Digital Commons Network^™

Financial-Legal Navigation Reduces Financial Toxicity Of Pediatric, Adolescent, And Young Adult Cancers, Jean Edward, Kimberly D. Northrip, Mary Kay Rayens, Andrea Welker, Rachel O'Farrel, Jennifer Knuf, Haafsah Fariduddin, Julia Costich, John A. D'Orazio

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Background: Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer and their caregivers are at high risk of financial toxicity, and few evidence-based oncology financial and legal navigation programs exist to address it. We tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance, a novel interdisciplinary financial and legal naviga- tion intervention for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients and their caregivers.

Methods: We used a single-arm feasibility and acceptability trial design in a pediatric hematology and oncology clinic and collected preintervention and postintervention surveys to assess changes in financial toxicity (3 domains: psychological response/ Comprehensive Score …

Transformation In Lotus Corniculatus: Towards Low-Lignin Pasture Through Antisense Rna, R Akashi, T Uchiyama, Y Sakatani, O Kawamura

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

We have developed a rapid and reproducible transformation system for bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) by using Agrobacterium-mediated T-DNA transfer and the incorporation of the antisense gene for cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) from Aralia cordata into Lotus for lignin reduction. The presence of the transferred antisense gene in regenerated plants has been confirmed by PCR analysis.

Characterization And Management Of Grassland And Associated Plant Communities On Kodiak Island, Alaska, J David Swanson, M.H. W. Barker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A range survey on Kodiak Island grazing leases was conducted summers of 1995-96 to update management plans for areas grazed by cattle (Bos tarus) and bison (Bison bison). Ecological site (site) mapping and descriptions were updated, ecological status and grazing use was evaluated. Spatial data were acquired and summarized using Geographic Information System (GIS). New sites were developed for beaches and cliffs to facilitate ecosystem planning and enhance GIS capabilities.

Mentoring Graduate Students For Academic Careers In Grassland Science, L. E. Sollenberger

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Effective mentorship enhances student productivity and career achievements, yet faculty generally do not receive mentorship training, nor does mentorship receive focused attention, evaluation, and recognition. The objectives of this paper are to 1) define mentorship and identify roles of a mentor, 2) highlight qualities and outcomes of effective mentoring, and 3) elaborate best mentoring practices, metrics for assessing mentoring, and challenges for mentoring the next generation of grassland scientists. Mentoring is a professional alliance where individuals work together to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners. Mentors should be altruistic discipline experts, have substantial …

A Transdisciplinary Approach To Landscape Transformation Towards Perennial, Diverse, Circular Systems: Why And How, V. Picasso, C. Williams

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Prevailing agricultural systems in the U.S. are dominated by intensification through annual crop monocultures and high amounts of external inputs. Increased yields per unit of land have resulted but many undesirable environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic outcomes have co-occurred. Lack of resilience within intensified agricultural systems is a factor in these outcomes. Redesign of agricultural systems and changes in federal policy are needed to better support resilience in agriculture. Redesign for greater resilience must encourage adoption of agricultural systems that are diverse, perennial, circular, and include forages. We developed a transdisciplinary framework within a project orientation with a focus on crops …

Invasive Annual Grass Issues In Canadian Rangelands, V. Maloney

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

It has been understood for several years now that Canadian grasslands are among the world’s most endangered ecosystems. While the endangerment of the world’s coral reefs and rainforests may make the news more often, the increasingly fast decline of native Canadian grasslands is having a major impact on species diversity as well as global carbon supplies. In this paper, I will discuss the impact invasive annual grasses have had on two important rangeland ecosystems in Canada. Furthermore, strategies for protecting and restoring these invaluable lands will be discussed.

Is There A Need For Tailored Graduate Programs For International Students?, K. T. Oduor, Lynn E. Sollenberger, J. Dubeux, L. M. D. Queiroz

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

International studies often present opportunities for capacity development and mentorship for students to equip them with the knowledge and skills to address the challenges in their home countries. Typically, international graduate students are drawn from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds different from those in their host countries. Adjusting to these changes might be challenging and time-consuming, thus influencing their academic journey. Understanding these challenges might provide international students the opportunity to address them in time and, where possible, seek help. In this paper, we discuss some graduate program-related challenges international students face and provide potential recommendations that might result in …

Legumes As A Biological Tool To Address The Sustainability Of Ruminant Production Systems, H. Sheridan, M. B. Lynch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Growing public concern regarding accelerated rates of climate change, the depletion and degradation of natural resources such as biodiversity water and soils, coupled with policy commitments to address these challenges, are placing increasing pressures to enhance sustainability metrics associated with agriculture in general, and ruminant production systems in particular. At EU and indeed global scale, there has probably never before been so many potentially conflicting challenges for agriculture. On one hand, agricultural systems need to produce more, to feed the increasing global human population, while at the same time being much less reliant on economically and environmentally costly chemical inputs …

