Western Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

Region

young child walking in strawberry patch

Land-grant university research and Extension support resilience for youths, families and communities nationwide

Here are a few examples of that work: The effectiveness of the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness System depends on well-trained Extension professionals with research-based tools and resources. Extension specialists in Kentucky contributed by providing personal finance training to military service providers so they can pass on knowledge, tools and resources that help military families prevent and navigate financial [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Healthy foods and exercise equipment.

Land-grant university research and Extension strengthen nutrition, health and well-being

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in America. Research and Extension are fighting back. Over half of adults who participated in a Texas diabetes education program now choose healthier foods, monitor glucose levels during exercise, and control their diabetes to avoid interference with daily life. These changes could help participants save up to $94,021 in [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, District of Columbia, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, National Security, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Tennessee, 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 Guam, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Rhode Island, University of Tennessee, University of the District of Columbia, University of Wyoming, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

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

Land-grant university research and Extension drive new biofuels, bioplastics, biochar and other bio-based products, strengthening rural economies, environmental health and energy security

Here are a few examples of that work: Partnering with a private company, scientists in Pennsylvania roduced and tested biomaterials to replace single-use, petroleum-based plastics. New composites made from cellulose and starch have improved stability and barrier properties and have been developed into compostable food packaging and handling products; adhesives and foams for packaging, wood composites and construction materials; and [...]

Agricultural Systems, Energy and Bioproducts 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Biofuels/Bioproducts, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Precision Agriculture, Research, Soil Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Western, Wildlife

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

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 [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Extension, Facilities/Infrastructure, Idaho, Research, Soil Health, University of Idaho, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

One of the participants in the Training for Teens program prepares a science experiment for his after-school class.

Preparing Oregon’s youths for leadership, lifelong success

Oregon employers report that many youths enter the workforce without essential employability skills, including communication, teamwork and time management. To address this gap, Oregon State University Extension Service 4‑H Youth Development partnered with the Umatilla School District after‑school program to create the Teens as Leaders curriculum. In 2024, 12 youths completed a 10‑hour, weeklong training focused on leadership, communication, teamwork, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Oregon, Oregon State University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Five young people wearing neon green hard hats and safety vests participate in a hands-on training exercise. Two individuals kneel on a blue tarp, practicing emergency response techniques on a medical manikin, while others observe and take notes around a white folding table.

Hawaii teens prepare to respond to disasters

As an island state more than 2,000 miles from its closest neighbor, Hawaii is vulnerable to natural disasters — tsunamis, hurricanes, flash flooding, wildfires and earthquakes. The catastrophic wildfire that destroyed Lahaina, Maui, in 2023 left the community with a profound sense of loss of control and uncertainty about the future. To equip youth to save lives and property and [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Hawaiʻi, University of Hawaiʻi, Western, Youth Development/4-H

Individuals sitting around a table in a room.

Extension strengthens Nevada’s early childhood workforce

Nevada’s early childhood workforce faces ongoing challenges, including high turnover, limited affordable professional development and the need for consistent, evidence‑based practices. High‑quality early learning relies on well‑prepared educators and leaders who feel supported and confident. University of Nevada, Reno Extension early childhood programming addresses these challenges by providing accessible training pathways, leadership development and nationally recognized credentials. By supporting educators [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Nevada, University of Nevada Reno, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

a stressed farmer looking at a phone

Building healthier communities through land-grant mental health programs

Communities across the United States are affected by mental health challenges. The Land-grant University System is addressing those challenges through programs that provide practical skills training, supportive environments and pathways to healthier, more resilient lives. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oregon, Extension professionals launched the AgriStress Helpline in 2023, providing 24/7 call and text support from suicide-preventionists [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Alaska, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Oregon, Oregon State University, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Wellness on Wheels truck

Empowering community resilience

Community resilience support is a critical function of the land-grant system because it equips individuals, families and local organizations with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to adapt to economic, environmental and public health challenges. Through research-based education and Extension outreach, land-grant universities strengthen local capacity, promote equity and help communities not only recover from disruption but build long-term [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Food Security, Hawaiʻi, Langston University, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Public Health, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a family in silhouette, holding hands

Extension programs strengthen families through health, parenting initiatives

Healthy and resilient communities are built by supporting families and youths through reliable childcare, mobile health services and strong, healthy relationships. Extension-led efforts strengthen well-being by building life and parenting skills and fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. Here are a few examples of that work: In 2025, Ohio Extension educators launched a maternal health program to support mothers [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Nevada, North Central, Ohio, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, University of Nevada Reno, Western

two girls sitting at a table with information

Preparing youth for adulthood with financial literacy programs

Youths often enter adulthood unprepared to effectively manage finances. Studies reveal concerning trends, such as that only 24% of students and 20% of their parents believe they are adequately prepared for adult financial challenges, or that 27% of Gen Z individuals have no savings. Without meaningful opportunities to learn budgeting concepts and gain practice with budgeting, managing income and [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

teens engaging in activities at a workshop

4-H programs prepare youth for college and careers

Professional skills like leadership, communication, problem solving and responsibility are important in any job or career. Land-grant university Extension 4-H programs help youth cultivate these skills to better prepare them for higher education and eventual employment. Here are a few examples of that work: After Missouri employers reported needs for workers skilled in communication, problem solving and collaboration, Extension specialists updated [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Missouri, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Missouri, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

UConn Extension experts at a well water testing booth

Well water testing improves public health

Clean and safe water is essential to public health, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Those with private wells are responsible for their own water safety. Without accessible testing, education and coordinated planning, contaminants can threaten drinking water, food safety and ecosystem health, particularly in rural communities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Connecticut, 65% of participating households took [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Connecticut, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Montana, Montana State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Public Health, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Connecticut, University of Rhode Island, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western

Multiple glass containers with orange and red fruit liquids in them sit on a table.

