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SEPTEMBER 2024 TOOLKIT

Note: A few of the Impact Statements linked in this month's toolkit are more than five years old; however, the projects are ongoing, so the general messaging about the project still applies. You can access the current versions of the projects using the NIMSS links provided.

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​​September 2: Labor Day

 

Sample posts:

 

This #LaborDay we’d like to thank all the scientists working on @USDA_NIFA-supported Hatch Multistate research projects for their dedication and innovation. See how their work is impacting agriculture, the economy, the environment, and YOU: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/ @AgisAmerica @USDAScience

 
 
September 4: National Wildlife Day

 

See/share our graphic featuring multistate research project impacts on wildlife.
 

Sample posts:

 

Happy #NationalWildlifeDay! Multistate research projects impact wildlife in many ways. See how research and Extension are helping create a harmonious relationship between agriculture, rural communities, and #wildlife. Learn more: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/single-post/these-impacts-are-wild 

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Research has exposed the impacts of agrochemicals on #wildlife. For example, @OSUAgSci simulated the risks pesticides pose to salmon, and @PurdueAg measured the adverse effects of PFAS pollutants on salamanders. Learn more: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/single-post/understanding-and-mitigating-the-impacts-of-agrochemicals

 

Researchers are studying the economic value of wildlife-based recreation. Accurate valuations can help rationalize #wildlife conservation efforts. For example, a @NCStateCALS study has helped rural businesses boost sales by marketing to #birders. Learn more: https://bit.ly/OutdoorRecreationBenefits

 

Some multistate projects are exploring ways to keep #wildlife away from crops. For example, @wsucahrns created #drones to humanely deter birds that eat and damage fruit crops. Learn more: https://bit.ly/specialtycropsmrfi

 
 
September 7: International Day of Clean Air
 
See/share all of our Impact Statements on air quality.

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Sample posts:

 

As a part of @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate research projects, researchers at land-grant universities have found ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions & odors from farms and minimize air pollution from agrochemicals: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements/categories/air-quality #CleanAir #airquality @USDAScience​

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Particulate Matter Affecting Air, Water & Soil Quality (NC-1187)
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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. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample posts:

 

@ESPM_Berkeley scientists are developing instruments & analysis techniques that will provide new insights into the sources & chemistry of atmospheric aerosols & the role they play in global climate & regional air pollution. These insights help develop evidence-based pollution reduction policy & climate change mitigation strategies. See more project impacts: https://bit.ly/climatechangemrfi​

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September 13: National Peanut Day    
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See/share our graphic on multistate project peanut research.

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Sample posts:​

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​We’re nuts about #peanuts! From more precise irrigation to new peanut varieties with better flavor, collaborative land-grant university research is improving peanut production & quality. Learn more: http://mrfimpacts.org/single-post/we-re-nuts-for-peanut-research #NIFAimpacts #NationalPeanutDay

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September 15-October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
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Changes in Rural Areas (W-4001)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: 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. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

 

Research helps identify challenges communities face--and solutions. For example, studies found that Hispanic Americans in rural areas with small, rapidly growing Hispanic populations have more barriers to healthcare access: https://bit.ly/rural-change #HispanicHeritageMonth #RuralAmerica

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September 15-21: National Farm Safety and Health Week
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Agricultural Safety and Health Research and Extension (NCERA-197)

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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. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample posts:

 

​As part of a multistate effort to reduce injury, illness & death on farms, researchers guided new safety standards for grain bins, tractors, and other farm facilities & machinery. http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health @USDA_NIFA #agsafety #TractorSafety #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag
 

A @USDA_NIFA-supported research team has influenced new safety standards for agricultural facilities, machinery, and personal protective equipment. Learn more: http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health #agsafety #TractorSafety #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag

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Working in agriculture can be dangerous, but an multistate team is trying to make it less so by identifying training, engineering & legislation that prevent injury, illness & death. Learn more: http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health @USDA_NIFA #agsafety #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag
 

As part of a multistate project on farm safety, researchers identified ways to help farmworkers manage financial stress, which can lead to distraction, injury, and other mental and physical health problems. See other project efforts: http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health #agsafety #NFSHW #necasag

 

As part of a multistate project on farm safety, researchers modeled the force needed to extract males of different body sizes from below the grain surface, helping researchers explore new rescue techniques and improve grain bin safety. See other project efforts: http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health #agsafety #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag #grainbins
 

