TOOLKITS
MARCH 2025 TOOLKIT
AVIAN FLU THREATS: The United States Needs to Prepare and Prevent Mutations that could Spread Among Humans
Avian influenza (also known as avian flu or bird flu) is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. Many strains of avian influenza (AI) viruses exist worldwide and can cause varying degrees of illness in poultry. Most AI viruses are classified as low pathogenic avian influenza and cause mild disease in poultry. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) {also known as also known as H5N1} viruses are extremely infectious, fatal forms of the disease that typically kill 95 to 100 percent of an infected flock. HPAI is widespread in wild birds worldwide, can spread rapidly, and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. H5N1 has the potential to devastate the poultry industry by wiping out entire flocks of birds.
Public and land-grant universities are at the forefront of research, education, and Extension efforts to develop and disseminate research findings that can prevent or minimize avian influenza outbreaks.
FEBRUARY 2025 TOOLKIT
19 STRONG: CELEBRATING 1890 LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES’ SUCCESSES AND IMPACTS
Throughout their 135-year distinguished history, 1890 land-grant universities have propelled agricultural research, education, and Extension by advancing groundbreaking discoveries, ensuring students’ success, and strengthening their communities. The 1890 land-grant universities are historically Black universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act. The “19 Strong” institutions’ ongoing expertise and collaboration continue to pave the way for a thriving future.
JANUARY 2025 TOOLKIT
THE UNIQUE POWER OF THE LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: ACCELERATING DISCOVERY, DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE, AND DELIVERING SOLUTIONS
Through world-class research, education, and Extension, land-grant universities are uniquely equipped to tackle many of our nation’s most pressing challenges. They foster progress by building upon their historic mission and transformative achievements. Together, these institutions drive advancements to build a strong and resilient future for individuals, families, communities, and the nation.
DECEMBER 2024 TOOLKIT
CONNECTING AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH
Public and land-grant universities focus on the critical intersections of agriculture, food, nutrition, and health to build resilient, sustainable food systems that improve community health and well-being. By integrating these areas, land-grants create greater opportunities and lead on issues vital to local economies and public health.
NOVEMBER 2024 TOOLKIT
PUBLIC AND LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES AID SOUTHEAST FARMERS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES IN HURRICANE RECOVERY AND SUPPORT PRODUCERS YEAR-ROUND
As our nation faces the extensive devastation resulting from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Southeast now begins the long process of recovering and rebuilding. The public and land-grant university system and our partners are dedicated to helping the region’s families, farmers, ranchers, and communities. This extensive work includes helping our food producers as they deal with billions of dollars of damage to agriculture.
OCTOBER 2024 TOOLKIT
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
Public and land-grant universities play a crucial role in developing and implementing AI and emerging technologies. These breakthroughs are revolutionizing agriculture by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
SEPTEMBER 2024 TOOLKIT
BUILDING SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW: THE RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT (RFA) IN THE FARM BILL
The RFA is a program that provides funds for construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the agricultural research facilities at 1862, 1890, 1994, and insular land-grant and non-land-grant colleges of agriculture. APLU and our 115 Board on Agriculture Assembly member institutions continue our efforts to advance RFA funding in the upcoming Farm Bill.
AUGUST 2024 TOOLKIT
YEAR IN REVIEW
On behalf of the FANR team, thank you for your dedication to spreading the word about the innovative and impactful research, education, and Extension efforts on your campuses and in communities and regions. This month, we would like to provide a compilation of the previous 11 toolkits (September 2023 – July 2024). As always, we welcome your feedback.
JULY 2024 TOOLKIT
LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES: FORTIFYING FOOD SECURITY AND PROTECTING NATIONAL SECURITY
Land-grant universities address long-term challenges that impact domestic and international food security and national security issues. Global food security is a critical U.S. national security concern because regional conflicts arise when people do not have access or cannot afford food and other essential staples. Conflicts displace farmers, destroy agricultural assets, disrupt markets, increase prices, and damage livelihoods. In this vicious circle, lack of food can too often lead to violence. Universities are key partners with the U.S. government’s efforts to increase food security at home and around the world.
JUNE 2024 TOOLKIT
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Public and land-grant universities are at the forefront of research, education, and Extension efforts to develop and disseminate research findings that can prevent or minimize avian influenza outbreaks. Examples include advancing surveillance, early detection, and effective biosecurity control practices that block disease from entering farms or poultry flocks.
MAY 2024 TOOLKIT
ADVANCING AG WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
There is currently a strong demand and low supply for prepared college graduates with interest and expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment. Land-grant universities are preparing students to launch and advance impactful careers in a range of professions. LGUs’ workforce development initiatives also support employers’ needs and drive economic competitiveness.
APRIL 2024 TOOLKIT
ENHANCING WATER EFFICIENCY AND MANAGEMENT
Our nation depends on a safe, ample, and reliable water supply for its agricultural productivity, economic prosperity, environmental safety, and public health. LGUs play a crucial role in increasing water efficiency and improving management practices through agricultural research, education, and Extension.