Nutrition

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See/share our Impact Statements about nutrition research and Extension

 

Food choices can help power your day and help you feel great now and in the future. Research and Extension at land-grant universities ensure we have access to safe, healthy foods. For examples, various multistate projects have identified bioactive compounds and enhance the nutrition quality of foods; improved access to healthy food; discovered new ways to prevent food safety risks; and developed diet and exercise habits among young kids, college students, and older adults. Learn more about these and other projects on nutrition: bit.ly/MRF-Nutrition​ @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica 

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See/share our video featuring nutrition research impacts.

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​As part of @USDA_NIFA capacity funded multistate projects, researchers discovered natural compounds in foods that prevent disease & benefit health, bred crop varieties with higher levels of nutrients & improved access to nutritious foods: bit.ly/MRF-nutritionvideo @AgIsAmerica 

 

Supporting Healthy Habits Among Young Adults (NC-1193)

 

Going to college is associated with declines in healthy behaviors. Researchers & educators at land-grant universities are working to encourage healthy eating among college students & ensure campuses provide healthy options. bit.ly/HealthyYoungAdults @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Auburn University, University of Florida, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, Syracuse University, University of Tennessee, West Virginia University. Previous and ongoing versions of this project may include additional participants. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.​​​

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​​Nutrient Bioavailability (W-4002)

 

A multistate research project on bioactive food components has provided evidence for general health recommendations as well as personalized, targeted dietary strategies to help consumers prevent, manage & treat diseases. bit.ly/nutrient-bioavailability @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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See more sample posts in this project's communications toolkit.

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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 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 project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.​

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Bioactive Dietary Chemicals (W-4122)

 

The food & drink we consume contain natural chemicals like vitamins that impact human health. As part of a multistate project, researchers at 22 #LandGrantUniversities conduct cutting-edge research on bioactive dietary chemicals. Learn more: bit.ly/DietaryChemicals @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica #NationalNutritionMonth

 

To better understand bioactive dietary chemicals and how they affect our health, researchers are investigating exposure levels, doses, factors influencing absorption & metabolism, synergistic effects & transgenerational effects. Learn more: bit.ly/DietaryChemicals @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica 

 

Understanding bioactive dietary chemicals is key for scientists, farmers, food processors, healthcare workers & policymakers who determine nutrition requirements, maintain the safety of the food supply & prevent/treat chronic disease. See the research: bit.ly/DietaryChemicals @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica 

 

See more sample posts in this project's communications toolkit.

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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. Project participants may receive additional funding from other sources. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.

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Improving the Health of Older Adults (NE-1939)

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Older adults are higher risk of many diseases, but balanced nutrition can help reduce risks. As part of a multistate project, researchers at land-grant universities are working together to understand the dietary needs of aging adults and develop diet strategies that support longevity. Learn more: bit.ly/healthy-older-adults @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica

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See more sample posts in this project's communications toolkit.

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Land-grant universities 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. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. ​Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.

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Parental Practices to Support Healthy Eating Among Children (W-4003)​​

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Kids ages 11 to 14 often consume less than the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables and excess amounts of sugary foods, especially when caregivers are not around. This may be contributing to the high obesity rate among adolescents, which is a serious concern because obesity can lead to health complications. As part of a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate project, researchers across the U.S. are working to understand how parenting practices influence kids’ eating behaviors and developing educational tools and materials. Good nutrition early in life can have lifelong impacts on health. Learn more about the project: bit.ly/parents-kids-eating @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica

 

Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Baldwin Wallace University, Brigham Young University, University of the District of Columbia, University of Georgia, George Washington University, University of Hawaii, Kansas State University, University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, University of Wyoming. Past and ongoing iterations of this project may include additional participants. See project and participant details in the NIMSS database.

