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​​August 3: National Watermelon Day

 

Watermelons with hollow heart are safe & tasty but many consumers are afraid to eat them. As part of a multistate project, @NCStateCALS identified varieties that resist hollow heart. See other ways research is improving fruit quality: https://bit.ly/fruitshelflife #watermelon

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August 3-8: Farmers Market Week

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Marketing Produce (S-1067)

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It’s #FarmersMarketWeek! A team of land-grant universities is helping growers boost sales. For example, workshops helped 900 farmers & farmers market managers set prices for produce. 1 year later, 75% had increased customer base & sales. http://bit.ly/Marketing-Produce @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

Multistate research affects #FarmersMarkets in many ways. Research teams are assessing consumer preferences, helping farmers label products, ensuring food safety, developing farmers markets for low-income areas & food deserts, and more. http://bit.ly/Marketing-Produce @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA @USDAScience

As part of a Hatch Multistate project on marketing, @UKAgriculture @CSUAgSci & @UTIAg found that biweekly pop-ups selling local fresh produce at a sliding scale have improved food access for low-income communities. http://bit.ly/Marketing-Produce #FarmersMarketWeek @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project:  Clemson University, Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Delaware, District of Columbia Cooperative Extension, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Kansas State University, Kentucky Cooperative Extension, University of Maine, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, Utah State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

 

 

August 5: National Oyster Day

 

It's #NationalOysterDay! As part of a multistate research project on fisheries and aquaculture, researchers examined ways #oyster farmers can shield themselves from adverse impacts when a neighboring farm is linked to a foodborne illness outbreak. See more project impacts: https://bit.ly/MRF-fisheries-aquaculture

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As part of a multistate research project on mitigating water pollution, @NCStateCALS developed a machine learning-based forecasting system to predict fecal coliform concentrations in shellfish harvesting areas. See other project outputs: https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs

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August 16: National Honey Bee Day

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Sustainable Solutions to Bee Health (NC-1173)

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It’s #NationalHoneyBeeDay! See how @USDA_NIFA-supported land-grant university researchers & Extension specialists are protecting these essential #pollinators: https://bit.ly/MRF-bees @USDAScience

Extension specialists shared findings from a multistate research project on #honeybee health. #Beekeepers following these recommendations saved 10,000+ honey bee colonies worth millions of dollars in pollinated crops: https://bit.ly/MRF-bees

As part of a multistate project on #honeybee health, @PurdueAg bred honey bees with increased tendency to bite & remove mites from their bodies, which could eliminate the need for miticides. https://bit.ly/MRF-bees

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, University of Connecticut-New Haven, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Illinois Cooperative Extension, Iowa State University, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, University of New Hampshire, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, Tennessee Cooperative Extension, Texas AgriLife Research, Washington State University, and University of Wisconsin. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. ​Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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August 19: National Potato Day    

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See/share our Impact Statements about potato research.

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Managing Potato Viruses (WERA-89)
 

Scientists from the @USDA @uidaho @MSUCollegeofAg @wsucahnrs & @UWMadisonCALS developed virus detection training for potato growers, inspectors, and regulators so they can act quickly and prevent serious losses. https://bit.ly/MRF-potato-viruses

#NationalPotatoDay

 

Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Agdia, Inc, Bejo Seeds, Inc, Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Idaho, Idaho Crop Improvement Association, Montana State University, Nebraska Potato Certification, Oregon State University, Oregon Cooperative Extension, Washington State University, Washington Cooperative Extension, University of Wisconsin, USDA-APHIS, and USDA-ARS. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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August 28: National Red Wine Day​

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Improving Wine Grapes for American Growers and Winemakers (NE-1720)

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Land-grant universities are working together to improve the production & quality of American wines by identifying and breeding grape varieties that are better suited to climates & common pests/diseases in the U.S. Learn more: https://bit.ly/Wine-Grapes #NationalRedWineDay #redwine

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Colorado State University, Cornell University, Highland Community College (Kansas), Iowa State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Massachusetts, University of Minnesota, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, University of Vermont. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. ​Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
 

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August 30: Anniversary of Second Morrill Act (1890s)

 

Historically Black colleges & universities were added to the land-grant system on August 30, 1890. See how these HBCU land-grants partner with other universities on multistate agricultural research projects: http://bit.ly/MRF-HBCUs #1890Strong @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

 

 

National Catfish Month

 

See/share our graphic series on multistate catfish research.

