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 …
Campus to Career: Growing Industry-Ready Graduates
As workforce needs grow more complex, land‑grant universities play a vital role in preparing students for leadership and specialized careers. A new study from Purdue University and USDA/NIFA found that of the ~105,000k projected job openings in the food, agriculture, and natural resources sciences fields each year, 41% are in business and management and 27% are in science and engineering. By strengthening …
Building Resilient Water Systems: Protecting Water Quality Across America
America’s water resources are under growing pressure, from nutrient pollution and invasive species to drought and climate-driven variability. Protecting these systems requires science-based solutions. From mapping contaminants in critical watersheds to equipping decision-makers with precision tools and empowering communities to prevent ecological threats, land-grant universities are helping safeguard water quality and ecosystem health. Together, their efforts are strengthening the resilience …
Building Resilient Food Systems: Food Safety, Nutrition, Consumer Confidence
Land-grant universities play a critical role in advancing resilient food systems that ensure communities across the nation have reliable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food—today and in the future. From farm to fork, land-grant university research and Extension are advancing food safety and nutrition while strengthening consumer confidence through practical, science-based solutions. Featured photo courtesy of Kansas State University. …
Helping farmers mitigate stress
Featured photo: ChaNaè Bradley, senior communications specialist for Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension Program, facilitates a post-disaster recovery group discussion during the Farm Stress Summit in Statesboro, Georgia. By ChaNaè Bradley FVSU Extension conducts outreach and research on farm stress Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension personnel participated in the 2025 Farm Stress Summit held in Statesboro, Georgia. The event took place at …
Researchers Studying Avian Disease Resistance and Immunity Win National Award for Outstanding Collaboration and Impact
ST LOUIS, Mo., Sept. 16. — At the Joint agInnovation and Extension Awards Ceremony, Dr. Chris Ashwell and Dr. Jason Hubbart received the 2025 Excellence in Multistate Research Award on behalf of a multistate team working to understand the genetic bases of immunity and resistance to avian diseases. Avian diseases such as avian influenza, Marek’s disease, and Newcastle disease cause …
Fighting Food Deserts with Farmers Markets
Farmers markets play a crucial role in combating food deserts by providing fresh, locally sourced produce to communities that lack access to nutritious food. By bringing healthy options to neighborhoods with limited grocery stores, farmers markets help improve diet quality, reduce food insecurity, and promote overall community health. Here are just a few examples of how land-grant universities are fighting …
Managing water resources
Managing our water resources is essential. Clean water is essential for drinking, agriculture, energy, recreation, aquatic habitats, and other uses, but America’s water resources face complex issues such as climate change, pollution, and increasing demand. Many farmers, communities, and leaders are concerned about water scarcity and quality. Research guides effective solutions. Researchers at land-grant universities and partners across the U.S. are working …
Reaching diverse farms and farmers
Extension educators and researchers across the Land-grant University System reach diverse farmers and farms through programming, information and accessible tools. Their work ensures farming resources are available to all individuals. Here are a few examples of that work: Minnesota Extension launched a pilot project to bring Minnesota-grown goat meat to halal customers. The collaboration has resulted in the first halal certified …
1890 Extension Transforming Lives
From the 2023 1890 Extension Transforming Lives Report: The dynamic work of Cooperative Extension at the 1890 Land-grant Universities is changing lives and connecting people to vital information. Extension professionals have the unique responsibility of translating federal and state dollars into educational outreach that advances the well-being of their states’ diverse audiences, particularly those with limited social and economic resources. …