Life Sciences Commons^™

Creative Conversations: The Un-Meeting As An Approach To Agricultural Extension Communication, Jessica R. Spence, Eric K. Kaufman, Megan M. Seibel, Jean A. Parrella, Crystal Tyler-Mackey, Benjamin B. Grove, Bolane Adebayo, Olamide Olowoyo, Sonika Poudel, Stephanie Zhu, Michael Gutter

Journal of Extension

The agricultural industry increasingly faces complex challenges that require diverse stakeholder input, and traditional meeting approaches often limit engagement and perpetuate top-down dynamics that can inhibit effective problem-solving. This article explores the ``un-meeting'' format as an alternative, highlighting its ability to foster inclusive, participant-driven discussions that encourage collaborative brainstorming and actionable outcomes. Based on our experience with a statewide agriculture summit, we discuss the principles underlying un-meetings, the facilitation process, and the practical implications for Extension professionals. Recommendations include the importance of knowledgeable facilitators, a large team for effective management, and limiting session cycles to maintain focus and depth in …

Educating Livestock Producers And Monitoring The Ecological Health Of Grazing Spaces, Morgan Mathisonslee, Matt R. Raven, Crista Derry

Journal of Extension

Addressing the climate catastrophe requires a systems approach with a focus on regenerating agricultural landscapes. To address these complex problems, we offered a monitoring training focused on a systems approach to livestock stewardship using the Savory Institute's Ecological Outcomes Verification protocol to monitor ecosystem health. The training encouraged producers to use systems-based management practices to promote ecological regeneration. We found that despite producers not adopting the monitoring protocol, there were increases in the ecological health of their farms. We suggest Extension professionals consider teaching similar ecological monitoring protocols to benefit producers and support claims about regenerative agriculture.

Does Farm Size Matter In Agricultural Extension Programs? Insights From Us Agriculture Census Data, Pilja Vitale, Joshua Campbell, Jeffrey Vitale, Michael Patrick, John Garlisch

Journal of Extension

This commentary examines how farm size influences agricultural Extension programs in the United States, highlighting disparities between large and small farms. While large farms dominate production through advanced technologies and economies of scale, small farms are vital for food security, community well-being, and cultural preservation. Key differences include water use, labor, machinery, marketing, financial management, and food safety practices. Extension programs address these disparities through tailored initiatives such as financial literacy training for small farms and technology adoption workshops for large ones. This analysis emphasizes the need for targeted and inclusive Extension programming to enhance sustainability and equity across farm …

Realities Of Engendering Federalization: Political Commitment To Gender Equality, Resources, And Policy, Christine S. Diaz

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

Amid several initiatives to federalize the Philippines, discourse on engendering federalization remains scarce. This gap forms the basis of this study, which examined the realities of engendering federalization. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with research participants from various sectors in Davao City. Guided by Caren Levy’s Web of Institutionalization Framework, the study focused on three core dimensions: political commitment to gender equality, resources, and policy. The findings revealed that engendering federalization, particularly political commitment to gender equality, requires advocacy, institutionalization, gender awareness, and gender-sensitivity formation. Institutional mechanisms, policies, and resources are important for advancing gender-responsive …

Impacts Of Leonardite And Gibberellic Acid On Plant Stand And Ear Height In Early-Season Sweet Corn, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Sweet corn planted early in the season can suffer from poor germination due to low soil temperatures. In addition, low ear height of early-season hybrids can make hand- or machine-harvest more challenging. We tested impacts of two in-furrow leonardite treatments on germination and ear height, and a single application of a commercial gibberellic acid product (Proliant) on ear height. Sweet corn was planted on 5 May in southern Minnesota. We tested 14 sweet corn hybrids, including sugary-enhanced, synergistic, and supersweet. We found no impact of leonardite or Proliant on sweet corn stand or ear height. Three hybrids (‘Sprinter XR’, ‘Kickoff …

Horticultural Diplomacy: A Framework For Growing Culturally Aware Gardeners, Stephen Stresow-Cortez, Stephen Reiners, Ashley Miller Helmholdt

Journal of Extension

Derived from person-to-person diplomacy models, a ``horticultural diplomacy'' framework was implemented in a statewide vegetable variety trial program for two seasons to introduce Master Gardeners to diverse crops and cultures. Scaffolding learning with relevant recipes, bed groupings, community tasting events, and collecting community (citizen) science data helped participants build garden skills, gain a greater appreciation for other cultures, and inform new educational materials. Horticultural diplomacy is part of a deliberate effort aimed at growing food and building understanding among (primarily White) volunteers. The techniques that helped make this program successful, adaptable to other garden programs, and aspects that require improvements …

Growing South Dakota (Fall 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food And, Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Support from donors helping set SDSU dairy graduates above the rest
[Page] 4 A decade of impact: Celebrating 10 years of cow-calf, swine education and research facilitates
[Page] 8 98-year-old donor keeps decades-long scholarship going in honor of late husband
[Page] 11 Looking back at Michele Dudash's tenure in academia
[Page] 12Giving students opportunities, experience to build their futures
[Page] 16 A Jackrabbit's journey in growing agricultural leadership
[Page] 18 Building South Dakota's next generation of rural veterinarians
[Page] 19 Conservation: A family affair
[Page] 20 South Dakota Water Resources Institute finds solutions to South Dakota's water challenges …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme: 2026-29 Strategic Plan, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Industry Funding Schemes (IFS) are a powerful effort fuelled by industry support and steered by industry stakeholders. The Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS addresses pest and disease threats that pose a high risk to profitability or production into the grains, seed and hay industry in Western Australia.

