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 …
Fueling Economic Development for Thriving Communities: Extension Strengthening Rural Economies
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 …
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: People, Communities, and Economic Vitality
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 …
UMES Publishes Workers’ Compensation Guide for Maryland Agricultural Employers
This article is not a substitute for legal advice. New Resource: Workers’ Compensation Guide for Maryland Agricultural Employers By Nicole Cook, Environmental and Agricultural Faculty Legal Specialist ALEI’s Samantha Capaldo and Nicole Cook, both of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Extension, recently published a guide to workers’ compensation for Maryland agricultural employers. Workers’ compensation is a type of …
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 …
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. …
Managing controlled environments efficiently
In controlled environmental agriculture, plants are grown inside a greenhouse or other type of enclosure where growers can maintain optimal growing conditions, such as light, temperature, humidity, water, and nutrients. In the northeastern climate, controlled environments play a vital role in year-round production, but growers need more information about how to fine-tune their environments to achieve optimal plant growth and …