Day after day, parents around the country struggle with their kids over mealtime. Picky eating is common and can lead to problems including malnutrition, cavities, and much more for years to come. Researchers from the University of Delaware have put together a guide for parents trying to wade through this battle. The problem goes deeper than love for sweets and …
UNH reveals the secret ingredient for strong calves
Malnourished calves are a major burden on farmers, both financially and emotionally. Many calves are unable to develop a strong immune system due to the quality of their mother’s colostrum (the first milk produced postpartum). This milk is packed with nutrients newborns need to survive, but over half of colostrum produced in the United States is considered “poor quality.” A …
Can earthquakes lead to lung cancer?
Once an earthquake passes, there is still a subtle, silent, and potentially devastating aftershock to be considered: radon. The University of Alaska Extension Service warns about possible radon leaks and released information on radon testing and mitigation. Radon is extremely poisonous and can cause cell damage in the lungs. In fact, breathing the colorless, odorless gas is the second leading …
Why is Zika still important to the U.S.?
Zika, a virus spread through mosquito bites which can cause both paralysis and birth defects, made the news after a 2015 outbreak in Brazil that quickly spread to other countries. Though it may have faded from public consciousness, the Zika virus is something that still has scientists and public health officials very concerned. Fortunately, a research team at the University …
There’s a new study about the U.S. egg industry
It’s National Egg Month and chances are if you’re eating eggs made (laid) the U.S., they came from Iowa. In fact, Iowa is the top egg producer in the United States, producing one out of every five eggs in the country. Based on data pulled from the Iowa Egg Industry Center, they produced over 16 billion eggs between 2016 and …
The benefits of a more resilient peanut
A growing global population has the potential to place a strain on resources: each person takes up space, and needs to eat. Unfortunately, space is also required to cultivate the extra food needed to feed the population. Thus, we find ourselves in an alarming catch-22. Researchers from the University of Georgia are turning to the humble peanut for the answer. …
Are short-term benefits worth the ‘Keto Flu?’
You’ve heard of the keto diet: chances are a friend, coworker, or even you yourself has been recommending it to everyone who’ll listen. Keto—short for ketogenic diet—calls for a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating pattern to change the way food fuels our actions, and was originally developed as a treatment for recurring seizures. While many are attracted by the potential weight-loss …
MIT’s new technology offers cheaper, faster food testing
Everyone knows the 5-second rule: “Oh, don’t worry about it, 5-second rule!” was phrase commonly tossed around during our childhood, even by adults. While it may have no basis in fact, it’s a pretty common excuse to pick up the odd fallen bite. In fact, MIT researchers have been working on the ultimate riposte to the 5-second rule for several …
Why so salty? WSU gives you great tasting with low sodium
It’s hard to stop eating salt, but that’s not necessarily a problem. Not only is salty one of the five basic tastes detectable by humans, but consuming an adequate amount of salt is critically important for survival. Quite literally, we can’t live without it. But sometimes our sodium intake can be a little excessive. On average, American females consume 2,980 …
The three principles to promote native ecosystems in your backyard
To honor Earth Day and help support our planet’s environment, we would like to share some principles that Oregon State University has put together for ensuring the health of native ecosystems in your own yard or garden. Native plants and wildlife are those which exist naturally in a given territory. They share complex interrelationships that have evolved over the course …
UNH reveals the secret ingredient for strong calves
Malnourished calves are a major burden on farmers, both financially and emotionally. Many calves are unable to develop a strong immune system due to the quality of their mother’s colostrum (the first milk produced postpartum). This milk is packed with nutrients newborns need to survive, but over half of colostrum produced in the United States is considered “poor quality.” A …
There’s a new study about the U.S. egg industry
It’s National Egg Month and chances are if you’re eating eggs made (laid) the U.S., they came from Iowa. In fact, Iowa is the top egg producer in the United States, producing one out of every five eggs in the country. Based on data pulled from the Iowa Egg Industry Center, they produced over 16 billion eggs between 2016 and …
How different your life would be without agriculture? Here are a few mind-blowing facts:
It’s easy to forget just how important agriculture is to America, but almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis comes from American farms. Just a few generations ago, most people were involved with – or closely related to – agriculture. Now, farm and ranch families represent just 2% of the U.S. population, and most people rarely see …
Students Assist Peruvian Communities with Developmental Problems
Students from the University of Vermont enrolled in the Community and International Economic Transformation course travel to Peru every year to help spur development in local communities. This University of Vermont course allows students to apply concepts they have learned in the classroom to the real world. This year’s trip, led by assistant professor Dan Tobin and lecturer Nathan Fry, …
University of Tennessee Study Predicts Impact of Chinese Tariffs
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have released a study of the effect of American-Chinese trade disagreements on United States soybean exports. China imports nearly two-thirds of all global soybean exports, accounting for nearly $22 billion in soybeans from the United States alone last year. Potential Chinese tariffs on United States soybeans could mean significant losses for …
University of Arkansas Building Stronger Economies with Rural Leaders and Developers
A new collaboration between the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and rural communities seeks to bring a bright economic future to northeast and southeast Arkansas. The Stronger Economies Together program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, aims to focus local leaders on improving their economies by planning, leveraging current assets, and making regional improvements. The …
University of Minnesota Researchers Optimize Ecological and Economic Benefits of Conservation
Conservation and natural resource management have benefits that reach further than previously thought. “There has been an expanded attention on the diverse benefits that nature provides people. It’s called ecosystem services and is a way to quantify and include these benefits in policy decisions,” said Laura Dee, an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and …
Rutgers University Supports Over 2,000 Businesses and Entrepreneurs with Food Innovation Expertise
