FEBRUARY 2025 TOOLKIT
Black History Month
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In 1890, historically Black colleges were added to the land-grant university system. Today, they conduct innovative research on climate change, hemp, irrigation, honey bees, sheep, goats & more: http://bit.ly/MRF-HBCUs #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #HBCU #1890strong @1890foundation @USDA @AgIsAmerica
For over a century, historically Black land-grant universities have conducted agricultural research. Today, they continue #MakingBlackHistory, delivering agricultural innovations that impact us all: https://bit.ly/MRF-HBCUs #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #HBCU #1890strong @1890foundation @USDA @AgIsAmerica
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National Cherry Month
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It’s #NationalCherryMonth! Using @ucdavisCAES & @OSUAgSci findings to store and ship cherries, growers are able to cut costs by shipping fresh cherries by boat instead of by air. Learn more: https://bit.ly/freshfruitshelflife
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Sweet cherry acreage has increased in part due to dwarfing rootstocks tested by a team including @RutgersSEBS @OSUAgSci @CAFE_UMass & @CANRatMSU. These rootstocks allowed more trees/acre and an increase in cherries worth ~$260M/year. http://bit.ly/MRF-RootstockUse #NationalCherryMonth
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National Cancer Prevention Month
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As part of a multistate project on bioactive food components, @OSUAgSci researchers provided evidence for establishing dietary zinc intake recommendations for cancer prevention. https://bit.ly/nutrient-bioavailability #CancerPreventionMonth
​Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Maine, University of Missouri, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, The Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, University of Rhode Island. ​Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
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As part of a multistate research project, scientists at land-grant universities identified compounds in legumes, potatoes & other foods that can reduce cancer risks: https://bit.ly/DietaryChemicals #CancerPreventionMonth
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​Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Davis, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
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American Hearth Month
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As part of a multistate research project, scientists at land-grant universities identified compounds in green tea, berries, vegetables & other foods that can reduce the risk of #heartdisease: https://bit.ly/DietaryChemicals #HeartMonth #CVD
Land-grant university scientists have their fingers on the pulse. See what a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate team has discovered about nutrients that can help reduce the risk of #heartdisease: https://bit.ly/DietaryChemicals
#HeartMonth #CVD
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Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​
Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
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February 2: World Wetlands Day​
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Predicting & Mitigating Pollutants in Watersheds (S-1089)
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As part of a multistate project on best practices to mitigate water pollution, @URI_CELS collaborated with international partners in Asia to study how well floating wetland systems remediate water pollutants. https://bit.ly/MRF-BMPs #WorldWetlandsDay
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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. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.​​
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Managing Water Resources (W-3190)
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For many people, wetlands are associated with recreation. @UNL_CASNR found that for every $1 spent on wetland restoration, society can gain as much as $9 in duck hunting benefits. See other findings from this multistate project on managing water resources for different uses: https://bit.ly/watermrfi
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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. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
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The data & models produced by a multistate team of scientists have been critical to understanding how wetlands function as both carbon sinks & carbon sources & how global warming will affect these soils: https://nimss.org/projects/18634 #WorldWetlandsDay
​Land-grant universities participating in this project: Kansas State University, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, University of Nebraska, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, University of Wyoming. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
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February 9: National Pizza Day​
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Every piece of pizza is loaded with agricultural research. See how scientists have improved the production & quality of common pizza toppings: https://bit.ly/MRF-pizza @ucdavisCAES @CornellCALS #NationalPizzaDay #PizzaDay #NIFAimpacts
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February 9: Super Bowl LIX
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Who’s excited for #SuperBowlSunday?! Before the big game kicks off, check out how @USDA_NIFA-funded multistate projects are improving your favorite game day snacks: https://bit.ly/MRF-SuperBowlSnacks #SuperBowl #SuperBowlLIX #gameday #tailgate #snacks @AgIsAmerica
Though the Super Dome uses artificial turf, turf grass is an essential part of many sports fields, lawns, parks, and golf courses. See how land-grant universities are working together to improve turf grass varieties and management:
https://nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18821 #SuperBowlLIX
​Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California-Riverside, Colorado State University, University of Hawaii-Manoa, University of Idaho, Iowa State University, University of Nebraska, New Mexico State University, Oregon State University, Utah State University, Texas AgriLife Research, and Washington State University. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
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February 14: Valentine's Day
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Happy #ValentinesDay! From roses to strawberries to chocolate, we have sweet research to share with you. Learn more: http://bit.ly/MRF-VDay
February 16: National Almond Day
It’s #NationalAlmondDay! @ucdavisCAES scientists designed sensors to detect water stress in #almond trees & recommended ways to reduce water use during irrigation. Other studies are helping reduce honey bee exposure to pesticides used on almond trees. https://bit.ly/MRF-Almonds
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February 27: National Strawberry Day
Learn how #landgrantuniversities collaborate to improve #strawberry production and food safety: https://bit.ly/MRF-Strawberries These projects are supported in part by @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
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February 24 - February 28: National Invasive Species Awareness Week
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When not monitored or controlled, invasive species can harm our economy, environment & health. See how collaborative research & Extension projects help control invasive weeds, insects & other pests: https://bit.ly/MRF-pestmgmt #NISAW #InvasiveSpecies
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Managing Ticks & Mosquitoes (NE-1443)
#InvasiveSpecies like Asian tiger mosquitoes can transmit pathogens to humans & livestock, causing illness, death & economic impacts. Researchers have developed new ways to control mosquitoes, including traps, gene silencing & sprays: https://bit.ly/ticks-mosquitoes #NISAW #NIFAimpacts
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Auburn University, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, University of Idaho, Illinois Cooperative Extension, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Wisconsin, USDA-ARS. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.​​​
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Managing Invasive Weeds in Wheat (WERA-77)
Herbicides are often used to control invasive weeds, but many have developed resistance to these chemicals. With support from @USDA_NIFA, land-grant university scientists are evaluating new, sustainable tools for weed control: https://bit.ly/weeds-wheat #InvasiveSpecies #NISAW
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Kansas State University, Montana State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon Cooperative Extension, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Utah State University, Washington State University, University of Wyoming. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the ​NIMSS database.​
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Managing Stink Bugs (NEERA-1306)
The brown marmorated stink bug is a severe agricultural pest in the mid-Atlantic U.S. Researchers are working with growers to develop affordable, effective control options for stink bugs. Learn more: http://bit.ly/MRF-StinkBugs #NISAW #InvasiveSpecies
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, University of Minnesota, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.​
How to use this toolkit?​
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This toolkit shares Hatch Multistate projects that are related to timely themes and priority topics as well as materials and sample social media posts you may use to promote the projects. You may adapt the sample posts as as needed.
We encourage you to share our projects and materials in any way you see fit. For example:
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Social media
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Web stories
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Newspapers
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Magazines
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Grant proposals
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Annual reports
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Media interviews
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Speeches
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Town halls
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Presentations
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Newsletters
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Congressional testimony
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Conferences
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Meetings
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Extension events
Hashtags & Handles
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@MRFimpacts
#MRFimpacts
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@NCRegionalAssoc
@NERASAES
#NERASAES
#PromotingCollaboration
@SouthernAES
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@WAAESD
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@1890foundation
#1890strong
#HBCU
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@USDA_NIFA
#NIFAimpacts
@USDAScience
@APLU_Ag
#landgrantuniversities
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@AgIsAmerica
#AgIsAmerica

Don't forget visuals!
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Social media posts and other types of communication products get more engagement if they include photos or other visual aids.
Search your libraries or the following free image libraries: USDA Flickr, USDA-ARS Image Gallery, Unsplash.
Make sure diagrams or charts can be understood quickly.
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Provide attribution as needed.

