Rooted in the land-grant mission, Western Region land-grant universities unite teaching, research, and extension to tackle critical challenges in agriculture, food, environment, and communities — driving bold action and measurable impact with national and global relevance.
The Western United States is experiencing dynamic conditions that bring both complexity and promise. Shifting land use, evolving weather patterns, changing public needs, and rapid technological advances are transforming the region. These forces create unparalleled opportunities for innovation, resilience, and leadership. The Western Region stands as a national bellwether and a proving ground for solutions that will strengthen agricultural and food systems across the country.
Spanning a vast and varied landscape — from deserts and mountains to islands and coastal regions — the region’s diversity fuels creativity and progress. Our land-grant universities lead the way in developing forward-thinking strategies that not only address today’s challenges but also anticipate tomorrow’s needs. Through research, extension, and education, we are uniquely positioned to harness these opportunities toward:
- Strengthening agricultural and food systems
- Stewarding natural resources
- Fostering community health and vitality
- Building future-ready learners and leaders
Together, we ensure the Western U.S. remains a place of prosperity, sustainability, and well-being for generations to come.
2026 Featured Impacts
- All
- Agricultural Systems
- Energy and Bioproducts
- Environmental Stewardship
- Food Security
- Nutrition and Health
- Youth, Family, and Communities
Extension is on the front line in the fight against invasive pests in Colorado
In Colorado, a population boom has driven increased interest in home horticulture, highlighting the need for research-based pest management education that’s easy to find and […]
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 […]
Integrated Pest Management practices protect Nevada waterways
Encouraging people to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies can lower the risk of pesticide residues that harm water quality. The University of Nevada, Reno […]
Researchers investigate contamination in global reservoirs
Reservoirs are an important drinking water source. As populations grow, large amounts of plastic, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals are released into the environment, polluting drinking […]
Utah researchers investigate connection between wildfires, floods
Many people might assume that streams and reservoirs aren’t affected by wildfires. But uncontrolled blazes can threaten these water sources, which are essential for agriculture, […]
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, […]
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 […]
Researchers show rust fungus helps control invasive Canada thistle
The noxious weed Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense L.), which originated from the eastern Mediterranean region, crowds out crops, forage and native plant species in the […]
Emergency planning empowers rural caregivers and dementia care partners
Rural caregivers supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias face intensified challenges during natural disasters, medical crises and unexpected disruptions. In Colorado’s rural counties […]
Filling the knowledge gap on Alaska’s agricultural soils
Alaska’s vast geography and diverse climates create highly variable soil conditions, yet limited data has historically constrained agricultural planning and soil management across the state. […]
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 […]
Early research helps prepare for new pest invasion in Pacific mangroves
The native mangrove tree Lumnitzera littorea (ngånga’ in CHamoru) is facing a new threat to its small population in Guam’s Sasa Bay Marine Preserve. Low […]
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 […]
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 […]
Disaster response and recovery: partnering in times of local community need
As threats from wildfire and extreme weather increase, producers and communities need information to help prepare and resources to support recovery once impacted. Land-grant universities […]
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. […]
The U.S. prepares for a potential screwworm outbreak
As a New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak spreads from Central America to Mexico, states in the Southwest are ramping up efforts to raise awareness among […]
Encouraging health and wellness in U.S. youth through hands-on activities, education
One in five school-aged children nationally suffer from obesity, and regular physical activity and balanced diets can lead to improved focus, behavior, self-esteem and academic […]
How wind energy affects land mammals’ habitat selection
Renewable energy is an important source of electricity around the world. Wind energy facilities are among the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy, and they’re usually […]
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 […]
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 […]
Art program for seniors improves emotional well-being
Seniors in Big Horn County, nestled in northwestern Wyoming, have the highest depression rate among their age group in the state, at 16%. They face […]
International collaboration to attack the cattle fever tick
Building on previous success developing genetic tools to combat deer ticks, researchers in Nevada are partnering with those in Uruguay to genetically modify cattle tick […]
Research and development of water-resilient sorghum expands rural economic opportunities in the West
In water-limited agricultural landscapes of the West, sustaining food crops for beef and dairy has become increasingly challenging. Traditional feed crops such as maize and […]
Plant disease testing saves New Mexico growers money
Plant diseases threaten crop yields, farm profitability and export markets. Most New Mexico farms are small or family-owned and lack access to private diagnostic services, […]
Informed decisions to optimize water use and irrigation investments
Harsh weather conditions and limited water access are driving research and technology innovation that will help farmers and producers make informed decisions about irrigation investments […]
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 […]
Land-grant universities help communities tackle stormwater challenges
Across the country, communities face challenges in managing runoff after rainfall. When not properly managed, stormwater can cause flooding, erode land and transport contaminants and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Protecting private forests by growing good stewardship
More than half of forest land in the United States is privately owned. This land produces nearly all of the harvested timber that is used […]
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 […]
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 […]
Supporting producer safety, health and well-being
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggests that agriculture is one of the most dangerous businesses in the United States. An estimated 160 agricultural workers are […]
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 — […]
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 […]
Building networks to aid mental health strengthens communities
Mental health challenges affect individuals and families across the country, yet stigma and lack of knowledge often prevent people from seeking or offering help, especially […]
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 […]
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 […]
Strengthening water quality across landscapes
Access to clean, reliable water for communities, ecosystems and agriculture is increasingly threatened by issues such as nutrient pollution and emerging contaminants. Land‑grant universities are […]
Food is medicine
The “food is medicine” approach emphasizes the role diet has in preventing disease, supporting overall health and improving quality of life. Land-grant universities connect research-based […]
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 […]
Developing sustainable domestic biofuels
Land‑grant universities are developing sustainable bioproduct solutions that transform renewable biomass, including food and agricultural wastes, into valuable materials. These bioproducts strengthen national energy and […]
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 […]
Enhancing food safety with research and training
The United States food supply is among the safest in the world, but every day news stories report food recalls for a variety of safety […]
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 […]
Extension trainings keep Americans safe from foodborne illness
Foodborne illness is a widespread, costly public health concern in the United States. Each year, one in six Americans becomes sick from contaminated food, leading […]
Preparing for extreme weather
Extreme weather can affect communities, farms, businesses and livelihoods. These weather events, such as drought, wildfires and flooding can pose harm to people, livestock, plants […]
Healthy aging
Healthy aging is essential for maintaining independence, well-being and quality of life as people grow older, and it benefits not only individuals but also their […]
Making aquaculture more productive, safe and economical
The seafood industry is economically vital and provides an important source of protein for the world. Challenges to aquaculture include inefficient production methods, expensive feed […]
Supporting meat and dairy industries
Meat and dairy provide critical protein and a wide variety of other products for consumers and represent economically important industries across the country, not just […]
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 […]
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 […]