The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University-New Brunswick is not just an education hub, but a resource for entrepreneurs in New Jersey and around the world. The Rutgers Food Innovation Center is a business incubator with a growing stream of global and domestic companies contacting them about resources and assistance to develop their businesses. The center has worked …
University of Georgia Shares their Recommendations for Georgia’s Farmers Regarding 2018 Production Costs
Before planting next year’s crops, economists from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) recommend that Georgia’s farmers have a firm grasp on their production costs. Prices for diesel, some chemicals, and land rent have increased, while seed and fertilizer continue to be significant expenses. Their experts encourage farmers to be diligent in their record keeping …
As the Pennsylvania Wine Industry Grows, so does Penn State’s Grape and Wine Team
According to the National Association of American Wineries, Pennsylvania’s grape and wine industry represents about $4.8 billion of the state’s economy due to employment, wine sales, tourism, tax revenue, and related avenues. But it’s not stopping there – the industry is expected to grow as the number of in-state wineries increase every year, going from 64 in 2000 to 257 …
UNH reveals the secret ingredient for strong calves
Malnourished calves are a major burden on farmers, both financially and emotionally. Many calves are unable to develop a strong immune system due to the quality of their mother’s colostrum (the first milk produced postpartum). This milk is packed with nutrients newborns need to survive, but over half of colostrum produced in the United States is considered “poor quality.” A …
The benefits of a more resilient peanut
A growing global population has the potential to place a strain on resources: each person takes up space, and needs to eat. Unfortunately, space is also required to cultivate the extra food needed to feed the population. Thus, we find ourselves in an alarming catch-22. Researchers from the University of Georgia are turning to the humble peanut for the answer. …
How different your life would be without agriculture? Here are a few mind-blowing facts:
It’s easy to forget just how important agriculture is to America, but almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis comes from American farms. Just a few generations ago, most people were involved with – or closely related to – agriculture. Now, farm and ranch families represent just 2% of the U.S. population, and most people rarely see …
Spinach: Best ways to grow this vitamin-rich leafy green
With the popularity of “farm to table” restaurants, have you ever wondered just exactly how they get your leafy greens to your table? While most of us enjoy the convenience of grabbing our favorite foods from the shelves at our local grocery store, each vegetable embarks on a long journey on its way to our shopping carts. Leafy greens, a …
Are your strawberries healthy?
National Strawberry Day is over, and not only did we get to eat some of these delicious fruits, but we also learned a few new things from North Carolina State University. North Carolina is the third-biggest strawberry producer in the U.S., and NC State is working to develop new strawberry varieties that are more resistant to disease. Most people may …
Rutgers Researchers Examine the Connection Between Climate Change and Fishery Disruptions
Warming seas are driving fish toward cooler waters, which are often under the economic jurisdiction of other countries. The study, published online in the journal Science, showed for the first time that new fisheries are likely to appear in more than 70 countries all over the world because of climate change. In the past this had led to conflict between neighboring countries …
University of Missouri Professor Believes Crop Modeling is Key to Getting Nitrogen Amounts Right
Curtis Ransom, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Missouri’s Plant Sciences Division, has been intrigued by agriculture ever since he was counting wheat heads with his father in Kenya as a child. He has a particular interest in agricultural research, and recently he received a National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to research how to improve recommendations of …
New Type of Charcoal Could Solve Excess Nutrient Problem
Producing charcoal by heating organic material and using it as a crop fertilizer is not a recent phenomenon. However, Kaushlendra Singh, an associate professor at West Virginia University, is attempting to produce a new type of charcoal that traps excess nutrients. The runoff of nutrients is extremely harmful to our nation’s waterways, especially the Chesapeake Bay, as it creates massive …
Ohio State University Studies Crop-Damaging Lanternfly In Light of Recent Spotting
A tree and crop-damaging insect known as the spotted lanternfly that was found in Pennsylvania has the potential to reach the Ohio border says researcher Celeste Welty from the Ohio State University Extension. Spotted lanternflies suck sap from fruit crops and trees, which can weaken them and contribute to their death. Trees, such as the tree-of-heaven and the willow, will …
Genetically Modified Rice Plant, Made Possible by CRISPR/Cas9 Technology, Produces 25% to 31% more Grain
A team of scientists from Purdue University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new type of rice plant with the help of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The plant produces 25% to 31% more grain than the average rice plant. CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows scientists to genetically edit specific parts of the DNA strand, changing the DNA code. Jian-Kang Zhu, a …
Researchers Assemble! Clemson University Gathers Experts at Annual Water Resources Summit
South Carolina may be impacted by tropical storms and hurricanes, but in the state, researchers say they are always just one month away from a drought. In fact, last summer marked the driest summer season in 122 years. Clemson University organized an annual conference that will bring together experts across the country to discuss resources and research on water use, …
The three principles to promote native ecosystems in your backyard
To honor Earth Day and help support our planet’s environment, we would like to share some principles that Oregon State University has put together for ensuring the health of native ecosystems in your own yard or garden. Native plants and wildlife are those which exist naturally in a given territory. They share complex interrelationships that have evolved over the course …
Butterfly Flowers Irresistible to Monarchs
Monarch butterflies are known for their long migration distances: they can travel over 5,000 miles in a year and fly more than 25 miles in a single day. Sadly, their population has declined by 80% over the past 20 years. This has been caused by a variety of factors, including the loss of overwintering sites in Mexico, the overuse of …
Gardening made easy
April is here, and so is gardening season! If you’re looking to start your very own garden full of essential fruits and veggies or fun-loving flowers, look no further. Get your green thumb on and get ready to have the best yard and garden on the block, with these tips and tricks from Michigan State University: Lawns Mow at the …
Which Americans are the most conscious about reducing food waste?
