Every year, approximately 200,000 service members transition from military service to civilian life. At the same time, American agriculture faces a pressing need for the next generation of producers as the average U.S. farmer approaches retirement age. Across the country, land-grant universities are helping bridge that gap by providing veterans with training, mentorship, community connections, and pathways into agriculture. Why …
One Health in Action: How Land-Grant Universities Are Protecting People, Animals, and the Environment
Through multistate research and Extension partnerships, land-grant universities are combating avian influenza, antimicrobial resistance, foodborne illness, and vector-borne diseases while strengthening the health of communities nationwide. Disease outbreaks rarely stay confined to a single farm, community, or state. That’s because the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment are deeply interconnected. This idea, known as One Health, recognizes that …
Smarter Farms, Better Decisions: How Land-grant Universities are Building the Future of Data-Driven Agriculture
Making the right decision at the right time can make all the difference in farm productivity and profitability. By combining advanced analytics with practical agricultural expertise, land-grant university researchers are helping producers address challenges ranging from labor shortages and weather variability to resource efficiency and food production. This work ensures agricultural innovation responds to producers’ needs while strengthening the food …
Advancing the Apple: AI, Robotics, and Precision Agriculture
How America’s Favorite Fruit Is Getting a High-Tech Upgrade Each autumn, apples take center stage in farmers markets, grocery stores, and family kitchens across the country. As producers work to meet consumer demand, they are also navigating labor shortages, rising production costs, and environmental pressures. Land-grant universities, equipped with a new generation of technology, are helping apple producers improve efficiency, …
Decades of Collaborative Research Deliver Results for Cattle and Sheep Producers
Reproductive inefficiency costs cattle and sheep producers billions of dollars each year. For cattle and sheep producers, reproductive success drives profitability. Every missed pregnancy means fewer calves or lambs to sell, reduced herd productivity, and lower returns. Across the livestock industry, those losses add up to billions of dollars each year. For more than 50 years, researchers at land-grant universities …
Helping America Prepare for and Recover from Disasters
Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? This year’s theme is “Americans Stand Ready.” “The theme reflects the spirit of unity, resilience and resourcefulness that make our country strong. It’s a reminder that each of us can make a difference by taking proactive steps before a disaster strikes, and encouraging loved ones to do the same, Americans can …
Grain Bin Safety: How Farmers and First Responders Can Prevent Tragedies
Agriculture remains one of the nation’s most hazardous industries, and confined spaces such as grain bins and manure pits can become deadly in a matter of seconds. Across the land-grant university system, Cooperative Extension programs are helping producers, agricultural workers, and first responders build the skills needed to prevent tragedies and respond safely when emergencies occur. How Can First Responders …
From Soil Maps to AI Models: Innovations Transforming Soil Science
U.S. farms manage 880 million acres of land, making soil health a critical foundation for agricultural productivity and sustainability. From digital soil maps and interactive visualization tools to AI-driven models, land-grant university researchers are harnessing technology and data to better understand soils, improve decision-making, and support more sustainable agricultural systems across the country. Featured photo courtesy of Dan Donnert/Kansas State …
Improving Agricultural Productivity Through Soil Research
Healthy soils are the foundation of productive agriculture, supporting crop yields; efficient nutrient use; and long-term farm profitability. However, U.S. working lands lose an estimated 1.7 billion tons of soil each year, costing farmers more than $12 billion annually. Through research and Extension, land-grant universities are helping producers better understand soil health, improve fertilizer management, and adopt science-based practices that …
Beyond the Farm: Agricultural Research Advances American Nutrition, Economies, and Innovation
Land-grant universities were founded with a unique mission to make game-changing discoveries in the lab that transform the outside world. Through their education, research, and Extension missions, public and land-grant universities strengthen American agriculture by preparing the next generation of farmers and food scientists, driving groundbreaking research and innovation, and delivering practical, research-based support to communities through Extension. APLU recently …