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National Frozen Food Month

 

Enhancing Food Safety & Quality (NC-1023)

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As part of a multistate project on #foodsafety, researchers at @ACESIllinois @wsucahnrs & @UWMadisonCALS created packaging, storage & transportation strategies to minimize temperature changes & maintain frozen potato quality: bit.ly/EnhancingFoodSafetyandQuality @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA 

Food companies are interested in a @CTAHRNews supercooling method because--unlike freezing--it doesn’t make ice crystals that can affect meat texture. The biomedical industry is also interested in using it to preserve tissues & organs. bit.ly/EnhancingFoodSafetyandQuality

Researchers at @CANRatMSU @UTIAg & @UWMadisonCALS improved microwaveable frozen veggie bags so they preserve vitamins, antioxidants and physical qualities. #NationalFrozenFoodMonth #foodsafety #stockthefreezer #frostfree bit.ly/EnhancingFoodSafetyandQuality

 

@wsucahnrs researchers developed & licensed a microwave assisted pasteurization systems that kill pathogens during production of chilled & frozen ready-to-eat meals, extending their shelf life. #NationalFrozenFoodMonth #stockthefreezer #frostfree bit.ly/EnhancingFoodSafetyandQuality

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, Cornell University, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, New Mexico 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 A&M University, Utah State University, Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Washington State University, West Virginia Cooperative Extension, University of Wisconsin. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database here.

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National Peanut Month

We’re nuts about #NationalPeanutMonth! From more precise irrigation to new peanut varieties with better flavor, land-grant university research is improving peanut production and quality. Learn more: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/single-post/we-re-nuts-for-peanut-research 

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March 1 | National Pig Day

See/share our Impact Statements about swine research.

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It’s #NationalPigDay! See how researchers at land-grant universities across the country are working together to improve swine health & welfare, make pork production more efficient, and minimize its environmental impacts: bit.ly/MRF-swine @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA ​

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March 2 | Anniversary of Hatch Act of 1887 (Establishment of Experiment Stations) 

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Happy 138th birthday to our State Agricultural Experiment Stations! These stations work together on Hatch Multistate projects to tackle high priority regional & national issues in ag. See their innovations & impacts: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements​ #AgInnovation #AgIsAmerica

 

 

March 8 | International Women’s Day 

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It’s #WomensDay! Today--and every day--let’s celebrate the women scientists who contribute their time, energy, expertise, and skills to Hatch Multistate research projects. https://www.mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements #IWD2026 #WomensHistoryMonth

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March 8-14 | Groundwater Awareness Week 

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If septic systems are improperly designed, installed, or maintained, they can release pathogens, chemicals, and other pollutants into groundwater. Supported by @USDA_NIFA Hatch Multistate capacity funds, scientists from 12 land-grant universities are working together to better understand
the complex physical, chemical, and biological processes septic systems rely
on. With the help of private companies, Extension educators, and policymakers, the team is designing septic systems that function under a wide range of environmental conditions and increasing the number of compliant septic systems. These efforts are protecting watersheds and communities nationwide. Learn more: bit.ly/MRF-SepticSystems @AgIsAmerica @ngwatweets #GWAW

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, Cornell University, University of Georgia, Georgia Cooperative Extension, University of Kentucky, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, Ohio Cooperative Extension, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension, University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.

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​​​March 19 | National Poultry Day

See/share our Impact Statements about poultry research.

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It’s #NationalPoultryDay! See how land-grant universities are working together to ensure poultry welfare, enhance poultry production & reduce its environmental impacts: https://mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements/categories/poultry @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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Enhancing Poultry Production (NE-1942)

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The U.S. poultry industry contributes significantly to the global economy and food supply, but it faces challenges such as growing demand, changing consumer preferences, and disease outbreaks. As part of a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate project, researchers at land-grant universities are providing sustainable, cost-effective solutions for improved poultry production and welfare, including automated and precision technologies, poultry housing enrichments, and better feeds. Learn more: bit.ly/poultry-production-welfare @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA #NationalPoultryDay

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Auburn University, University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, Clemson University, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and Virginia Tech. Previous and ongoing cycles of this project may include additional participants. Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database.