Members of a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate research project published a report on confined spaces and grain bin injuries. Findings have been widely shared via websites (agconfinedspaces.org), trainings, outreach events, and popular media outlets. See other project efforts: http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health #agsafety #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag #grainbins

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Automation for Specialty Crops (W-2009)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: 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. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

 

Sample posts:

 

Mechanization can prevent manual labor injuries. 60% of the tomato processing industry adopted machines designed by @ucdavisCAES to inspect tomato juice. Each season, machines eliminate ~200,000 repetitive motion hazards: http://bit.ly/MRF-Automation #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag
 

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Back to School
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Supporting Healthy Habits Among Young Adults (NC-1193)

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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. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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​Sample posts:

 

This time of year, many students are headed to college campuses. See how a team of researchers & Extension educators at land-grant universities is helping college students make healthier eating, exercise & stress management choices. https://bit.ly/HealthyYoungAdults #BackToSchool #college

 

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation & Green Spaces (NE-1962)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Auburn University, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Maine, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, North Carolina State University, University of Northern Iowa, Ohio Cooperative Extension, Plymouth State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of South Carolina, Texas AgriLife Research, University of Utah, Utah Cooperative Extension, University of Vermont, Washington University in St. Louis, along with the USDA-ARS and National Park Service. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

 

Through surveys of college students in multiple states, researchers have found that campus outdoor areas have positive impacts on student health, wellbeing, and learning. Learn more about the benefits of outdoor spaces: https://bit.ly/OutdoorRecreationBenefits #BackToSchool #College #Outdoors 

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National Chicken Month​
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See/share all of our Impact Statements on poultry.

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Sample post:

 

New genetics insights & tools have led to chicken breeds with desirable growth & disease resistance traits. Other research is ensuring chicken welfare & reducing the environmental impacts of chicken production. Learn more: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements/categories/poultry #NationalChickenMonth @AgIsAmerica

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Multistate Research Addresses Avian Influenza (multiple projects featured)

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Sample post:

 

Scientists at land-grant universities are working together to develop and share the information, tools, and strategies needed to prevent, detect, and manage avian influenza. https://bit.ly/MRF-birdflu #avianinfluenza #HPAI #birdflu

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

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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. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample posts:

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

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As part of a multistate research project on avian disease, researchers measured the persistence of #AvianInfluenza viruses in #poultry footbaths, manure & litter. Researchers also studied litter amendments that could reduce virus persistence. See more project impacts: bit.ly/MRF-poultry-genetics #HPAI #birdflu #NationalChickenMonth

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As part of a multistate project on #poultry genetics, researchers identified genes associated with resistance to heat stress and Newcastle disease virus. This will help breed #chickens that are better adapted for hot climates. See more project impacts: bit.ly/MRF-poultry-genetics @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica #NationalChickenMonth

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Improving Poultry Genetics and Production (NC-1170)

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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. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample posts:

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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 #NationalChickenMonth

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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 #NationalChickenMonth

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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 

#NationalChickenMonth

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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 #NationalChickenMonth

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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 

#NationalChickenMonth

 

As part of a multistate project on #poultry, scientists at @CANRatMSU @cfans @CFAES_OSU @ucdavisCAES @iastate_cals @bumperscollege & @UGA_CollegeofAg studied the genetic mechanisms of heat & cold stress, which threaten poultry meat quality. See more impacts:

https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalChickenMonth

 

To foster advances in #poultry breeding & production, @iastate_cals has developed & maintained a vast library of genetic material, including chicks, fertile eggs, blood, tissues, DNA & RNA for research use. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics 

#NationalChickenMonth

 

As part of a multistate project, @UWMadisonCALS scientists developed new statistical and machine learning algorithms for prediction of feed efficiency and leg disorder traits in broiler. See more impacts:

https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalChickenMonth

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As part of a multistate project on #poultry production, @UTIAg identified ways to manipulate hen diet to modulate fat accumulation in offspring. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalChickenMonth

 

​Improving Poultry Welfare & Production (NE-1042)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Alabama A&M University, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of Bern, Switzerland, University of California, Davis, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, Delaware State University Extension, Georgia Cooperative Extension University of Guelph, 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, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Tech, University of Wisconsin, USDA-ARS. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

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As part of a team safeguarding poultry welfare, @UCAHNR developed computer programs to sort chicken vocalizations, helping producers identify and address stress early on and improve egg and meat production. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRF-poultrywelfare #NationalChickenMonth
 

Improving Meat Production (NC-1184)

 

Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of CaliforniaDavis, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Hawaii, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Utah State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

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A @USDA_NIFA multistate project’s findings about satellite cells (precursors to skeletal muscle cells) could help eliminate “wooden breast,” a costly meat quality defect in poultry. See the project’s other impacts on meat quality: https://bit.ly/MRF-ImprovingMeat #NationalChickenMonth

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National Potato Month​
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See/share all of our Impact Statements about potatoes.

