices for consumers. Pathogens are steadily overcoming current genetic sources of resistance, making continuing efforts to identify and incorporate new genetics critical to reduce losses to farmers and protect markets and food security. Here are a few [...]

Food Security, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Crop Management, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Idaho, Iowa, Iowa State University, Missouri, North Central, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The Ohio State University, University of Idaho, University of Missouri, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

a farmer planting

Recognizing regenerative ag champions

Small-scale farmers who use regenerative practices play an important role in local food systems. These farmers often operate in areas with limited access to fresh food and provide healthy options for their communities. Despite their contributions, they rarely receive recognition or support. Raising awareness of their work can help strengthen community-based food production and encourage practices that improve soil [...]

Food Security, Story 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Food Systems, North Central, Ohio, Research, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, The Ohio State University

grapes on the vine

Disease-resistant wine grape reduces losses in Florida

Pierce’s disease devastates grapevines in warm, humid regions like Florida, making wine grape production nearly impossible without costly interventions. This disease forces growers to rely on chemical treatments and limits the viability of vineyards in the Southeast. Plant breeders there successfully grew a new wine grape variety with genetic resistance to Pierce’s disease while maintaining desirable wine-making qualities. They used [...]

Food Security, Story 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Florida, Food Systems, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Florida

bermudagrass field

Texas livestock, forage producers focus on profitability

Forage production for livestock in Texas is a necessity and expensive. The annual cost of producing Bermudagrass forage per acre can span $200 to $450 when factoring in land costs, fertilization practices, machinery, expenses and variety grown. The cost of weed control in a pasture or hay meadow typically ranges from $5 to $24 per acre for herbicide alone. The [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Crop Management, Extension, Profitability/Competitiveness, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University

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

A pair of hands in yellow gloves gently hold a strawberry plant, showing a flower and immature green strawberry, in a strawberry field.

Research helps increase specialty crop profitability

Specialty crop growers provide popular products to consumers. There are many challenges to growing the products commercially. Land-grant universities support growers with research and resources that help increase profitability and informed decision-making. Here are a few examples of that work: Apples are a popular product among consumers, but there are many challenges to growing them commercially in the Midwest and making [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, California, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Systems, Iowa, Iowa State University, Maine, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Specialty Crops, University of California, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Western

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

a diseased plant

Improving crop profitability through disease management

Land-grant university research and Extension programs help producers manage costly plant diseases through early detection, risk assessment and science-based tools. By integrating applied research, diagnostics and education, growers protect yields, reduce unnecessary pesticide use, improve return on investment and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience across variable production systems. Here are a few examples of that work: South Dakota State Extension plant pathology [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Colorado, Colorado State University, Crop Management, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Indiana, North Central, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, Research, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, The University of Georgia, Western

Flowering carrot plants

Identifying carrot seed disease pathogen to prevent yield loss

Central Oregon produces some of the world’s most valuable hybrid carrot seed, supporting a high-value specialty crop sector. Bacterial blight threatens seed quality yields and long-term industry viability, putting farm profitability and export competitiveness at risk. Researchers at the Oregon State University Extension Service led a year-long field study in two commercial carrot seed fields to determine when bacterial blight [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Specialty Crops, Western

a smiling group of master gardeners

Horticulture programs sprout more resilient communities

Local horticulture is an important tool to combat food insecurity in underserved communities, while boosting environmental sustainability and community health. Volunteers with horticulture training through Extension Master Gardener programs partner with local organizations, schools and vulnerable communities to grow and distribute locally grown produce as well as create jobs. Here are a few examples of that work: The Master Gardener program [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Indiana, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Purdue University, Rhode Island, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Rhode Island, Urban Agriculture, Workforce Development and Readiness

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

participants at Ginger Field Day participate in planting

Ginger fills a niche in North Carolina

Extension specialists in North Carolina led a program to help small and limited-resource farmers learn about growing ginger, a high-value specialty crop. Since ginger is a tropical plant not traditionally grown in North Carolina, farmers learned site-specific techniques about propagation, seeding, transplanting in high tunnels, pest management and harvesting mature rhizomes. The Ginger Field Day 2025 increased farmer confidence, adoption [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 1890, 2026, Crop Management, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Soil Health, Specialty Crops

two scientists operate a robotic apple blossom sprayer

Emerging technology offers new tools for growers

Emerging technology is giving farmers tools to reduce the impacts of labor shortages, rising costs, changing weather patterns and regulatory demands, while improving production and profitability. These tools, using drones, robots, artificial intelligence and machine learning, offer a path to sustain productivity, worker safety and environmental performance in the agricultural economy. Projects demonstrate how these technical tools and artificial [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Alabama, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Illinois, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, National Security, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

a man walking through forest with sugaring buckets

Designing multi-crop systems for sweet success in maple sugarbushes

Researchers at Cornell in New York are creating diversified agroforestry systems that can take advantage of the understory in maple stands or sugarbushes. While maple sugaring is a popular and growing sector, adding crops that can thrive under the trees can create more diversified lines of value-added maple products. Over several years, multiple cultivars of 18 species of fruit- and [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Cornell University, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Food Systems, New York, Northeast, Research, Specialty Crops

lettuce growing in a field

Decades of field data help desert lettuce growers improve pest control

Lettuce growers face recurring pest pressure from an array of insects that drive yield losses and high management costs. Long-term, field-based data has been used to identify emerging pest issues, evaluate management effectiveness, guide research priorities and strengthen integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations for growing lettuce in the desert areas of Arizona and Southern California.  For 19 years, University of [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2026, Arizona, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Specialty Crops, University of Arizona, Western

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

a group of participants in a field examine cover crops

Illinois study finds cover crop adoption doubles

Cover crops improve soil health and water quality. They also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But only about 5% of U.S. agricultural lands use them, despite billions of dollars in annual federal investments through efforts like cost-share and incentive payments to farmers. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers in a new, first-of-its-kind study, say investing in farm demonstration networks can bolster cover [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Illinois, North Central, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Specialty Crops, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

agroforestry

Decision support tool visualizes benefits of agroforestry

Agroforestry — the intentional integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural systems — can provide a multitude of environmental benefits. However, few farmers in the Midwest have adopted practices such as planting trees as windbreaks, integrating trees on pastures or growing tree crops intercropped with annual crops. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed a decision support tool to [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2026, Ecosystem Services, Forest Protection and Management, Illinois, North Central, Research, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Tahirah Johnson examines testing samples under a magnifying glass in a research lab on the University of Maryland Campus in 2024.

Innovative methods for safer, healthier food production practices

Regional food production is critical to local economies and supporting American food systems. Rising reports of foodborne illnesses, increased antibiotic resistance and newer production systems like soilless agriculture necessitate a better understanding of the risks and options to improve the safety and health value of food products from produce to shellfish and tree nuts. 1890 land-grant universities are examining [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Central State University, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Specialty Crops, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Urban Agriculture, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

a person cooking on a cast iron skillet

Preserving food traditions

America’s heritage is deeply rooted in food. It’s important for people to learn where food comes from, how it is produced and how to prepare it. Land-grant universities are connecting youth and adults to these traditions to sustain agricultural knowledge while preparing the next generation with practical skills, responsibility and leadership capacity. Here are a few examples of that work: For [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Central State University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Ohio, Organic Agriculture, Soil Health, Specialty Crops, Urban Agriculture, 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