Forage And Grazinglands Extension: Training The Next Generation Of Specialists, D. W. Hancock

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This invited talk provides a perspective on what is required to excel in the role as an Extension Specialist. In the USA, most such Extension Specialists are tenure-track faculty, and have state-wide or even multi-state responsibilities. Advice is given on how to balance the high expectations of such a faculty appointment while providing appropriate recommendations to farmers/ranchers and service providers in the forage and grazinglands industry. This talk will offer one former Extension Specialist’s perspective on the skills, experience, and persona required to begin a successful career as a Forage and Grazinglands Extension Specialist. Additional exposition will be given on …

Development Of Megathyrsus Maximus Genotypes For Intensification Of Cattle Rearing In Brazil, Liana Jank, M. F. Santos, Sanzio Carvalho Barrios, Cacilda Borges Do Valle, Rosangela Maria Simeão

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Megathyrsus maximus is a forage species used over 30 million hectares in Brazil and in the surrounding countries for intensification of the cattle production systems. Due to the large area and distinct biomes in which it is used, there is a need to continuously develop more productive and adapted cultivars to each biome and use. Three apomictic accessions were crossed with five sexual plants at Embrapa Beef Cattle in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil in 2014. More than 1100 hybrids were planted in a spaced-plant field and evaluated visually for regrowth after cuts and for disease and pest damage. In 2016, …

Role Of Social Media And Digital Resources In Extension, L. L. Baxter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Social media and digital resources can be powerful tools for Extension personnel as they can enable forage-livestock researchers and Extension specialists to connect with a wide audience of producers, Extension personnel, colleagues, and industry partners. Online platforms that provide a space for Extension personnel to deliver timely information and digital resources have been critical for continuing producer education in today’s environment. This presentation in the thematic session on “Understanding the role of social media and digital resources in forage education and promotion” will focus on the role social media and digital resources play in Extension. There are a host of …

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics Of The Dual-Purpose Cattle Value Chain In The Colombian Amazonas, A. Leinert, S. Burkart

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The cattle sector plays an important role in the economy of the Caquetá department, located in the Colombian Amazon. However, the predominantly extensive production system is associated with low productivity and negative environmental impacts, such as land degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. Efforts to introduce improved practices (e.g., improved forages or silvopastoral systems) have been made over the last decades, but adoption rates remain low. Though several studies have analyzed the cattle value chain (VC) to enhance the understanding of adoption barriers, the heterogeneity of farmers has been considered only marginally when trying to explain their adoption behavior. To …

Uf-Accelerate To Industry (A2i): Bringing Industry Into Academia, J. A. Estrada

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

University stakeholders are targeting candidates with competency in a wide range of professional skills, including team building and leadership, multi-modal communication, intercultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and mental flexibility. We developed UF-Accelerate to Industry (A2i) to deliver these skills to our graduate students and better prepare them to enter a competitive, rapidly evolving workforce. UF-A2i is delivered as day-long “immersion” events, consisting of presentations, panel discussions, skills workshops, and group projects. All activities are led by industry sponsors or career preparation specialists and are focused on building industry-identified skills that will give attendees a competitive edge in the job market. Since …

Preparing Grasslands Scientists For Careers In International Agriculture, M. Eilittä

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livelihoods of a billion poor people depend on grasslands. Dedicated and trained experts are needed to support grasslands’ sustainable development under increasing pressures in the future. For some grasslands scientists, a career in international agriculture is the principal focus from the start of their education. For others, interest in international agriculture emerges during their careers. All require international opportunities to ensure that their efforts are focused on important priorities, that they understand the environment they work in, and that their professional networks are up to date. This paper reflects on ways for grassland scientists to be engaged in international agriculture …

How ‘Pasture For Life (Championing 100% Pasture-Fed Ruminant Products) Has Taken Off In The Uk – From The Bottom Up!, S. J. Gregson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ten years ago Pasture for Life (PfL) was a collection of around 50 UK farmers who were producing high quality ruminant food products wholly from pasture. They were regenerative farming pioneers and PfL was run by volunteers and funded through various grants. In the past two to three years, membership has increased significantly, nearing 1,000 with almost 150 certified Pasture for Life (100% grass-fed). The organisation is now run by a paid executive and is bursting with energy, conversation, and learning. Members are mainly farmers, but also include butchers, chefs, vets, academics and consumers – all keen to champion the …

