Communications Toolkit
SEPTEMBER 2026
This toolkit shares Hatch Multistate projects related to timely themes, priority topics, and national initiatives. It includes links to prepared documents and graphics and sample social media posts.
We encourage you to share our projects and materials on your platforms.
SEPTEMBER INFOGRAPHICS
The infographics below feature Hatch Multistate research related to timely topics. Click on the thumbnails below to view/download a PDF of the infographic to use on your on your platforms.
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NATIONAL CHICKEN MONTH
Multistate research makes chicken production more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. Findings also improve chicken meat and egg quality and food safety. New genetics insights and tools have led to chicken breeds with desirable growth and disease resistance traits. Other research is ensuring chicken welfare and reducing the environmental impacts of chicken production.
Multistate Research Projects Address Avian Influenza
As part of various USDA NIFA-supported multistate projects, 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. Outbreaks in recent years have affected millions of chickens. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRF-birdflu #avianinfluenza #HPAI #birdflu @AgIsAmerica @USDAScience
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of California, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, University of Nebraska, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, University of Wisconsin
The Genetics of Immunity and Resistance to Avian Diseases (NE-2334)
Avian diseases pose a major challenge to poultry production. Scientists at land-grant universities have shed light on chicken genetics and identified breeding strategies, vaccines, feed amendments and other ways to improve poultry immunity and resistance to diseases: bit.ly/MRF-poultry-genetics #NationalChickenMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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
Improving Poultry Genetics and Production (NC-1170)
As part of a USDA NIFA-supported multistate project, researchers at land-grant universities are working together on advanced technologies and data that improve poultry breeding and production. Scientists at Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, University of California, Davis, Iowa State University, University of Arkansas, and University of Georgia studied the genetic mechanisms of heat and cold stress, which threaten poultry meat quality. Researchers at Texas A&M University and the University of Delaware generated new knowledge about “woody breast," a condition that causes poor texture in chicken breast meat. New statistical and machine learning algorithms developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists help predict feed efficiency and leg disorder traits in broiler chickens. Studies at the University of Tennessee identified ways to manipulate hen diet to modulate fat accumulation in offspring. See more impacts: https://bit.ly/poultry-genetics #NationalChickenMonth
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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
Improving Meat Production (NC-1184)
A USDA NIFA-supported 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
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of California, Davis, 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 Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin
NATIONAL POTATO MONTH
It's #NationalPotatoMonth! As part of Hatch Multistate projects, researchers at land-grant universities are working together to improve potato production and quality. They have developed better tools for detecting diseases and bred new varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions and that are better suited for specific end uses, such as fries, chips, and frozen potato products.
FEATURED LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Idaho, Michigan State University, University of Maine, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Land-grant institutions are using federal capacity funding to collaborate on projects that help farmers and communities prepare for and be more resilient to natural disasters. These projects also help farmers and communities recover after disaster strikes. #StandReady #BeReady #BePrepared #NPM2026
Protective Clothing for Wildland Firefighters (W-3192)
Part of preparing for wildfires is making sure firefighters have the gear they need to respond effectively and safely. See how researchers at the University of Idaho, Iowa State University, the University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University, Washington State University, and other institutions are making sure wildland firefighters have gear that fits comfortably, is durable, and performs well during their long, physically demanding shifts in hazardous conditions: https://bit.ly/wildland-firefighter-PPE #StandReady #BeReady #BePrepared #NPM2026
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
Florida State University, Georgia Southern University, University of Idaho, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University, Washington State University
Improving Protective Gear (NC-170)
As part of a USDA NIFA-supported multistate project, researchers at land-grant universities are making sure firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and medical workers have the protective gear they need to respond effectively and safely to emergencies: https://bit.ly/MRF-PPE #StandReady #BeReady #BePrepared #NPM2026
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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, Washington State University
Weather Data and Monitoring (WERA-102)
Monitoring weather and other environmental conditions helps farmers and communities take action and prepare for droughts, floods, heat waves, and severe storms. See how land-grant universities are working together to help collect and share data: bit.ly/climate-data-monitoring #StandReady #BeReady #BePrepared #NPM2026
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & 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
Supporting Midsize Producers (NC-1198)
