Communications Toolkit
AUGUST 2026
This toolkit shares Hatch Multistate projects related to timely themes, priority topics, and national initiatives. It includes links to prepared documents and graphics and sample social media posts.
We encourage you to share our projects and materials on your platforms.
AUGUST INFOGRAPHICS
The infographics below feature Hatch Multistate research related to timely topics. Click on the thumbnails below to view/download a PDF of the infographic to use and/or share on your on your platforms.
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NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH
Happy #NationalCatfishMonth! Catfish are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. With support from federal capacity funding, researchers at land-grant universities are working together to improve catfish production and marketing. Their work has made catfish farming more efficient, sustainable, and profitable. Research has also made catfish fillets more appealing to consumers by reducing odors, off-flavors, and yellow color.
NATIONAL COFFEE MONTH
August is #CoffeeMonth! As part of federally supported multistate projects, researchers at land-grant institutions across the U.S. are working together to find ways to control coffee pests and diseases, increase coffee yields, and make coffee production more efficient. For example, University of Hawaii scientists developed handheld devices that optimize irrigation and automated technology that dries coffee beans using less energy. Studies at Colorado State University revealed the effects of coffee on the human gut microbiome and overall health. University of Missouri scientists assessed how policies, consumer preferences, and the economy affect coffee trade.
Predicting and Mitigating Pollutants in Watersheds (S-1089)
Agriculture is essential but it can contribute to pollution that impairs water quality. As part of an award-winning multistate project, scientists at land-grant universities are working together to develop data and tools that improve the effectiveness of management practices used to improve water quality. For example, researchers at North Carolina State University, University of Tennessee, and Texas A&M University are leveraging artificial intelligence and automated technologies to improve water quality modeling and monitoring. Researchers at Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Missouri, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln are working with farmer to develop better gully erosion control practices, and scientists at the University of Rhode Island are working with international partners in Asia on floating wetland systems that remediate pollutants in bodies of water. Oklahoma State University studied virtual fencing to keep cattle away from riparian areas. See more impacts from the multistate project: https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs #WaterQualityMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
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.
Managing Water Use & Quality in Specialty Crops (NC-1186)
With support from federal capacity funding, researchers at land-grant institutions across the U.S. are working together to develop substrates, containers, and precision tools and methods that help nursery and greenhouse growers improve water quality and manage runoff and leaching. This work reduces environmental impacts while enhancing producer profits and supplying consumers with high-quality ornamental, medicinal, and edible plants. bit.ly/irrigating-specialty-crops #WaterQualityMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
Auburn University, University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, University of California, Riverside, Clemson University, Colorado State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Missouri, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Texas AgriLife Research, Utah State University, Virginia Tech.
Managing Nutrients and Water Quality (WERA-103)
Protecting water quality is essential for food production, public safety, and environmental health. See how a team of scientists at land-grant institutions are helping farmers manage fertilizers, which provide nutrients to crops but can pollute water if applied improperly. Learn more: http://bit.ly/nutrient-mgmt #WaterQualityMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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.
Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Agrochemicals (W-4045)
As part of a multistate project supported by USDA NIFA, researchers at land-grant universities are studying the fate and toxicity of agrochemicals. Researchers at University of California, Davis, Louisiana State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Oregon State University made discoveries about the impacts of pesticides on water quality. https://bit.ly/MRF-Agrochemicals #WaterQualityMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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.
Particulate Matter Affecting Air, Water & Soil (NC-1187)
As part of a multistate project, researchers at the University of Illinois, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, and Virginia Tech identified ways to remove particulates like pharmaceuticals, arsenic, excess fertilizer chemicals, and other harmful substances from water. These innovations protect water quality. https://bit.ly/MRF-Particulates #WaterQualityMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
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.
Improving the Health of Older Adults (NE-2439)
Researchers at land-grant universities are working together to assess the health needs of older adults and develop strategies that support wellness and healthier, longer, more productive lives. For example, researchers identified diet and exercises to build healthier muscle mass, prevent muscle wasting, and support physical function in older adults. See more project insights and impacts: https://bit.ly/healthy-older-adults #WellnessMonth #wellness #healthyliving #aging
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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.
