View Post

Growing Together: Conversation with John Bode, President & CEO, Corn Refiners Association

In Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs by AgIsAmerica

John Bode is President & CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, the trade association representing the corn milling industry.  John was chosen by his peers as the chair of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, leading a select group of senior ag community representatives to provide advice to the Administration on trade policy matters.  John has been involved in every significant …

View Post

National Farmers Market Week: Growing Opportunity

In Agricultural Economy, Food Security, Youth, Family, & Communities by AgIsAmerica

National Farmers Market Week celebrates the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. Across the Land-Grant University System, Cooperative Extension programs are helping these markets serve as engines for economic opportunity, food access, and community well-being. Supporting veterans entering the agriculture industry  University of Idaho Extension’s Harvest Heroes program provides military veterans with hands-on farming experience, mentorship, and business training as they explore careers …

View Post

Growing Together: Conversation with Gary M. Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Cotton Council of America

In Growing Together: Conversations with CEOs by AgIsAmerica

Gary Adams assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cotton Council in 2015. He plays a key role in guiding the industry’s seven segments to reach consensus on critical policies affecting U.S. cotton, with the mission of helping all U.S. cotton industry segments compete effectively and profitably in global markets. Before moving into his current …

View Post

From Skills to Careers: Building Workforce Pipelines Through Hands-On Training

In Workforce Development, Youth, Family, & Communities by AgIsAmerica

A new study from Purdue University and USDA/NIFA found that each year, the U.S. has a projected 44,232 more jobs in food, agriculture, and natural resources sciences than there are college graduates in these fields to fill the roles. With employer demand for skilled talent continuing to outpace supply, programs that provide hands‑on training and real‑world experience are more important than ever. Through …

View Post

Local Learning, National Impact: Cooperative Extension & Youth Workforce Readiness

In Workforce Development, Youth, Family, & Communities by AgIsAmerica

America’s land‑grant universities play a critical role in preparing the nation’s future workforce—starting years before college. As employer demand for skilled talent in agriculture, food, natural resources, and related fields continues to outpace supply, early exposure to careers and foundational workforce skills is more important than ever. Through Cooperative Extension, land‑grant institutions engage youth in hands‑on learning that helps them …

View Post

Fueling Economic Development for Thriving Communities: Risk Management, Transitions, and Future-focused Innovation

In Agricultural Economy, Agricultural Systems by AgIsAmerica

Across the nation, communities are navigating rapid change. From managing risk and planning farm transitions to expanding market awareness and accelerating innovation, land‑grant universities play a vital role in equipping producers, landowners, and policymakers with the knowledge they need to thrive amid uncertainty. Read on to learn how investing in land‑grant research and Extension means investing in America’s future.  Featured photo courtesy …

View Post

Fueling Economic Development for Thriving Communities: Growing Businesses, Creating Jobs, and Expanding Markets

In Agricultural Economy, Agricultural Systems by AgIsAmerica

Across the country, land-grant universities fuel economic development by aligning research, education, and Extension with the real-world needs of farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Their work supports sectors ranging from food production and forestry to agritourism, value-added manufacturing, and emerging agricultural enterprises. From helping food businesses grow and create jobs, to advancing profitable production systems for small farmers, developing new crop …

View Post

Fueling Economic Development for Thriving Communities: Extension Strengthening Rural Economies

In Agricultural Economy, Agricultural Systems by AgIsAmerica

Land-grant universities stimulate economic growth by aligning research, education, and Extension with the needs of farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the nation. These institutions translate discovery into practical solutions that expand markets, strengthen industries, develop new products, help producers navigate economic shifts, equip businesses with essential expertise, and create jobs. In rural communities, Cooperative Extension helps producers diversify income streams …

View Post

From the Lab to the Field: Land-grant Universities Confront the New World Screwworm Threat

In Agricultural Systems, Food Security by AgIsAmerica

As federal and state agencies strengthen surveillance for the New World screwworm, land‑grant universities in the Southwest are emerging as critical partners in national preparedness. From Texas to California, research stations, veterinary labs, and Cooperative Extension experts are mobilizing to protect livestock, wildlife, and rural economies. In moments of emerging agricultural threats, science must quickly move from the lab to …

View Post

Building Resilient Food Systems: People, Communities, and Economic Vitality

In Agricultural Systems, Food Security by AgIsAmerica

Land-grant universities form a powerful network that turns innovation into impact. Grounded in their integrated mission of research, education, and Cooperative Extension, these institutions connect scientific discovery with real-world solutions that help bolster rural economies, build workforce skills, and enhance the well-being of communities across the country. Featured photo courtesy of James Parker/North Carolina A&T University. Veterans grow food, community …