Whether you get your food highs from a greasy fast-food burger, or the clean nutrition of some steamed veggies, one thing is certain: people love to eat. All this consumption however, also leads us to the question of what to do with the leftovers. Food waste is a real problem: according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, up to 40 …
A guide to dealing with floods, and their aftermath
Nebraska and Iowa have recently seen unexpected and record-breaking amounts of rainfall, leaving much of their states underwater and their governments declaring a state of emergency. Extension programs at Purdue University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have provided some essential tips to help their home states deal with floods and their immediate aftermath, and these tips can be applied to …
How quickly do we normalize unusual weather? Scientist studied tweets to find out
“Interesting weather we’re having lately,” is more than just a topic of small talk to researchers at UC Davis. They wanted to know just how much the average person actually takes notice of and talks about unusual weather. To do so they took a look at one of the best platforms for getting a sense of individual opinion – Twitter! …
Are your strawberries healthy?
National Strawberry Day is over, and not only did we get to eat some of these delicious fruits, but we also learned a few new things from North Carolina State University. North Carolina is the third-biggest strawberry producer in the U.S., and NC State is working to develop new strawberry varieties that are more resistant to disease. Most people may …
The Ohio State University Researches the Effects of Soil Erosion on Farmers and Climate Change
The Ohio State University researchers conducted a study which found that erosion of topsoil reduces crop productivity and contributes to the release of greenhouse gases. While the effects of this erosion are damaging, their study found that this eroded topsoil can be rebuilt and the harmful effects of the erosion can be reversed faster than previously believed. Topsoil erosion affects …
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Awarded First Accreditation for Wildlife and Fisheries Management Concentration in the Nation
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is now home to the first and only professionally accredited wildlife and fisheries management program in the United States. The Society of American Foresters has granted accreditation to the wildlife and fisheries management concentration of study within the wildlife and fisheries science major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at …
University of Arkansas’s 5-Step Guide to Keeping Streets and Creeks Safe in the Snow
When wintry precipitation comes along, water quality experts at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture say that shovels should be the first choice for keeping walkways safe and slip-free. “Applying salt, chemicals, and sand to sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots can harm the environment once the snow melts and becomes runoff into creeks through storm drains,” said Jane …
The DOs and DONTs of freezing food
It’s National Nutrition Month, a time to reflect on what we eat and how it promotes our well-being. With that in mind, we wanted to make sure you are storing any extra food correctly to preserve all the vitamins, maintain flavor, and also reduce food waste. Freezing is the most common, easiest and most economic way to preserve food, so …
5 Easy Tips to Preserve Strawberries
Celebrate #NationalStrawberryDay with these great tips from the University of Florida! Download the full infographic below:
Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Food Safe During the Holiday Season
Food can make a great gift for the holidays. But if you’re on the receiving end, food safety specialist Londa Nwadike wants you to be sure you’re storing the food properly in order to enjoy it throughout the season. As a consumer food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension, she has learned …
Feast on Fish This Holiday Season
There’s so many delicious ways to prepare fish, which is why it is such a popular dish at holiday meals! But fish must be handled very carefully during prep, cooking, and storage to prevent illness. Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist at Virginia State University, Dr. Brian Nerrie, shares his tips to keep your seafood safe this holiday season: Freshness: Fish has …
Keep Your Foodie Gifts Safe This Holiday Season
Whether you prefer cookies or caviar, food is a great gift for your party hosts, coworkers, or anyone this holiday season. But before you spend time and money on gifting perishable foods, follow these tips from Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension, who will prevent your food gifts …
Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays with Tips from OSU
As you gear up for the holidays, remember that festive decorations, party foods, and other changes to your daily routine may not be good for your pets. Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Luckily, Oklahoma State University developed tips to keep your furry family members stay safe this holiday season: Christmas trees: Although often …
14 Land-Grant Universities Work Together to Improve Food Safety Practices and Quality Control
When we think of food safety, we usually think of clean kitchen practices at home or handling raw meats properly. But food safety and quality control issues can be a huge issue in grocery stores, too, when it comes to products like packaged salad, carrot sticks, and pre-sliced fruit. These ready-to-eat containers that we buy in grocery stores can spoil …
The benefits of a more resilient peanut
A growing global population has the potential to place a strain on resources: each person takes up space, and needs to eat. Unfortunately, space is also required to cultivate the extra food needed to feed the population. Thus, we find ourselves in an alarming catch-22. Researchers from the University of Georgia are turning to the humble peanut for the answer. …
MIT’s new technology offers cheaper, faster food testing
Everyone knows the 5-second rule: “Oh, don’t worry about it, 5-second rule!” was phrase commonly tossed around during our childhood, even by adults. While it may have no basis in fact, it’s a pretty common excuse to pick up the odd fallen bite. In fact, MIT researchers have been working on the ultimate riposte to the 5-second rule for several …
PVAMU Working to End Food Insecurity for Future Holidays
The holiday season is full of time with family and friends, and many people spend this time eating large meals together. The thought of big tables of nutritious food can bring happiness to some, but food insecurity to many others. Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is hoping to end that divide. Food insecurity, or the lack of access to healthy …
Ohio State University Studies Crop-Damaging Lanternfly In Light of Recent Spotting
A tree and crop-damaging insect known as the spotted lanternfly that was found in Pennsylvania has the potential to reach the Ohio border says researcher Celeste Welty from the Ohio State University Extension. Spotted lanternflies suck sap from fruit crops and trees, which can weaken them and contribute to their death. Trees, such as the tree-of-heaven and the willow, will …
Fort Valley State University Uses Unique Device for Groundbreaking Food Safety Research
In addition to being named Color of the Year, ultraviolet is making a statement in food safety research. The USDA has provided Fort Valley State University with a $35,000 device that uses ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms on food surfaces. Dr. Ajit Mahapatra, FVSU associate professor of food and bioprocess engineering, said the system is unique because it’s a safer …
14 Land-Grant Universities Work Together to Improve Food Safety Practices and Quality Control
When we think of food safety, we usually think of clean kitchen practices at home or handling raw meats properly. But food safety and quality control issues can be a huge issue in grocery stores, too, when it comes to products like packaged salad, carrot sticks, and pre-sliced fruit. These ready-to-eat containers that we buy in grocery stores can spoil …
Iowa State University Provides Free Resources for Farmers Who Need Financial, Legal, and Psychological Guidance
2017 has been a challenging year for farmers, and 2018 is not guaranteed to be better. Iowa State University doesn’t want farmers to go through it alone and has resources available for those who need help: Iowa Concern: A product of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Concern is a toll-free number, live chat website, and email service that …
University of Delaware Helps Us Decode Food Labels and Understand Their Impact on Consumer Behavior
“Organic,” “fair-trade,” “cage free” – what do these terms really mean? For consumers, these terms indicate that the food is healthy, high-quality, and should be purchased. For scientists, they’re misleading and more damaging in the stigma they create, not the content of the food. The University of Delaware recently led a study published in the Applied Economics Perspectives and Policy …
Kansas State University Investigates the Toxins in Our Food and How to Keep Them Out
Food security has always been a global issue. Although the industry continues to work on preventing toxins from affecting our food, it is a large and challenging problem to tackle. Mycotoxins are a type of toxin that stem from fungal infections in crops. When the toxins go undetected and enter the world’s food supply, it can have extreme effects on …
Oregon State University Gets to the Source of the Main Issues in Rural, Food-Insecure Communities
An Oregon State University study followed 144 families in three Oregon counties – 40 percent of which were determined to be at risk for food insecurity by OSU researchers. They learned that these families not only have inadequate quantities of quality food, but their children also aren’t provided enough opportunities to be active outside of the school day. The Centers …
The three principles to promote native ecosystems in your backyard
To honor Earth Day and help support our planet’s environment, we would like to share some principles that Oregon State University has put together for ensuring the health of native ecosystems in your own yard or garden. Native plants and wildlife are those which exist naturally in a given territory. They share complex interrelationships that have evolved over the course …
Don’t take it for granted, happy #WorldWaterDay!
While the water we drink today has been around since long before dinosaurs roamed the planet, we in modern societies take it for granted. We go about our days with access to automatic sinks, bottled water and Brita filters thinking nothing of it, when really these are luxuries that ought not be ignored. Water-use efficiency and quality is at stake: …
A Holiday Toast from Arizona
The holidays wouldn’t be as merry without a glass of wine to toast with. When many think of where wine comes from, California and France come to mind. But did you know that Arizona has a strong wine industry? In the 1970’s, University of Arizona soil scientists learned how friendly the soils were for viticulture, which lead to a flourishing …
From Planting to Pinching: The Ins and Outs of Poinsettia Production
While flowers are not usually plentiful during the winter months, poinsettias are an exception to the rule. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are originally from Mexico and became a popular Christmas plant in the early 20th century. Today, there are hundreds of compact, long lasting varieties. Red continues to be the most popular color, however, white, pink, and specked or marbled varieties …
Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Food Safe During the Holiday Season
Food can make a great gift for the holidays. But if you’re on the receiving end, food safety specialist Londa Nwadike wants you to be sure you’re storing the food properly in order to enjoy it throughout the season. As a consumer food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension, she has learned …
Feast on Fish This Holiday Season
There’s so many delicious ways to prepare fish, which is why it is such a popular dish at holiday meals! But fish must be handled very carefully during prep, cooking, and storage to prevent illness. Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist at Virginia State University, Dr. Brian Nerrie, shares his tips to keep your seafood safe this holiday season: Freshness: Fish has …
Keep Your Foodie Gifts Safe This Holiday Season
Whether you prefer cookies or caviar, food is a great gift for your party hosts, coworkers, or anyone this holiday season. But before you spend time and money on gifting perishable foods, follow these tips from Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension, who will prevent your food gifts …
Deck the Halls Safely with Easy Ladder Tips
Holiday decorations are part of what makes this season so special. Unfortunately, they can also have the potential to bring injury and danger. Ladders are used to hang lights and decorations up high for everyone to enjoy, however if they aren’t used correctly, ladders can increase the risk for injury or even death. Here are a few tips from Oklahoma …
PVAMU Working to End Food Insecurity for Future Holidays
The holiday season is full of time with family and friends, and many people spend this time eating large meals together. The thought of big tables of nutritious food can bring happiness to some, but food insecurity to many others. Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is hoping to end that divide. Food insecurity, or the lack of access to healthy …
Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays with Tips from OSU
As you gear up for the holidays, remember that festive decorations, party foods, and other changes to your daily routine may not be good for your pets. Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Luckily, Oklahoma State University developed tips to keep your furry family members stay safe this holiday season: Christmas trees: Although often …
UNH reveals the secret ingredient for strong calves
Malnourished calves are a major burden on farmers, both financially and emotionally. Many calves are unable to develop a strong immune system due to the quality of their mother’s colostrum (the first milk produced postpartum). This milk is packed with nutrients newborns need to survive, but over half of colostrum produced in the United States is considered “poor quality.” A …
University of Arkansas obtains Dorper sheep to study forages
Animal science researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have attained Dorper sheep to help examine forage and digestion issues. Prior to the Dorper Sheep researchers were buying lambs. However, this was a constant problem because the researchers knew nothing about the lamb’s genetics, heath status or age which made it hard for the groups of lamb …
Deep Trouble for New Mexico’s State Fish
New Mexico’s state fish, the cutthroat trout, is in trouble, as their habitat is being taken over by invasive species, the brown trout. Lauren Flynn, a New Mexico State University graduate student in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences’ Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, is conducting research to find what can be done to preserve Rio …
The University of Arizona Supports Local Rancher Needs Through Educational Workshops
The University of Arizona is supporting the needs of local livestock producers through educational workshops on best industry practices. The University’s College Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences with the Cooperative Extension Service hosted a Livestock Producer Workshop for 63 participants from eight counties across Arizona and New Mexico. Ranchers and stakeholders requested educational training from the University of Arizona Extension …
Auburn University’s Research Continues Advancing the Poultry Industry Thanks to Generous Donation
Auburn University is able to continue developing a state-of-the-art research and education facility thanks to a $500,000 donation from Alabama-based D&F Equipment Sales Inc. and the Fortenberry family, the company’s founding family. The donation will specifically go to adding a processing plant to the ongoing construction of the Charles C. Miller Research and Education Center. The future plant will be …
Louisiana State University Ag Center Finds Bees and Cattle Mutually Benefit Each Other
The Louisiana State University Ag Center is working to prevent bee populations from declining and ensuring vibrant pastures for cattle. Scientists at the Ag Center have found reach both objectives simultaneously by placing bee hives at cattle pastures. The team found that clover-covered pastures will benefit both populations. Beekeepers looking to prevent bee population decline found flowering clover to be …
Purdue University Unveils New State-of-the-Art Animal Science Facility
Purdue University formally dedicated its new $60 million, 123,000 square-foot animal sciences complex in a ceremony on March 22. The dedication ceremony represents the university’s commitment to innovating and improving Indiana’s $6 billion livestock industry, which accounts for more than 35,000 jobs. The facility will serve as a center for interactive student learning and advanced research. “These wonderful state-of-the art …
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Awarded First Accreditation for Wildlife and Fisheries Management Concentration in the Nation
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is now home to the first and only professionally accredited wildlife and fisheries management program in the United States. The Society of American Foresters has granted accreditation to the wildlife and fisheries management concentration of study within the wildlife and fisheries science major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at …
University of Missouri Receives $300,000 Grant to Expand Cattle Research
Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the USDA, University of Missouri’s Division of Animal Sciences will be able to expand on their leadership opportunities regarding their vast research and work with beef cattle reproduction and genetics. The grant will be used to develop The National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics (NCARG) in Beef Cattle. The goal of the project …
Poultry Research at the University of Arkansas Can Teach Us a Lot About Chicken and Human Health
Walter Bottje is a poultry scientist and at the University of Arkansas, and has recently started researching the complex connection between human health and the poultry industry. He is curious about the impact chicken cells’ mitochondrial activity has on a bird’s ability to convert food into muscle. It’s all about feed efficiency– the ability for chickens to turn feed nutrients …
Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters
Day after day, parents around the country struggle with their kids over mealtime. Picky eating is common and can lead to problems including malnutrition, cavities, and much more for years to come. Researchers from the University of Delaware have put together a guide for parents trying to wade through this battle. The problem goes deeper than love for sweets and …
Are short-term benefits worth the ‘Keto Flu?’
You’ve heard of the keto diet: chances are a friend, coworker, or even you yourself has been recommending it to everyone who’ll listen. Keto—short for ketogenic diet—calls for a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating pattern to change the way food fuels our actions, and was originally developed as a treatment for recurring seizures. While many are attracted by the potential weight-loss …
Why so salty? WSU gives you great tasting with low sodium
It’s hard to stop eating salt, but that’s not necessarily a problem. Not only is salty one of the five basic tastes detectable by humans, but consuming an adequate amount of salt is critically important for survival. Quite literally, we can’t live without it. But sometimes our sodium intake can be a little excessive. On average, American females consume 2,980 …
The 13 keys to a healthy (and sustainable) diet
Yesterday was World Health Day, celebrated every 7th of April under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise health awareness across the globe. This campaign dates back to 1950, a couple of years after the First World Health Assembly was held, and it’s supported by the 194 member states, including the USA. Over the years, the WHO …
Avocados are the pits
A few days from National Nutrition Month comes to an end, there’s been a recent, almost accidental discovery regarding a certain nutritional all-star that could keep you from puffing up ever again. The Penn State scientists have found evidence that avocado seeds may be the key to an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical breakthrough! Over the past several years, these researchers were actually …
Four things you need to know for if you suffer from spring allergies
Today at 5:58 p.m. EDT we will be welcoming spring. The first day of spring, the Vernal Equinox, has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The term vernal is Latin for “spring” and equinox is Latin for “equal night“. That will mean more hours of daylight from now on, and warmer days! But spring not only brings …
The new UNH’s George Squashington pale ale
George Washington is famed for being the first president of the United States, but now he’s a part of something even more revered – beer! The University of New Hampshire’s new brew, proudly named “George Squashington” is the lovechild of the NH Agricultural Experiment Station and the university’s new brewing science program. The former supplied the squash, and the latter …
The DOs and DONTs of freezing food
It’s National Nutrition Month, a time to reflect on what we eat and how it promotes our well-being. With that in mind, we wanted to make sure you are storing any extra food correctly to preserve all the vitamins, maintain flavor, and also reduce food waste. Freezing is the most common, easiest and most economic way to preserve food, so …
PawPaw: the hidden health fruit
National Nutrition Month is here, and that means it’s time to stock up on all of the garden-goodies that keep your body running. Everyone knows about the staple health foods, like kale or blueberries, but this is NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH. It’s a big deal, and there are so many fruits and vegetables to explore. Enter the pawpaw, a rising (star)fruit …
Spinach: Best ways to grow this vitamin-rich leafy green
With the popularity of “farm to table” restaurants, have you ever wondered just exactly how they get your leafy greens to your table? While most of us enjoy the convenience of grabbing our favorite foods from the shelves at our local grocery store, each vegetable embarks on a long journey on its way to our shopping carts. Leafy greens, a …
Bugging the bugs with safe and natural insecticides
Bugs and people have a lot more in common that you may think: we share about 60%* of the same genetic code, we both need to breathe air, and we both enjoy a good veggie now and again. The problem for us humans really stems from this last one, because the thing is, we don’t like to share. We worked …
Are your strawberries healthy?
