It’s National Potato Day! Whether mashed, baked, roasted, or fried, potatoes and sweet potatoes have long been staples on American tables, supporting farmers and local agricultural economies. Across the land-grant university system, researchers and Extension professionals are helping ensure this important crop continues to thrive. Featured photo courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center. …
Celebrating National Pollinator Week
Did you know? More than 80% of flowering plants and about 75% of food crops depend on pollinators, making their health essential to agriculture and our food supply. Growing Pollinator Habitat Creating habitat is one of the most immediate and effective ways to support pollinators. Whether in backyards or across entire landscapes, habitat creation is foundational to pollinator recovery. In …
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 …
From Hive to Habitat: How Land-Grant Universities are Protecting Bees
Bees are essential to our food systems, pollinating many of the fruits, vegetables, and other crops we rely on every day. However, pollinator populations face growing threats, from pests and disease to habitat loss and environmental stress. Across the country, land-grant universities are stepping up to meet these challenges. Through cutting-edge research, on-the-ground Cooperative Extension, and strong community partnerships, land-grant experts are developing …
Building Resilient Food Systems: Precision Agriculture and Innovation
Across the country, land-grant university researchers are driving precision agriculture and innovation, using tools like AI, drones, and advanced breeding techniques to help farmers make smarter decisions, boost productivity, and build more resilient food systems. Featured photo courtesy of University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. New Pest-ID tool helps farmers make smart decisions to tailor managementIowa Agriculture and Home …
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 …