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Sample post:

 

@USDA_NIFA-supported multistate research projects have played a big role in improving potato production & quality. Learn more: https://www.mrfimpacts.org/single-post/potato-research-extension #NationalPotatoMonth @AgIsAmerica #potatoes

 

U.S. Potato Genebank (NRSP-6)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Colorado State University, Cornell University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Wisconsin, and the USDA-ARS. 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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Sample posts:

 

Over 70% of #potato varieties grown in the U.S.—and all potato varieties released in the past five years—were created using genetic material from the U.S. Potato Genebank. Learn more: https://bit.ly/us-potato-genebank

#NationalPotatoMonth @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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Using genetic material from the U.S. Potato Genebank, scientists bred #potatoes with traits that benefit human health. For example, @OSUAgScience bred potatoes with more folate, which helps prevent birth defects. https://bit.ly/us-potato-genebank

#NationalPotatoMonth @AgIsAmerica @USDA_NIFA

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Managing Potato Viruses (WERA-89)

 

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 participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

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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

#NationalPotatoMonth

 
 
National Preparedness Month

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​​Climate Data and Monitoring (WERA-102)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: 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. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample posts:

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Climate monitoring helps farmers and communities take action and prepare for droughts, floods, heat waves, and severe storms. See how other land-grant universities are working together to help collect climate data: bit.ly/climate-data-monitoring #NPM2024 #NationalPreparednessMonth #BeReady
 

Coordination improves climate monitoring. @ucdavisCAES @UCSanDiego & @CA_DWR work with @NWS @NASA & others to monitor snowpack. This helps prepare for & mitigate the impacts of #drought & floods. See how other universities help collect climate data: bit.ly/climate-data-monitoring #NPM2024 #NationalPreparednessMonth #BeReady

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Improving Protective Gear (NC-170)

 

Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Baylor College, Buffalo State College, University of California-Davis, Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Hawaii, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Oklahoma State University, University of Oregon, and Washington State University. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

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Part of preparing for disasters is making sure first responders have the gear they need to respond effectively & safely. A @USDA_NIFA-funded multistate project is designing better protective gear: https://bit.ly/MRF-PPE  #NPM2024 #NationalPreparednessMonth #BeReady

 

Helping Family-Owned Businesses (NC-1030)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Hawaii, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Montana State University, North Dakota State University, Purdue University, Utah State University, and the University of Wisconsin. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

 

Researchers and Extension educators across the U.S. are working together to help family-owned businesses cope with natural disasters and economic recessions. This work guides government assistance and helps businesses survive and thrive. https://bit.ly/MRF-familybusiness  #NPM2024 #NationalPreparednessMonth #BeReady

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National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NRSP-3)

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Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of California, Colorado State University, Cornell University, Louisiana State University, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, University of New Hampshire, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University. This is an ongoing project and may include additional participants. â€‹Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.

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Sample post:

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Rain & snow can carry biological, chemical & radiological threats. @NADProgram monitors precipitation chemistry. Tracking is a key step in disaster preparedness. https://bit.ly/MRF-NADP  #NPM2024 #NationalPreparednessMonth #BeReady​

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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:

 

  • Social media

  • Web stories

  • Newspapers

  • Magazines

  • Grant proposals

  • Annual reports

  • Media interviews

  • Speeches

  • Town halls

  • Presentations

  • Newsletters

  • Congressional testimony

  • Conferences

  • Meetings

  • Extension events

Hashtags & Handles

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@MRFimpacts

#MRFimpacts

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@NCRegionalAssoc


@NERASAES

#NERASAES

#PromotingCollaboration

 

@SouthernAES

#SouthernAgResearch

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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

Shelled Peanuts_edited.jpg

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.

green farm heavy equipment on green fiel
NE1962_college students studying on grass_iStock-821433352_edited.jpg
chicken barn poultry house_iStock-136845
Rooster side view_edited.jpg
potatoes in field dirt_iStock-1220924272
Flood_edited.jpg
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