National Strawberry Day is over, and not only did we get to eat some of these delicious fruits, but we also learned a few new things from North Carolina State University. North Carolina is the third-biggest strawberry producer in the U.S., and NC State is working to develop new strawberry varieties that are more resistant to disease. Most people may …
Can earthquakes lead to lung cancer?
Once an earthquake passes, there is still a subtle, silent, and potentially devastating aftershock to be considered: radon. The University of Alaska Extension Service warns about possible radon leaks and released information on radon testing and mitigation. Radon is extremely poisonous and can cause cell damage in the lungs. In fact, breathing the colorless, odorless gas is the second leading …
Why is Zika still important to the U.S.?
Zika, a virus spread through mosquito bites which can cause both paralysis and birth defects, made the news after a 2015 outbreak in Brazil that quickly spread to other countries. Though it may have faded from public consciousness, the Zika virus is something that still has scientists and public health officials very concerned. Fortunately, a research team at the University …
The DOs and DONTs of freezing food
It’s National Nutrition Month, a time to reflect on what we eat and how it promotes our well-being. With that in mind, we wanted to make sure you are storing any extra food correctly to preserve all the vitamins, maintain flavor, and also reduce food waste. Freezing is the most common, easiest and most economic way to preserve food, so …
5 Easy Tips to Preserve Strawberries
Celebrate #NationalStrawberryDay with these great tips from the University of Florida! Download the full infographic below:
Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Food Safe During the Holiday Season
Food can make a great gift for the holidays. But if you’re on the receiving end, food safety specialist Londa Nwadike wants you to be sure you’re storing the food properly in order to enjoy it throughout the season. As a consumer food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension, she has learned …
Feast on Fish This Holiday Season
There’s so many delicious ways to prepare fish, which is why it is such a popular dish at holiday meals! But fish must be handled very carefully during prep, cooking, and storage to prevent illness. Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist at Virginia State University, Dr. Brian Nerrie, shares his tips to keep your seafood safe this holiday season: Freshness: Fish has …
Keep Your Foodie Gifts Safe This Holiday Season
Whether you prefer cookies or caviar, food is a great gift for your party hosts, coworkers, or anyone this holiday season. But before you spend time and money on gifting perishable foods, follow these tips from Londa Nwadike, a food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State University Research and Extension, who will prevent your food gifts …
Deck the Halls Safely with Easy Ladder Tips
Holiday decorations are part of what makes this season so special. Unfortunately, they can also have the potential to bring injury and danger. Ladders are used to hang lights and decorations up high for everyone to enjoy, however if they aren’t used correctly, ladders can increase the risk for injury or even death. Here are a few tips from Oklahoma …
Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays with Tips from OSU
As you gear up for the holidays, remember that festive decorations, party foods, and other changes to your daily routine may not be good for your pets. Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Luckily, Oklahoma State University developed tips to keep your furry family members stay safe this holiday season: Christmas trees: Although often …
14 Land-Grant Universities Work Together to Improve Food Safety Practices and Quality Control
When we think of food safety, we usually think of clean kitchen practices at home or handling raw meats properly. But food safety and quality control issues can be a huge issue in grocery stores, too, when it comes to products like packaged salad, carrot sticks, and pre-sliced fruit. These ready-to-eat containers that we buy in grocery stores can spoil …
Podcasts are a farmer’s best friend
“Nutrients” is a word that’s used around a lot these days. Our doctors tell us that we aren’t getting enough, there are fancy new “nutrient enhanced” kombucha drinks out there, and our soil is always demanding more of them. But even with all this talk, many people still don’t know what the word really means. We know nutrients exist, but …
Mobile apps for agriculture, by the University of Wisconsin
They say there’s an app for everything, even for agriculture! University of Wisconsin – Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Division of Extensions are seeking to prove this point by developing apps to record and process data in both the barn and on the tractor. Their apps “streamline the acquisition and processing …
Google highlights Penn State app helping African farmers
Google showcased a mobile app created by a team of Penn State researchers that diagnoses crop diseases at the tech company’s TensorFlow Developer Summit 2018, on March 30 in Mountain View, California. The team, called PlantVillage, is led by David Hughes, associate professor of entomology and biology and includes Amanda Ramcharan, postdoctoral fellow in entomology, and Peter McCloskey, research technologist …
Mountaineer Alumnus Donates Technology, Inspires Next Generation of WVU Foresters
Forestry students at West Virginia University will cruise into their careers and studies with state-of-the-art technology developed and donated by a WVU graduate. Michael McWhorter, a 1986 forest resources management graduate, donated over $38,000 of equipment and software to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. The software, named Cruise Control, was developed by McWhorter as a tool …
Kansas State University Supports Young Local Entrepreneurs
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in Kansas features regional entrepreneurship competitions around Kansas to promote entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas. The competition brings in many local Kansas youth who have some innovative thoughts far beyond their ages. This year’s winners will advance to the state competition next month at Kansas State University. With sponsorship from Kansas State University, this …
West Virginia University Professor Receives Funding to Improve Hospital Experiences Through Virtual Reality Technology
West Virginia University’s Professor Shan Jiang was selected to receive funding for her team’s research in utilizing immersive virtual reality technologies to make patients’ hospital visits less overwhelming. Professor Jiang’s team is studying the functional complexity of large hospitals, which refers to how the confusion of navigating around a large hospital can often lead to spatial disorientation for patients and …