Researchers at land-grant universities are working together to support midsize farms, which are vital to the long-term resilience of the global food system and the wellbeing of rural communities, the economy, and the environment. Midsize farms can boost resilience to extreme weather, pandemics, and other disruptions. https://bit.ly/midsize-farms #StandReady #BeReady #BePrepared #NPM2026
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
Auburn University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, University of New Hampshire, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, University of Vermont, Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin
Designing & Managing Resilient Septic Systems (NE-1545)
Researchers are identifying septic systems at risk of flooding, salinization, and groundwater rise. Researchers are also developing new technology to keep septic systems performing safely in challenging conditions and after natural disasters. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRF-septicsystems
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
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
SEPTEMBER 7
LABOR DAY
This #LaborDay we’d like to thank all the researchers who are working hard to innovate and sustain agricultural production. Their work impacts the food supply, economy, environment, and YOU! See the impacts: mrfimpacts.org/impact-statements @AgIsAmerica @USDAScience
Supporting and Sustaining Bee Health (NC-1173)
Researchers are working together to protect essential pollinators, including wild bees. Work at the University of California, Davis, Pennsylvania State University, and Cornell University has led to new protocols, tools, and maps that help monitor wild bee nests and activity, guiding conservation efforts. Various studies at Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin, and Kansas State University identified forage and habitat features that support wild bee abundance and diversity. Learn more: ttps://bit.ly/sustaining-bees #NationalWildlifeDay
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
Auburn University, University of Arkansas, University of California, Davis, University of California, Riverside, Central State University, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, Washington State University.
Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Agrochemicals (W-4045)
Research is helping measure and mitigate the impacts of agrochemicals on wildlife. For example, as part of a USDA NIFA-supported multistate project, researchers at Oregon State University simulated the risks pesticides pose to salmon, and Purdue University scientists measured the adverse effects of PFAS pollutants on salamanders. Learn more: https://bit.ly/MRF-Agrochemicals #NationalWildlifeDay
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
University of California-Davis, University of California-Riverside, University of Connecticut, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, Montana State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada, Reno, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, South Dakota State University, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin, USDA-ARS
Benefits of Outdoor Recreation & Green Spaces (NE-1962)
Researchers are studying the economic value of wildlife-based recreation. Accurate valuations can help rationalize wildlife conservation efforts and support economic development. For example, a North Carolina State University study helped rural businesses boost sales by marketing to birders. Learn more: https://bit.ly/OutdoorRecreationBenefits
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS & PARTNERS:
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, USDA-ARS, National Park Service
Using Chemical Ecology to Prevent Pests and Protect Pollinators (NE-1501)
To reduce use of pesticides that can pose risks to pollinators, a team of researchers is exploring ways to harness the natural chemicals plants emit to prevent and slow pest feeding. Learn more: https://bit.ly/chemical-ecology
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
University of California, Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Delaware Cooperative Extension, University of Illinois, Louisiana State University, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, University of New Hampshire, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Vermont, and Virginia Tech.
SEPTEMBER 21-25
NATIONAL FARM SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK
People who work or live on farms and ranches are regularly exposed to dangerous machinery, sharp tools, toxic chemicals, biological pathogens, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and other hazards that can cause illnesses, injuries, or deaths, which can have a ripple effect on the economic and social wellbeing of their communities. Researchers and Extension professionals at land-grant universities are collaborating to make farms and ranches safer.
Agricultural Safety and Health Research and Extension (NCERA-197)
As part of a USDA NIFA-supported multistate project to reduce injury, illness, and death on farms, researchers guided new safety standards for personal protective equipment, grain bins, tractors, and other farm facilities and machinery and trained tens of thousands of farmers on safer practices. Learn more: http://bit.ly/ag-safety-health #agsafety #TractorSafety #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag
PARTICIPATING LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS:
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
Automation for Specialty Crops (W-3009)
A multistate project is exploring how mechanization and automation can prevent injuries among agricultural workers. Machines designed by researchers at the University of California, Davis, are now being used by 60% of the tomato processing industry to inspect tomato juice. Each season, these machines eliminate about 200,000 repetitive motion hazards. Project scientists at Pennsylvania State University designed an apple harvest-assist device that eliminated ladder falls and reduced time spent in awkward, dangerous postures by 20%. See more impacts: http://bit.ly/MRF-Automation #FarmSafety #NFSHW #necasag
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