Researchers look to science for healthier, better tasting food and drink

Working to create better tasting and more wholesome foods via science means not only healthier consumers, but also more markets for producers and value-added opportunities for entrepreneurs. At land-grant universities across the country, food scientists work to make sure agricultural commodities and value-added products have the best taste, texture, aroma and appearance possible, without compromising — and sometimes even [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Arkansas, California, Child and Family Resilience, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Missouri, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Research, Southern, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Missouri, Western

scientists working in the lab

Research at land-grant universities looks to answer complicated disease questions

The basic and applied research that happens in labs at land-grant universities across the country helps to answer questions about the origins of devastating diseases such as ovarian cancer, early-onset Alzheimer’s, kidney fibrosis and Zika virus by diving into disease modeling, gene identification, cancer receptors and cell aging. This research works toward preventions, therapies and perhaps even cures. Here are [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, North Central, Public Health, Research, Southern, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Western, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

a senior couple holds hands and looks at their land

Reducing farm stress

Farm stress management addresses the unique mental, emotional and financial pressures that agricultural producers face, helping them build resilience as they confront unpredictable weather, volatile markets and demanding workloads. Supporting farmers’ well‑being is critical not only for their personal health but also for the stability and sustainability of our food systems and rural communities. Extension plays an essential role [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Public Health, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, University of Guam, Western

seniors doing chair exercises

Reducing fall risk and promoting independence

Falls and physical inactivity are critical public health concerns for older adults. National data indicate that only 21.6% of men and 17.6% of women aged 50–64 meet the recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. This number decreases to just 9% among adults aged 65 and older. Insufficient activity leads to reduced muscle strength, balance and mobility, which in [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, Missouri, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Public Health, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, University of Missouri, Western

wildland firefighters

Protective clothing for wildland firefighters

Wildland firefighters face escalating health risks as fire seasons lengthen and fires become more intense. Their work demands long shifts involving strenuous physical labor — hiking, digging, carrying heavy packs and operating equipment — with exposure to extreme heat, dense smoke, humidity, high altitude and rough terrain. These conditions heighten the risk of heat stress, respiratory issues, dehydration, musculoskeletal [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2026, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Research, Southern, University of Idaho, University of Kentucky, Washington, Washington State University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness

Lead author and Ph.D. candidate Matt Bolino (left), working under the mentorship of microbiologist Steven Frese (standing), led the lab experiments comparing how the structural differences between lab-made whey protein and the kind that comes from cows affect gut microbes.

Nevada researchers find key differences between lab-made and natural milk proteins

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno investigated whether lab-made (yeast-derived) milk proteins are truly equivalent to those naturally found in cow’s milk. Although marketed as identical, these alternative proteins differ in meaningful biochemical ways that may influence digestion, immunity and gut microbiome health. The researchers conducted a three-part study, including a protein composition analysis, a sugar molecule comparison [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2026, Food Safety, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Nevada, Research, University of Nevada Reno, Western

an Extension educator talks toa community member about a prediabetes risk test

Land-grant universities improve lives through diabetes education, prevention

More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 98 million have prediabetes, which costs the U.S. $412.9 billion annually between health care and lost productivity. Those affected often lack access to education that supports day-to-day diabetes self-management. Complications can include kidney disease, heart disease, loss of limbs and vision loss. This prevalent chronic disease is a major contributor [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Central State University, Extension, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, North Central, Ohio, Public Health, Purdue University, Rural Communities/Health, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Guam, West Virginia, West Virginia State University, Western

an Extension agent shows a member of the public how to read a nutrition label on a box of cereal

Improving food and nutrition knowledge and skills

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps adult and youth participants improve their nutrition and health. It promotes budget-friendly food choices by teaching skills in how to plan meals, shop wisely, and prepare affordable, nutritious foods. It empowers participants and builds self-confidence, leadership and lifelong healthy habits. By teaching food resource management and efficient use of available [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Safety, Food Security, Guam, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, Washington, Washington State University, Western

hands holding a glass of milk

Improving cardiovascular and bone health in older adults

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are two of the most common, costly and disabling chronic conditions affecting adults in the United States. Diet strongly influences both, yet there is long-standing public confusion and professional debate about whether dairy foods are beneficial or harmful for heart and bone health. Conflicting headlines about saturated fat, milk and other dairy products have made [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2026, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Public Health, Research, University of Idaho, Western