Virginia Tech Receives $1.5 Million in Grants to Assist Farmers with Robotics
Researchers at Virginia Tech received two grants from the National Science Foundation for nearly $1.5 million to enhance the quality of life for Virginia farmers via robotics and technological assistance. These two grants from the Partnership for Innovation and the Research Coordination Network, will be used to help farmers, one of the largest demographics in Virginia’s workforce. The Partnership for …
Michigan State University’s Lighting Innovations Improves Vertical Farming Methods
Michigan State University is bringing a “flashy” approach to agriculture. MSU researchers are drawing the attention of students with their new Controlled-Environment Lighting Laboratory (CELL) which uses light beams in their work with vertical farming. Vertical farming is a relatively new way of growing food crops and other plants indoors where food and other specialty crops are grown in vertically …
Virginia Tech Explores the Possibilities of Using Drones for Farm Management
Farmers are taking to the skies with new drone technology. Researchers at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are studying the potential for using drones to help farmers survey farm land and monitor farm animals. Specifically, drone technology is being tested with sheep. The research evaluates how sheep would react to having a drone flying overhead. The drones can be …
Join Over 2,400 Ohio Businesses and Residents in Powering Your Land with Solar Panels
If you’re considering powering your farm with solar panels but not sure where to start, you may want to check out the Ohio State University’s new webinar. Starting later this month, a six-part series of webinars will inform participants about Photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity. These panels can be installed on a roof or placed on the …
The University of California Provides Research and Resources for Drought Relief
California’s farmers, government officials, land owners and other residents are constantly searching for strategies to adapt to the state’s cycles of drought. According to scientists, the demand for water is likely to exceed its supply more often than not in California in the future. Continual research and implementation of effective water management strategies is critical to learning to live with …
FBI Honors University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Team for Counter-Agroterrorism Work
The Federal Bureau of Investigation recognized the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture for their efforts to fight agroterrorism over the last nine years. FBI Special Agent C. Daniel Sturgill presented an award commemorating the university’s support in a ceremony at Little Rock’s Cooperative Extension Service office. Receiving the plaque were Dustan Clark, associate director of the Center of Excellence …
New Mexico State University Tailors their CES Resources to their Vibrant, Diverse Communities
The purpose of the land-grant university Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is to help rural, urban, and suburban citizens nationwide by providing research-based information that improves their lives. Agriculture impacts everyone– and the Cooperative Extension Service intends to educate and empower each county through agricultural information. The New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service continues to live by this mantra and …
Getting By With a Little Kelp from Cornell Cooperative Extension
Due to various forms of contamination, natural water sources often become overly nutrient-rich, which can yield a host of undesirable effects for the ecosystem. Kelp can lessen this problem by feeding off and reducing nutrient content in water bodies, but that’s just one of the many benefits from this seaweed. Cornell Cooperative Extension researchers have harvested their first kelp crop …
A guide to dealing with floods, and their aftermath
Nebraska and Iowa have recently seen unexpected and record-breaking amounts of rainfall, leaving much of their states underwater and their governments declaring a state of emergency. Extension programs at Purdue University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have provided some essential tips to help their home states deal with floods and their immediate aftermath, and these tips can be applied to …
Colorado State University Researchers Win $5 Million Grant to Join Water Scarcity and Irrigation Innovation Research Consortium
Research into water scarcity and irrigation is receiving a significant boost of support through a $5 million grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) to launch the Irrigation Innovation Consortium. This collaborative research body will be made up of public and private partners working with Colorado State, including California State University at Fresno and Rubicon Water. The …
Iowa State University Extension Prescribes Best Practices for Flood and Water Quality Management
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has shared a series of publications titled “The Iowa Watershed Approach,” prescribing and detailing a variety of practices that can be implemented to reduce flooding and improve water quality. The publications are intended to make landowners aware of the different bodies of water they may encounter, and educate them on how implementing different management …
North Dakota State University Works to Save their Water Systems from Uncontrollable Weather Damage
North Dakota’s bodies of water have suffered for years due to abnormally wet weather patterns, causing issues for farmland and beyond. North Dakota State University’s researchers have been working hard to identify solutions to these challenges with projects including: Using innovative drainage methods to help the flooding Red River. Agricultural drainage and late spring snowmelt flooding are two major problems …
The University of California Provides Research and Resources for Drought Relief
California’s farmers, government officials, land owners and other residents are constantly searching for strategies to adapt to the state’s cycles of drought. According to scientists, the demand for water is likely to exceed its supply more often than not in California in the future. Continual research and implementation of effective water management strategies is critical to learning to live with …
Washington State University Focuses on Water Quantity, Quality for Today and for the Future