Rotational Stocking With Virtual Fences: Effects On Grassland Diet Digestibility, Livestock Performance And Stress Levels Of Heifers, N. A. Grinnell, D. Hamidi, M. Komainda, F. Reisch, J. Horn, I. Traulsen, R. Palme, J. Isselstein

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Virtual fencing is an innovative technology for simplified, less laborious dynamic grazing management and remote animal monitoring. The effect of this novel technology on animal welfare is still a matter of debate. Previous research suggests no differences in stress experience responses of cattle between the two fencing systems on continuously stocked pastures. This study investigated differences in diet organic matter digestibility, livestock performance and fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations of heifers on pastures in a rotational grazing system, fenced with a virtual fence (Nofence, Batnfjordsøra Norway) compared to heifers fenced with a traditional electric wire fence. The study was conducted in …

Role Of Social Media And Digital Resources In Forage Education, L. L. Baxter

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Social media and digital resources are powerful tools that enable forage-livestock researchers and Extension specialists to connect with a wide audience of producers, Extension personnel, colleagues, and industry partners. This presentation in the thematic session on “Understanding the role of social media and digital resources in forage education and promotion” will focus on the role digital resources play in forage education.

A Framework For Promoting Diverse Perennial Circular Forage Systems For More Resilient Agricultural Landscapes: Developing Extension And Educational Tools For Resilience And Sustainability, Cassida K. A., W. Lamp, S. Gruss

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Resilience CAP Team seeks to use diverse, perennial, circular forage systems (DPCFS) to enhance biodiversity, improve soil and plant health, support ecosystem service, all towards achieving greater resilience to global change and improving the farm economy and quality of life. Our project will design a transdisciplinary framework that combines agronomic, ecological, economic, and sociological factors to achieve greater resilience and stability in agricultural systems through use of DPCFS. In this paper, we describe two of the project’s six objectives. Objective 5 is our extension/outreach arm where we will develop extension media, activities, and actionable decision tools to communicate concepts …

Public Policies For The Development Of A Sustainable, Forage-Based Cattle Sector In Colombia, Argentina, And Costa Rica: A Comparative Analysis, S. Burkart, M. Diaz, Moreno Lerma

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Projected increases in global food demand highlight the importance of Latin America as one of the major future food suppliers, particularly regarding animal-source foods such as beef or milk. Despite the importance of the cattle sector for the region, its negative environmental impacts are numerous and the shift towards sustainability is perceived as slow and uncoordinated. This study aims to identify achievements and difficulties in the implementation of public policies for a sustainable cattle sector in Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica, for which policies focused on the use of silvo-pastoral systems and forage-based solutions are prioritized. Based on the review …

Grasslands, Rangelands, Pastoralists – What Do We Mean?, D. M. Kelly, Ann Waters-Bayer, K. L. Johnson, Maryam Niamir-Fuller, Chris Magero, Tungalag Ulambayer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The terms grasslands and rangelands are often confused, but the terms used to describe the people who live and manage these areas are even more confusing. The myriad of words used about these people includes: pastoralists, farmers, ranchers, herders, transhumants, indigenous peoples, nomads, graziers, gauchos. The terms used vary across the world, and meanings vary across time and space. One definition of pastoralists is “livestock-keepers who specialise in taking advantage of variability, managing grazing itineraries at a variety of scales so that livestock feed better than without a herder” (Krätli 2019). The United Nations Decade of Family Farming defines farmers …

Applying The Transdisciplinary Adaptive Systemic Approach To Securing The Long-Term Future Of Grassland Ecosystems, C. G. Palmer, Z. W. Tessema, A. Bantider, B. Gusha, J. Tanner

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Contemporary grasslands all exist as complex adaptive systems, specifically complex social-ecological systems – whether these are in protected areas or are part of private or communal agricultural landscapes. These systems are subject to the current planetary condition that includes rapidly growing human populations and demand for natural resources, the widespread use of pollutants, and climate change consequences. All complex adaptive systems have characteristics in common - they comprise multiple elements, which interact, and the multiple interactions cause intersecting feedback loops. As a result, a current system condition reflects its history, future condition is difficult to predict, and interventions have unpredictable …

Challenges And Opportunities For Sustainable Livestock Production In The Context Of Socioeconomic And Food Security In Northern Areas Of Pakistan, Muhammad Tariq

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Due to a variety of biophysical and socioeconomic variables, food insecurity in Pakistan is noticeably higher in the mountainous areas than in the plains. In the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, the issue of food insecurity made worse by rapid socio-economic and environmental changes as well as topographical constraints. In northern areas of Pakistan livestock is raised for many purposes, including milk, meat, wool, leather, and draft. The livestock not only contributes significantly to the region's food security but also a sizable portion of what local families eat on a daily basis at their food table. Livestock are raised using nomadic and …

