Reproductive inefficiency costs cattle and sheep producers billions of dollars each year. For cattle and sheep producers, reproductive success drives profitability. Every missed pregnancy means fewer calves or lambs to sell, reduced herd productivity, and lower returns. Across the livestock industry, those losses add up to billions of dollars each year. For more than 50 years, researchers at land-grant universities …
Helping America Prepare for and Recover from Disasters
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 …
Growing Together: Conversation with Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO, The Fertilizer Institute
Corey Rosenbusch serves as The Fertilizer Institute’s (TFI) President and CEO, where he is responsible for leading efforts to advance the fertilizer industry. Since joining TFI in 2020, Rosenbusch has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at strengthening TFI’s voice with the agriculture community and increasing member value through innovative programs, such as the Biostimulant Certification and low-carbon ammonia manufacturing standard. Before joining TFI, Rosenbusch served …
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 …
From the Lab to the Field: Land-grant Universities Confront the New World Screwworm Threat
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 …
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 …
Research, education improve livestock health
Livestock producers are continually searching for the best management strategies to protect animal health, which is essential to productivity and profitability as well as the animal’s well-being. Maintaining healthy animals also protects human health. Here are a few examples of how land-grant universities are contributing: When the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) threatened domestic poultry in Oregon, Extension responded rapidly with …
Sustainable solutions to bee health
Bees provide essential pollination for many of the nut, berry, fruit, vegetable, and seed crops grown in the U.S. To supplement wild bee pollination, farmers often rent managed honey bee colonies. Demand is skyrocketing, but catastrophic die-offs are threatening the supply of healthy honey bee colonies. Parasitic mites, pathogens, pesticide chemicals, nutritional deficits, and environmental conditions have contributed to the …