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The Genetics of Immunity and Resistance to Avian Diseases (NE-2334)

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Avian diseases pose a major challenge to poultry production. Scientists at land-grant universities have shed light on #poultry genetics & identified breeding strategies, vaccines, feed amendments & other ways to improve poultry immunity & resistance to diseases: bit.ly/MRF-poultry-genetics @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica​ #NationalPoultryDay

 

Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of California, Davis, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Maryland, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, West Virginia University, Western University of Health Sciences. 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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Improving Poultry Genetics and Production (NC-1170)

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Researchers at land-grant universities are developing & using advanced technologies to improve #poultry genetics, breeding & production. These efforts are key to a strong, sustainable poultry industry that produces a steady supply of safe, nutritious meat & eggs. https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalPoultryDay @NCRegionalAssoc

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As part of a multistate project on #poultry genetics, @aglifesciences & @UDcanr generated new knowledge about “woody breast” (which causes poor texture in #chicken breast meat). See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalPoultryDay

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As part of a multistate project on #poultry genetics, @UFCALS @UF_IFAS showed that chemical inhibition of a certain enzyme could be used to limit inflammation in #chickens suffering from Salmonella. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalPoultryDay

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As part of a multistate project on poultry genetics, @bumperscollege mapped resistance to lameness caused by bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis, which is a significant animal welfare issue among commercial broiler #chickens. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics 

#NationalPoultryDay

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As part of a multistate project on #poultry genetics, @UArizonaCALS, @cafnr & @WesternUNews characterized & annotated immune cells & receptors in the #chicken genome that contribute to disease resistance. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalPoultryDay

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, California State University, Fresno, Cornell University, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Tennessee, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, University of Wisconsin, USDA-ARS Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS/Missouri, USDA-ARS-Avian Disease & Oncology Laboratory, Western University of Health Sciences, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, The Royal Veterinary College. Project participants may receive additional funding from other sources. This project was renewed in 2023, and may included additional participants. ​Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.​

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March 19 | National Farm Rescuer Day

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Agricultural Safety & Health Research and Extension (NCERA-197)

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As part of a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate effort to reduce injury, illness & death on farms, researchers & Extension educators trained over 4,500 emergency first responders on safe, effective procedures for farm rescues. https://bit.ly/ag-safety-health #FarmRescuerDay #firstresponder #agsafety #FarmSafety @AgIsAmerica

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of California-Davis, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, West Virginia University, University of Wisconsin. Other partners include AgSafe BC, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. ​Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here. ​Learn more on the project's website. ​​

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March 21 | International Day of Forests: "Forests and economies"

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See/share our Impact Statements about forestry.

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By providing vital ecosystem services, recreation and tourism opportunities, and food, timber, and other natural resources, forests drive economic prosperity. See how land-grant universities are working together to develop innovative technology & strategies to safeguard forests. https://bit.ly/MRF-SustainingForests #ForestDay​

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Eastern White Pine Health Issues (NE-1601)

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In addition to valuable ecosystem services, Eastern white pine trees provide lumber and are commonly used for reforestation, landscaping, and Christmas trees. The potential economic value of standing white pine is $18.6 billion. In recent years, Eastern white pines have experienced unprecedented damage in due to pests, pathogens, and environmental changes. Land-grant universities & the @forestservice are collaborating on innovative tools & strategies to protect these important trees: bit.ly/MRF-pine #ForestDay

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Connecticut, University of Georgia, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of New Hampshire, University of Nevada, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, USDA Forest Service. ​Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.​

March 22 | World Water Day

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See/share all our Impact Statements about water research.

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This #WorldWaterDay, see how researchers collaborate on innovative ways to conserve water, protect water quality, manage agricultural & stormwater runoff, improve septic tanks & more: https://bit.ly/MRF-Water​ @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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Predicting and Mitigating Pollutants in Watersheds (S-1089)

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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 #WorldWaterDay @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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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. Find project and participant details in the NIMSS database.

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Managing Water Resources (W-3190)

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To alleviate water conflicts & ensure enough water now & in the future, researchers are working together on ways to allocate water fairly & efficiently and make water policies/programs cost-effective & easy to implement: https://bit.ly/watermrfi #WorldWaterDay 

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, Clemson University, Colorado State University, University of Florida, Florida Cooperative Extension, University of Georgia, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, Montana State University, 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, Oklahoma 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 USDA Forest Service. ​Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.​

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March 24 | National Ag Day

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Happy #AgDay26! This year, we’re celebrating the ways scientists and farmers collaborate to ensure productive, sustainable agriculture: mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements #AgWeek @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica

Agricultural research supports innovation and sustainability. See how land-grant university researchers work together and with farmers to tackle pests, climate change, food insecurity, and more: mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements #AgWeek #AgDay26 @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica