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. …
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 …
Celebrating the Power of Rural
Did you know that nearly 61 million Americans call rural communities home? Since 2011, National Rural Health Day has recognized the “Power of Rural,” highlighting the resilience of rural communities and the partners working to strengthen them. Among the most important of those partners are public and land-grant universities. Through community-based programs, these institutions play a critical role in improving …
Strong farms strengthen local food systems
New farmers just starting out and established farmers looking to expand markets have something in common: looking to the Land-grant University System to support their growth. Strong local farms strengthen local food systems and food security. Here are a few examples of this work: When participant surveys indicated a need for more in-depth and hands-on farmer education, Idaho Extension educators responded using …
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 …
Community nutrition programs improve healthful outcomes
Community Nutrition Education Programs, a service of the Land-grant University System, use Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) funding to educate and empower low-income individuals, families, school-age youth and pregnant teens. Extension educators across the country deliver research-based, hands-on learning experiences on diet quality, food safety, physical activity, food security and food …
From Hardship to Hope: University of Wisconsin-Madison WeCOPE
61% of farmers indicated increasing stress and mental health challenges in a recent Farm Bureau poll. A team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison cultivates communities that can contend with these stresses together. “Often, programs focus on telling farmers they have stress — farmers know that,” Dr. Shutske, program leader says. “WeCOPE instead focuses on high-impact, proactive skills we know measurably …
Keep farm employees safe around large equipment
Despite the idyllic perception of farm life, farming can be a dangerous profession. In an industry that thrives on dedication and hard work, producers can struggle to find the time for safety trainings. Dr. John Shutske, Professor and Agricultural Safety & Health Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, advocates for short, frequent training sessions between producers and their farm workers. …
Programs for an aging population focus on small ways to make a big difference
The percentage of the U.S. population over the age of 50 is rapidly rising, with the aging of the baby-boomer generation. In addition, a disproportionate share of this aging population growth is in rural areas, where access to health-based services is more limited and the mortality rate higher. Extension services across the country have found ways to target specific health …
Land-grant universities improve local food security
Food security impacts individuals, as well as the health of entire communities. Through creation of food pantries, community gardens, food drives, farmers markets and more, land-grant universities and local community initiatives collaborate to keep food on the table for many. Successful examples include: An effort begun during Covid-19 is still providing high-quality shrimp to food banks in Louisiana. With help …