Communications Toolkit
JULY 2026
This toolkit shares Hatch Multistate projects related to timely themes and priority topics. 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.
Tag us @MRFImpacts
APLU BAA Theme: Advancing Soil Health and Conservation to Build Resilient Lands
Soil is the foundation of agriculture and many other ecosystem services. Information about soil type, properties, and functions is essential for agriculture and natural resource management, land appraisals, urban planning, and more. Soil scientists in the North Central US are working together to make soil survey information more robust and reliable: bit.ly/soil-surveys @AgIsAmerica
Participating land-grant institutions: University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, South Dakota State University. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Safe Reuse of Residuals for Soil Health (W-4170)
A multistate team is evaluating how agricultural, industrial, and municipal solid and liquid wastes can be reused to improve soil health. Researchers identified optimal application rates and quantified the economic benefits in terms of reduced fertilization costs and increased crop yield and quality. Learn more: bit.ly/MRF-biosolids @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
Researchers at @CSUAgSci @UF_IFAS @wsucahnrs & @UKAgriculture showed that biosolids (treated sewage sludge) can improve soil properties in crop fields, pastures, and forests. Learn more: bit.ly/MRF-biosolids @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
Researchers at @CFAES_OSU & @KStateag showed that biosolids are a promising option for remediating contaminated vacant lots and reducing exposure to lead, arsenic, and other legacy toxicants that pose serious health risks to communities living nearby, especially children. Learn more: bit.ly/MRF-biosolids @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
As part of a multistate project, researchers at @UNL_CASNR & @CTAHRNews showed that biochar made from combusted biosolids can be a valuable soil amendment, providing nutrients and absorbing or filtering pollutants. Learn more: bit.ly/MRF-biosolids @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: University of Arizona, University of California, Riverside, Colorado State University, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, Purdue University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Tech. Other partners include: University of Cincinnati, University of Washington, Black & Veatch Inc., California Association of Sanitation Agencies, Denali Water Solutions, Great Lakes Water Authority, Lystek International Limited USA Operations, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Orange County Sanitation District, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Cover Crops for Southern Farmers & Ranchers (S-1085)
A multistate team is showing southern farmers how cover crops can improve soil moisture, nutrient cycling, and soil microbiology and reduce erosion in various types of soils found in the southern U.S. Findings like this have encouraged southern farmers to expand successful use of cover crops and increase farm profitability and environmental stewardship. bit.ly/southern-cover-crops @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: Auburn University, Arkansas Cooperative Extension, Clemson University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, Lincoln University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Smart Irrigation Month
Managing Water Use & Quality in Specialty Crops (NC-1186)
Smart irrigation is vital for the nursery, greenhouse, and landscaping industries. With support from @USDA_NIFA capacity funding, researchers at land-grant institutions across the U.S. are working together to develop substrates, containers, and precision tools and methods that reduce water use, recycle water, and manage runoff and leaching. This work enhances producer profits and maintain a steady supply of affordable, reduces environmental impacts, and supplies consumers with high-quality ornamental, medicinal, and edible plants. bit.ly/irrigating-specialty-crops #SmartIrrigationMonth @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: 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, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Managing Water Resources (W-3190)
It's #SmartIrrigationMonth. See how a team of researchers at land-grant universities is working with partners and communities across the U.S. to find ways to efficiently and fairly allocate water for agricultural irrigation and other uses: bit.ly/watermrfi
As part of a multistate project on water use, researchers improved soil moisture sensors, estimated evapotranspiration rates, shared weather data & released AquaCrop-OS, an open source crop-water productivity model. These tools help farmers worldwide make water use decisions & fine-tune irrigation so less water is wasted. Learn more: bit.ly/watermrfi #SmartIrrigationMonth
As part of a multistate project on managing water use, scientists explored the environmental and economic benefits of irrigating crops with recycled water, which is usually saltier than freshwater. Researchers determined acceptable salinity levels for crops like #avocados in California, and studies in Texas showed that energy crops perform well irrigated with recycled municipal wastewater. Other insights helped set pricing structures that encourage recycled water use instead of groundwater. See more project impacts: bit.ly/watermrfi #SmartIrrigationMonth
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: 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. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Climate Data and Monitoring (WERA-102)