Challenges Of Stray Cattle On Integrated Crop-Forage Resources In India, Pal Mahendra Singh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field survey was conducted covering 1000 residents of district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand states of India in January 2022 including farmers, school teachers, students and residents of town and cities to study the ‘challenges and threats of stray animals on crop-forage resources in India. The survey indicated that 97.5, 75.6, 60.0, 77.8%, and 68.9 respondents had strong opinion that stray cattle were the serious threat to crops-forage resources, biodiversity, road accidents, transmitting harmful diseases and human-wildlife conflict, respectively, while 85.5, 67.7, 62.7,76.2 and 70.5% respondents gave their consent to solve stray cattle by opening of cowsheds, strict government policies, mass …

Optimizing Production Technology For Sustainable Organic Fodder Production And Soil Health In Indo-Gangetic Plains Of India, Pal Mahendra Singh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field experiment was carried at Instructional Dairy Farm, G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (India) during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to optimize the production technology for sustainable organic fodder production and soil health in Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Among the organic production systems, application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha gave the highest fodder yield, gross return and net return but the B:C ratio was derived highest from zero budget natural farming. Among the Kharif crops grown in different cropping systems, BN hybrid intercropped with cowpea gave the significant higher green and dry fodder yield, gross return, net return …

Economics And Other Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Novel Endophyte Technology, M. H. Poore, J. Horner

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Endophyte infected tall fescue impacts cattle and other livestock across vast regions of the world. Toxicosis from wild type endophyte is widespread in regions where toxic tall fescue is the base perennial forage. The Alliance for Grassland Renewal was founded to address this complex issue and to facilitate appropriate adoption of Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue, the only potentially 100% effective remedy for fescue toxicosis. A poor understanding of the Cost/Benefit ratio of renovating pasture is one of the main reason farmers give for not renovating tall fescue pastures. An Excel-based spreadsheet tool was developed by University of Missouri Extension to …

Spring Triticale Forage Yield And Nutritive Value As Affected By Location And Maturity In Wisconsin, Y. Newman, K. Jarek, P. Holman, M. Akins, E. Schreifer, R. Zogbaum

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Spring triticale (X Triticosecale Wittm.) has a nutritional value that is like other spring cereal grain forages and presents a wide range in value and potential for ruminant feed (Emile et al. 2007). As varieties are improved, they may compete with oats as a spring forage source. A multi-location evaluation was conducted during 2021 in Wisconsin (Spooner, Marshfield and Lancaster) to evaluate spring triticale varieties harvested at two maturities (boot and mature stage) for yield and nutritive value. Treatments included six spring triticale varieties (AR-1, AR-2, AR-3, AR-4 and a local oat (WI-O) and triticale (WI-T) variety. Response variables measured …

Design And Management Of Saltbush-Based Forage Systems To Improve Productivity And Reproductive Performance Of Sheep, H. C. Norman, M. G. Wilmot, D. G. Masters, D. Blache, S. K. Maloney, S. N. Hancock

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is evidence that effective shelter can significantly improve lamb survival, but the majority of Australian studies have occurred in small paddocks where the ewes had no choice but to use shelter. In mixed farming systems with large open paddocks, it is unclear if ewes will choose to use shelter for lambing. Our multidisciplinary collaboration examines the use of woody shrubs as an opportunity to improve the survival of twin lambs. In a series of large experiments on commercial farms, we will evaluate the impact of different shrub planting configurations, orientations, and densities on microclimates at the sub-paddock scale. Twin-bearing …

Making Love Easier: Automating Communication For Better Relationship Building For Web Archives, Emily Collier

2024 R&I Day

Starting in Fall of 2023, Ruth Bryan and Emily Collier began researching sustainability for the Web Archiving Program, which led them to building communication channels with the University of Kentucky Office of Public Relations and Marketing Web Content Development group. By tightening this channel, we hope to initiate the archival mindset right at the moment of content creation, as well as limit gaps in our web archives collection as the PR team is directly involved in monitoring sites that go live and expire. Part of this tightening of communication has been finding ways to automate alerts when changes are made …

Academic Libraries And Use Of Ai Tools For The Creation Of Course Materials, Makayla Wells

2024 R&I Day

This is a poster presentation shared at the 2024 Research and Innovation Day.

More Than Fiber: Forage Carbohydrates Affecting Animal Performance, M. B. Hall

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forages are well known as an important source of fiber in livestock diets. However, their carbohydrate contribution is more than fiber. Forage grasses and legumes supply sugars, fructans, and other water-soluble carbohydrates as well as soluble fiber that behave very differently than starch in the rumen. With a focus on ruminants, we will explore the forage supply, and ruminal and animal impacts.