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 …
Fueling Economic Development for Thriving Communities: Risk Management, Transitions, and Future-focused Innovation
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 …
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 …
The Land-grant Impact is Evergreen
From a tiny seedling in the soil to the spot of honor in your living room, your Christmas tree’s journey was likely shaped by the work of a land-grant university. Through research and Extension, land-grant university (LGU) experts help farmers raise healthy trees. From discovering best planting and management practices, to providing advice about additional income opportunities through agritourism, LGUs …
A Land-Grant Halloween: No Tricks, Just Treats
It takes more than a little hocus-pocus to make Halloween happen! From the pumpkins on your porch to the chocolate in your candy bowl, land-grant university research supports your favorite Halloween traditions. Agricultural scientists help growers improve pumpkin yields and protect crops from pests, while food researchers study ways to make chocolate more sustainable and flavorful. Through Cooperative Extension, experts share …
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 …
Increase in ag fatalities and injuries highlights need for training
Last year, Purdue University research revealed a 40% increase in reported cases of confined space incidents on farms. “In 2022, the summary reported 83 cases – 24 fatal and 59 non-fatal – involving agricultural confined spaces. This represents a 40.7% increase over the 59 cases reported in 2021. Not every case may be reported, and as a result, these numbers …
Scaling up skills for success in agriculture
To remain competitive in the agricultural industry, farmers must stay current on the latest techniques and technology. Training new workers is also essential to building necessary skills in the agricultural labor force. Here are a few examples of that work: To improve ornamental horticulture industry profits, Hawaii Extension provides education for nursery and floriculture business owners and workers on crop …
Increasing food safety and reducing food waste
Protecting the nation’s food supply is a top priority of land-grant institutions across the United States. Whether that is training to ensure food safety, reducing food loss and food waste or research to better detect and protect foods. Successful examples include: Foodborne illness is a common but preventable problem that impacts one in six Americans and causes some 3,000 deaths …
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