For 30+ years, a committee of land-grant university researchers & Extension educators has collected & distributed weather data, maps, models & other tools that farmers can use to schedule irrigation. Scheduling irrigation helps conserve resources & improve yields. bit.ly/climate-data-monitoring #SmartIrrigationMonth #drought #heatwave
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: University of Arizona, Arizona State University, University of California, California Department of Water Resources, Colorado State University, Desert Research Institute, University of Kentucky, Montana State University, New Mexico State University, Oregon State University, Tuskegee University, Utah State University, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, USDA Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water Resources. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
National Blueberry Month
It's #NationalBlueberryMonth! Scientists at land-grant universities have developed #blueberries with desirable qualities like cold tolerance & longer shelf life; designed technologies that make blueberry production more efficient; and improved trade & marketing: bit.ly/mrf-blueberry @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica #blueberry
Nutrient Bioavailability (W-4002)
@UMaine researchers provided the first documentation that bioactive compounds in wild #blueberries can speed up wound healing and improve tissue remodeling by 20%. See more project findings: bit.ly/nutrient-bioavailability #NationalBlueberryMonth
Participating land-grant institutions: 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. Find participant and project details in the in the NIMSS database.
Enhancing Microbial Food Safety by Risk Analysis (S-1077)
As part of a multistate project on food safety, researchers at @UMaine, @UDcanr, @UVMCALS & the @US_FDA identified routes of preharvest pathogen contamination in wild blueberries grown in the Northeast. See more project findings: bit.ly/food-safety-risk-analysis
Participating land-grant institutions: Auburn University, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California Statewide Administration, University of California, Davis, Clemson University, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Purdue University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rutgers University, New Mexico State University, Cornell University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Puerto Rico, University of Rhode Island, University of Tennessee, Texas AgriLife Research, University of Vermont, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin, University of Wyoming. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
National Hemp Month
Sustainable Hemp Production (S-1084)
Hemp is used in rope, textiles, bioplastics/fuels, wellness products & more. A @USDA_NIFA-funded project is assessing varieties, production practices & economic viability and sharing info with growers, policymakers, etc. bit.ly/MRF-hemp #NationalHempMonth @AgIsAmerica
@aamuedu @CentralState87 & @UMESNews are part of a multistate project studying industrial hemp production & processing in the U.S. Learn more: bit.ly/MRF-hemp #NationalHempMonth @AgIsAmerica
Participating land-grant universities: Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, University of California, Central State University, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Illinois, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Maryland- Eastern Shore, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, Southern Illinois University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Virginia State University, Washington State University, West Virginia University, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Understanding Bioactive Dietary Chemicals (W-4122)
As part of a multistate project on bioactive dietary chemicals, @CSUAgSci research showed that consuming CBD reduces inflammation, but bioactivity varies with different preparations. See more project findings: bit.ly/DietaryChemicals #NationalHempMonth @researchcsu
Participating land-grant institutions: 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. Find participant and project details in the NIMSS database.
National Picnic Month
It’s #NationalPicnicMonth and we have a basket full of research on your favorite picnic treats! Learn more about these projects: https://mrfimpacts.org/single-post/picnics-are-packed-with-research #PicnicMonth @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
July 2: First Morrill Act Signed in 1862
On this day in 1862, President Lincoln signed the First Morrill Act to establish #LandGrantUniversities. See how researchers & Extension educators are working together to sustain agriculture and impact the environment, economy, and society: mrfimpacts.org @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
July 7: World Chocolate Day
It’s World Chocolate Day! Researchers at land-grant universities across the U.S. are improving chocolate production and manufacturing and enhancing the taste and health benefits of chocolate. bit.ly/MRF-chocolate-research #WorldChocolateDay
Nutrient Bioavailability (W-4002)
@cafnr showed that optimized cacao roasting can minimize bitterness, which means less sugar has to be added to chocolate products to make them palatable. Other studies also showed the health benefits of certain compounds in chocolate made from roasted cacao. bit.ly/nutrient-bioavailability #WorldChocolateDay
Participating land-grant institutions: 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. Find participant and project details in the in the NIMSS database.