Washington State University’s research covers a myriad of water issues aimed at protecting local water quality and quantity with topics including: Columbia River Basin Water Supply and Demand Reporting. The Office of Columbia River (OCR) is responsible for various conservation and water supply projects that serve eastern Washington’s economic and environmental needs. Every five years, OCR teams up with Washington’s …
Making Water Safe and Accessible for Georgia Residents
Like many states across the nation, Georgia faces serious water challenges. Booming population stressing the supply, environmental impacts on quality and developing technologies to improve efficient use. For the past 30 years, the University of Georgia has been at the forefront of research and programs aimed at increasing water use efficiency including: Improving Irrigation Technology. The Agricultural Water Efficiency Team …
Improving Water Quality and Accessibility for Floridians
Like many states across the country, Florida faces serious water challenges. From droughts to regular flooding of coastal communities, algae blooms to mobile irrigation labs, the University of Florida (UF) has been at the forefront of research and programs that seek to protect and improve the state’s water supply including: Free Post-Hurricane Water Tests. After Hurricane Irma, many communities were …
The Ohio State University Fact-Checks the Dangerous New Trend of Consuming “Raw” Water
While some foods and drinks are safe to consume raw, water is certainly not one of them. The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences addresses the dangers associated with the emerging health trend of drinking “raw” water. “Raw” water refers to water that is unfiltered, untreated with chemicals, and coming directly from natural springs. The trend …
University of Kentucky Brings Revolutionary Irrigation System Home from Myanmar
Brent Rowell, a professor at the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, has spent a chunk of his career in Myanmar. During his time there, he tested and instructed farmers on how to install and use a gravity-fed drip irrigation system that can operate under extremely low pressure. After perfecting his method abroad, he realized that American …
Which Americans are the most conscious about reducing food waste?
Whether you get your food highs from a greasy fast-food burger, or the clean nutrition of some steamed veggies, one thing is certain: people love to eat. All this consumption however, also leads us to the question of what to do with the leftovers. Food waste is a real problem: according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, up to 40 …
How important are routine and transition times to children?
A typical day begins with an alarm, breakfast, and a trip to work, followed by lunch, a trip back home, an evening meal, then a moment of rest before heading to bed to do it all over again the next morning. Over the years, these small transitions that adults see as part of their daily routines become almost automatic. While …
University of Maryland is Helping Maryland Farmers with Farm Transition Planning
The University of Maryland, College Park is helping Maryland farmers better understand business and farm succession planning. With a recent grant of over $42,000 from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Northeast Risk Management Education Center, the university will fund estate and transition planning resources for Maryland family farmers. Farm succession planning refers to the planning …
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Makes Ag Dreams Come True
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is working to make a local young man’s dreams come true by helping him share his love of animals with his community. 19-year-old Jonathon Sink was born with a disability making communication difficult. While speaking with others may be challenging, Jonathon found comfort in interacting with animals. He wanted to share his love …
Kansas State University Supports Young Local Entrepreneurs
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in Kansas features regional entrepreneurship competitions around Kansas to promote entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas. The competition brings in many local Kansas youth who have some innovative thoughts far beyond their ages. This year’s winners will advance to the state competition next month at Kansas State University. With sponsorship from Kansas State University, this …
University of New Hampshire Supports Local Nursing Home Growing Project
Near the University of New Hampshire, the Hillsborough County Nursing Home hosts a horticulture therapy program called “Elders on the Grow.” Every Thursday afternoon, members of the nursing home are joined by a Master Gardener to tend and care for different types of flowers and herbs. The diligent care these plants often require is a therapeutic exercise for the residents …
Colorado State University Gives Children with Disabilities the Full Rodeo Experience
Children with physical and developmental disabilities got a firsthand rodeo experience at the Exceptional Rodeo, a program supported by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associations (PRCA). Several PRCA cowboys and rodeo queens volunteered to lead 22 children through some traditional rodeo stations, including steer wrestling, barrel racing, roping, bull riding, and bronc riding. Participants even got to visit with the Denver …
University of Rhode Island’s Successful Gardening Education Program Begins Plans for 2018
Last year, the University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program partnered with the Providence Public Library to host an introductory workshop series of gardening classes for urban and low-income residents of the greater Providence area. Participants ranged from beginner to experienced, all hoping to develop their knowledge base for gardening fresh food. The program was so successful that they’ve already …
Penn State University Receives USDA Grant for Helping Farmers with Disabilities
According to a report from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 401 farmers and farm workers died from a work-related injury in 2015, and 12,000 youths were injured on farms in 2014. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences a grant that will fund programs …
Clemson University Students Redesign Healing Garden for Local Hospital
As a part of Clemson University’s Sustainable Landscape Garden Design laboratory class, a group of agricultural education, architecture and horticulture students put their heads together to brighten the Greenville Heath System (GHS) hospital experience for patients. Funded by the Clemson Miracle, the university’s largest student-run nonprofit organization which benefits GHS Children’s Hospital, the students are redesigning the Clemson Miracle Healing …