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Catfish are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals & omega-3 fatty acids. See how @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate research projects are making catfish farming more efficient and sustainable: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/single-post/catfish-research-extension #NationalCatfishMonth
 

Fisheries & Aquaculture (W-3004)

A team of scientists from #landgrantuniversities is studying labeling practices to help producers of farm-raised catfish make marketing decisions that improve sales. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRF-fisheries-aquaculture #NationalCatfishMonth

 

To boost catfish sales, scientists from land-grant universities have reduced odors, off-flavors & yellow color in catfish, which can be unappealing. See more ways research is improving catfish production & marketing: https://bit.ly/MRF-fisheries-aquaculture #NationalCatfishMonth

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Alaska Fairbanks, Auburn University, Clemson University, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Guam, University of Idaho, Iowa State University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, Purdue University, University of Rhode Island, Virginia Tech. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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National Coffee Month​

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See/share our graphic about multistate coffee research.

 

As part of @USDA_NIFA-funded multistate research projects, scientists at @CTAHRNews @cafnr & @CSUAgSci are designing technology for coffee production, assessing trade, and studying its effects on human health. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRFcoffee #CoffeeMonth

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National Water Quality Month​

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See/share our Impact Statements on water quality.

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It's #WaterQualityMonth! See how researchers at land-grant universities across the U.S. are working together to monitor and improve water quality so that Americans have clean water for drinking, recreation, irrigation, and other uses: http://bit.ly/MRF-Water

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Predicting and Mitigating Pollutants in Watersheds (S-1089)

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This project was the Southern Region's nominee for agInnovation's 2025 Excellence in Multistate Research Award for their outstanding collaboration and impacts.

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Agriculture contributes to pollution that impairs water quality, but scientists at land-grant universities are working together to develop data & models that will help them improve the effectiveness of management practices like vegetated buffers, bioreactors, minimizing fertilizer use & scheduling irrigation. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs

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In @okstateferguson studies, virtual fencing reduced cattle use of exclusion areas by 78% on average. Using virtual fencing could help protect water quality from cattle grazing. See more impacts from this multistate project on mitigating water pollution: https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs

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To improve water quality in heartland reservoirs, researchers at 
@iastate_cals @KStateag@cafnr and @UNL_CASNR worked with Extension specialists and farmers to develop gully erosion control practices. See more impacts from this multistate research project: https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs

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As part of a multistate project on best practices to mitigate water pollution, @uricels collaborated with international partners in Asia to study how well floating wetland systems remediate water pollutants. https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs

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Land-grant universities participating in this project: Auburn University, University of Delaware, University of Florida, Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, South Dakota State University, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, University of Vermont, Virginia Tech. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. Participants may receive funding from additional sources. Project and participant details: https://nimss.org/projects/18705

 

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Managing Nutrients and Water Quality (WERA-103)​

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Protecting water quality is essential for food production, public safety, and environmental health. See how a team of scientists is helping farmers manage fertilizers, which provide nutrients to crops but can pollute water if applied improperly. Learn more: http://bit.ly/nutrient-mgmt #WaterQualityMonth

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, Brigham Young University, University of California, Colorado State University, University of Hawaii, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota, Montana State University, New Mexico State University, Nevada Cooperative Extension, Oregon State University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, Washington State University, and University of Wyoming along with partners at the USDA-ARS, Agriculture Laboratory Proficiency Program, Dellavalle Laboratory, Inc., IDA Consulting Services, Inc., J.R. Simplot CO, Manure, Compost and USGAPT Proficiency Programs, Nutrien, Qualitech, Soil Science Society of America North American Proficiency Testing Program, Soiltest Farm Consultants, Inc., Western Ag Innovations Inc., Wilbur-Ellis Company, and Yara North America. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Agrochemicals (W-4045)

As part of a multistate research project, #landgrantuniversities are studying the fate and toxicity of agrochemicals. @ucdavisCAES @LSUAgCenter @UNL_CASNR & @OSUAgSci made discoveries about the impacts of pesticides on water quality. https://bit.ly/MRF-Agrochemicals #WaterQualityMonth

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of California-Davis, University of California-Riverside, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Montana State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada, Reno, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin, USDA-ARS. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here. 