Marketing Produce (S-1067)
Hatch Multistate projects affect farmers in many ways. Research guides the development farmers markets. For example, studies at the University of Kentucky, Colorado State University, and the University of Tennessee found that biweekly pop-ups selling local fresh produce at a sliding scale have improved food access for low-income communities. Other teams are assessing consumer preferences and helping farmers label products. For example, one year after price-setting workshops, 75% of participating farmers and farmers market managers reported increased customer base and sales. Research also helps ensure food safety at farmers markets. See more project insights and impacts: http://bit.ly/Marketing-Produce #FarmersMarketWeek
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
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.
Produce Demand, Marketing & Policy (S-1088)
Based on Colorado State University research and Extension about consumer demand and preferences for online shopping, several producers and farmers markets in Colorado began offering online boxes and pre-orders to boost sales. See more insights and impacts from this multistate project on produce demand, marketing, and policy: https://bit.ly/produce-demand-marketing #FarmersMarketWeek
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, University of California, Davis, Clemson University, Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Texas AgriLife Research, Utah State University, Washington State University
AUGUST 5
NATIONAL OYSTER DAY
It's #NationalOysterDay! As part of a multistate research project on mitigating water pollution, North Carolina State University researchers developed a machine learning-based forecasting system to predict fecal coliform concentrations in shellfish harvesting areas. Better modeling can help protect the food safety of oysters and other shellfish.
Supporting and Sustaining Bee Health (NC-1173)
Researchers at land-grant institutions across the U.S. are working together and with the USDA ARS to provide information about the status of capped brood--and important and vulnerable stage in honey bee development, helping beekeepers plan ahead for management needs. See more project insights and impacts: https://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalHoneyBeeDay
Researchers on a multistate project are facilitating the selection, maintenance, and production of honey bee stock. For example, Purdue University provides a centralized service to help beekeepers and regulators worldwide test the genotypes of their honey bees and understand the genetic composition of their colonies so they can make informed breeding choices. Researchers also shared techniques and tools that help beekeepers locally produce and commercialize breeding queens. See other project impacts: https://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalHoneyBeeDay
Varroa mites attach to and feed on honey bees, impairing or even killing them. Infestations can lead to colony collapse. As part of a multistate project, researchers at Auburn University, University of Georgia, University of Florida, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, and other land-grant institutions worked together to test various chemical products and alternative methods to control Varroa mites. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and Purdue University coordinated breeding programs focused on Varroa mite resistance, which resulted in over 100 honey bee colonies that have survived at least one winter without chemical treatments. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalHoneyBeeDay
As part of a multistate project on bee health, scientists found to protect honey bees from environmental challenges. Iowa State University scientists found that honey bees experience positive health effects if nearby crop fields integrate prairie strips, and research by Michigan State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Wisconsin, and the USGS showed that the negative impacts of poor weather conditions on bees could be buffered by increasing the amount of herbaceous grassy land. https://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalHoneyBeeDay
As part of a multistate project on protecting honey bee health, researchers at Michigan State University showed transportation stress impacts honey bees in colonies that are rented by and shipped to growers. See more insights and impacts from this project: ttps://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalHoneyBeeDay
Researchers, Extension professionals, and educators at land-grant institutions are sharing best practices, tools, and other educational resources that help experienced and new beekeepers support healthy honey bee colonies and expand their beekeeping operations, thus improving pollination capacity. Learn more: https://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalHoneyBeeDay
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
Auburn University, University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, University of California, Riverside, Central State University, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, Washington State University.
AUGUST 19
NATIONAL POTATO DAY
It's #NationalPotatoDay! As part of a multistate projects, researchers at land-grant universities are working together to improve potato production. They are also breeding potatoes that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions and varieties that are better suited for specific end uses, such as fries, chips, and frozen potato products.
FEATURED LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Idaho, Michigan State University, University of Maine, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin
AUGUST 28
NATIONAL RED WINE DAY
Land-grant universities are working together to improve the production and quality of American wines by identifying and breeding grape varieties that are better suited to environmental conditions and common pests/diseases in the U.S. #NationalRedWineDay #redwine
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PRARTNERS
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
AUGUST 30
ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND MORRILL ACT
Historically Black colleges and universities were added to the land-grant system on August 30, 1890. See how these institutions contribute to multistate research projects addressing high-priority agriculture issues: http://bit.ly/MRF-HBCUs #1890Strong