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: 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 Water Systems: Improving Water Management for Agriculture
A safe and reliable water supply is critical for profitable agriculture, healthy people, and thriving communities. Land‑grant universities nationwide are pioneering smarter, more efficient approaches to agricultural water use. From affordable soil‑moisture sensors to advanced crop‑modeling tools, researchers are transforming how water is measured, conserved, and delivered in the field. These efforts help producers continue to thrive in the face of shrinking water supplies, rising …
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 …
Student Features: Gayla V. Gould, Climate Researcher
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) hosts the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program, a 12-week summer experiential learning opportunity through which undergraduate students participate in identifying and addressing climate change and energy issues in their respective American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The program is designed for TCU Indigenous students who are passionate about taking action to address …
Student Features: Ashley Gordon-White, Climate Researcher
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) hosts the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program, a 12-week summer experiential learning opportunity through which undergraduate students participate in identifying and addressing climate change and energy issues in their respective American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The program is designed for TCU Indigenous students who are passionate about taking action to address …
Student Features: Charles Robert Wells, Climate Researcher
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) hosts the TCU Climate Resilience Student Research Program, a 12-week summer experiential learning opportunity through which undergraduate students participate in identifying and addressing climate change and energy issues in their respective American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The program is designed for TCU Indigenous students who are passionate about taking action to address …