Understanding Bioactive Dietary Chemicals (W-4122)
As part of a multistate project on bioactive dietary chemicals, researchers at @CTAHRNews showed that polyphenols from native cacao may protect against diabetes. See more project findings: bit.ly/DietaryChemicals #WorldChocolateDay
Participating land-grant institutions: 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. Find participant and project details in the NIMSS database.
Automation in Specialty Crops (W-3009)
Scientists at @CTAHRNews designed automated dehumidifiers that use less energy to dry cacao beans, helping growers conserve resources and cut costs. See more impacts of automation: bit.ly/specialtycropsmrfi #WorldChocolateDay
Participating land-grant institutions: University of Arizona, Auburn University, University of California-Davis, Colorado State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension, Texas AgriLife Research, Washington State University, Washington Cooperative Extension, and West Virginia University. Find participant and project details in the NIMSS database.
July 11: World Population Day
Changes in Rural Areas (W-4001)
#WorldPopulationDay focuses on issues facing human populations. See how a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate project is monitoring changes in rural populations related to healthcare, migration, housing, poverty, and more: bit.ly/rural-change
Participating land-grant universities and partners: Auburn University, Brigham Young University, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Louisiana State University, Macalester College, McGill University, Michigan Tech University, Middlebury College, University of Minnesota, University of Mississippi, University of Missouri, Montana State University, University of Montana, University of Nevada-Reno, University of New Hampshire, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Syracuse University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Utah State University, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA ERS. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
July 11: National French Fry Day
Engineering for Food Safety & Quality (NC-1023)
It's #NationalFrenchFryDay! As part of a multistate project improving food quality & food safety, researchers at @ACESIllinois @VTCals & @TexasTech developed new tools that reduce the amount of oil foods soak up during frying. This makes fries less fatty. See more research from this project: bit.ly/foodsafetyandquality
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: University of California, Cornell University, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Maine, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, NASA, University of Nebraska, New Mexico State University, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Texas AgriLife Research, Utah State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, Washington State University, West Virginia Cooperative Extension, University of Wisconsin. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
July 16: National Cherry Day
Working together puts the cherry on top of this research! See how multistate projects are collaborating to improve cherry production, quality, and marketing: bit.ly/mrf-cherry #NationalCherryDay @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
Improving Sustainability in Fruit Tree Production through Changes in Rootstock Use (NC-140)
Dwarfing rootstocks tested by @RutgersSEBS @OSUAgSci @CAFE_UMass & @CANRatMSU led to an increase in sweet cherry acreage. And here’s the cherry on top: these rootstocks allowed more trees/acre, increasing cherry yields by ~$260M/year. bit.ly/MRF-RootstockUse #NationalCherryDay
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: Auburn University, University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, California Cooperative Extension, Clemson University, Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Georgia, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, New Mexico State University, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, Utah State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, British Columbia, Canada, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, New Brunswick, Canada, Atlantic Food and Agric-Food, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, Center for Advanced Studies in Fruit Production, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agricolas y Pecuarias (National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research), Mexico, USDA-ARS, USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.
Protecting Fresh Fruit Shelf Life & Quality (NE-1336)
As part of a multistate project on ways to improve fresh fruit quality and shelf life, researchers found that adding calcium salts in hydrocooling water and using certain packaging films can improve the shipping quality of sweet cherries. @ucdavisCAES recommendations have helped Pacific Northwest growers successfully ship cherries to long-distance export markets by boat instead of by air, reducing costs. bit.ly/freshfruitshelflife #NationalCherryDay
Participating land-grant institutions and partners: Auburn University, University of California-Davis, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Hawaii, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, , Rutgers University, Washington State University, as well as Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the USDA ARS. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.