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Particulate Matter Affecting Air, Water & Soil (NC-1187)

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As part of a multistate project, @ACESIllinois @KStateag @CANRatMSU & @VTCals identified ways to remove particulates like pharmaceuticals, arsenic, excess fertilizer chemicals & other harmful substances from water. These innovations protect #waterquality. https://bit.ly/MRF-Particulates #WaterQualityMonth

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Auburn University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Delaware, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of Missouri, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech University. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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​Soil, Water, and Environmental Physics (W-4188)

 

An award-winning multistate research project on soil physics has led to discoveries that protect #waterquality. For example, the team’s data & tools have been used to decrease runoff from farmland & minimize contaminated water from mine tailings. thttps://bit.ly/soil-physics 

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California-Berkeley, University of California, Davis, University of California-Riverside, Colorado State University, University of Delaware, University of Idaho, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Montana State University, University of Nevada-Reno, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Desert Research Institute, New Mexico State University, North Carolina State University, North Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Tennessee, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Utah State University, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin, University of Wyoming, USDA-ARS/ California and USDA-ARS/Texas. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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Managing Water Resources (W-3190)​​

 

As part of a multistate project on water management & #waterquality, @LSUAgCenter looked at saltwater intrusion in aquifers, @CFANS managed risks to drinking water & @CANRatMSU used floating wetlands to reduce algal blooms in Lake Erie. http://bit.ly/MRF-ManagingWater #WaterQualityMonth

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, Colorado State University, University of Florida, Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Georgia, University of Idaho, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada, Nevada Cooperative Extension, New Mexico State University, North Carolina State University, University of Northern Colorado, North Dakota State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Utah State University, Virginia Tech University, Washington State University, University of Wyoming, NOAA, USDA-ARS, and US Forest Service. This project was renewed in 2020, with additional participation from Clemson University, University of Illinois, Mississippi State University, Montana State University, and Oklahoma State University. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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National Wellness Month

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See/share our Impact Statements on human health/wellness

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It’s #NationalWellnessMonth! See how multistate research projects support human nutrition & #wellness: https://bit.ly/MRF-Health These projects are supported in part by @USDA_NIFA #WellnessMonth #healthyliving

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Improving the Health of Older Adults (NE-1939)

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As part of a @USDA_NIFA-funded multistate project, researchers at land-grant universities are working together to assess the health needs of older adults and develop diet and exercise strategies that support #wellness and healthier, longer, more productive lives. Improving the quality of life for the nation’s fastest growing age group could also help reduce healthcare costs and strain on the system. Learn more: https://bit.ly/healthy-older-adults

#WellnessMonth #healthyliving

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As part of a multistate project working to improve the health and #wellness of #aging adults, @iastate_cals, @SDStateCAFES, @wvudavis, @UDC_ CAUSES, @ACESIllinois, @URI_CELS & @UMD_ AGNR assessed the nutrition and physical activity needs of 1,250 older adults in 7 states. Learn more: https://bit.ly/healthy-older-adults #WellnessMonth #healthyliving

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As part of a multistate project on healthy #aging, researchers identified diet and exercises to build healthier muscle mass in aging adults to support physical function and #wellness. In particular, @SDStateCAFES, @iastate_cals, @URI_CELS, @wvudavis, @bumperscollege, @nyuniversity & @UDC_CAUSES empowered women through an online muscle wasting prevention program. See more project findings: https://bit.ly/healthy-older-adults #WellnessMonth #healthyliving

 

As part of a multistate project working to improve the health and #wellness of older adults, @UTIAg led trainings for nutrition students, dietetic interns, and Extension personnel to teach them about the nutritional needs of older adults, communication skills, and ageism. See other project efforts: https://bit.ly/healthy-older-adults #WellnessMonth #aging #healthyliving

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​Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, Berkeley, City University of New York, University of Connecticut, University of the District of Columbia, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, New York University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, University of Rhode Island, Rowan University, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, West Virginia University. This is an ongoing project. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.