The Grains, Seed and Hay IFS is managed by an Industry Management Committee, composed of dedicated producers and growers. As a crucial link between industry and government, our IFS collaborates closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) who manage the BAM regulation list and deliver impactful programs.

Aleurone Layer Multi-Omics Reveals Constitutive Enzyme-Inhibitor Imbalance In Lma-Contrasting Wheat Cultivars, Utpal Bose, Angéla Juhász, Nicolas Daneri-Castro, Shoko Okada, James A. Broadbent, Keren Byrne, Sally Stockwell, Ronald Yu, Jean-Philippe Ral, Michelle L. Colgrave

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Late maturity amylase (LMA) is a genetic defect in wheat causing premature accumulation of high-pI alpha-amylase isoforms in the aleurone during grain development, which reduces falling number, resulting in flour downgrading and price penalties. Yet, the aleurone layer proteome and metabolome remain poorly characterised across LMA-contrasting cultivars. We measured the proteome and central carbon metabolome of aleurone from three wheat cultivars differing in LMA-phenotype: Seri (susceptible), Kennedy (intermediate), and Hartog (resistant) – under abscisic acid (ABA), abscisic acid plus gibberellic acid (GA), or untreated conditions. Cultivar identity explained 65.7% of proteome variance, exceeding hormone treatment effects (13.1%), with no significant …

Strengthening The Philippines' Agri-Fishery Rde System: A Case Study Of A Public Coordinating Agency As A Bridging Organization, Cynthia Remedios V. De Guia, Luis Rey I. Velasco, Maria Faina L. Diola

Journal of Public Affairs and Development

The Philippine agricultural research, development, and extension (RDE) system has long struggled to live up to its ideals. Decades after the passage of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act (AFMA), the RDE system was reported to have failed to innovate, largely because it failed to translate research into development outcomes. This has resulted from persistent gaps in knowledge exchange, institutional linkages, and collaboration among system actors. In fragmented systems, meaningful interaction and trust seldom emerge spontaneously, making bridging mechanisms necessary. Bridging organizations (BOs) play this role by connecting multiple and diverse actors, mediating relationships, enabling knowledge flows, and enhancing capacities …

Jpnet: A Multi-Layered Fusion Deep Learning Architecture For The Detection And Classification Of Pests In Jute Crops, Mejbah Ahammad, Md. Ashraful Babu, Muhammad Sajjad Hossain, Md. Fayz-Al-Asad, Nadim Ahmed, Md. Khaled Hossain, Md. Mortuza Ahmmed, M. Mostafizur Rahman, Mufti Mahmud

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Detecting and classifying insect pests is a critical challenge in agricultural pest management, as infestations can reduce crop yield and quality. This study introduces JPNet, a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture that uses multi-layer feature fusion to detect and classify insect pests affecting jute crops. The architecture integrates complementary feature representations extracted at different network depths, preserving fine-grained visual characteristics alongside high-level semantic information. JPNet is evaluated on the JutePest dataset, which comprises approximately 6,460 RGB images spanning 17 pest classes. Preprocessing and data augmentation—including resizing, normalization, rotation, shifting, zooming, and flipping—improve the consistency and diversity of the training data. …

Efficacy Of Natural Plant Extracts Against Varroa Mite Infestation In Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.), Muhammad Farrukh Mushtaq, Amir Said, Abdul Majid Khan, Mahnoor Arshad, Muhammad Ammar, Abdullah ., Muhammad Farhan Nasir, Amina Bashir, Shumaila Noreen

Journal of Bioresource Management

The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is one of the most beneficial insects worldwide. Several factors stress this pollinating insect, with Varroa destructor infestation being one of the most devastating reasons. Conventional acaricides necessitate an alternative control due to the development of resistance and the accumulation of residues. Many plant extracts and oils provide a favourable solution for managing mites in honey bee colonies. This study focused on the acaricidal and insecticidal activities of three plant extracts: Indian rennet (Withania coagulans), Guggal (Commiphora wightii), and Celery (Apium graveolens) against Varroa and potential side effects on …

Economic Costs For Three Selected Water Quality Treatment Technologies, Dawoon Jeong, Debabrata Sahoo, Heather Nix, Sarah White

Forestry and Natural Resources

Maintaining water quality in surface waters, including ponds and irrigation reservoirs, is essential for safe water use and is challenging. Mitigating and reducing nutrient levels is critical for managing risks of harmful algal blooms for agricultural operations, municipal drinking water suppliers, stormwater managers, and other water resource professionals. This article presents economic information about three best management practices (BMPs) treatment technologies well-suited to improving water quality for agricultural operations and small pond owners.

Organic Cherry Pest Management, Marion Murray, Ann Mull

All Current Publications

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) and sweet cherry (P. avium) are important commercial crops and popular backyard trees. Tart cherries are commonly processed into dried or canned products, while sweet cherries are generally eaten fresh. Organic cherry production in the Intermountain West can be challenging because of pests such as western cherry fruit fly and arid growing conditions. However, with careful planning and appropriate management practices, it is possible to produce a good crop using organic pest management strategies. This fact sheet outlines general, pest, and disease management options.

Utah Agricultural Producer Barriers To Adopting Organic Production Methods, Salma Shrity, Kynda R. Curtis, Michele Schahczenski

All Current Publications

This fact sheet discusses the study results from Utah State University researchers that identified the primary barriers Utah producers perceive in adopting organic production methods. The study findings will help guide the development of educational programs, technical assistance, and outreach efforts by the Utah Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP), Extension, and partner organizations to address producer needs and support the successful adoption of organic production systems in Utah.

The Impact Of Producer Attitudes And Concerns On Organic Adoption Decisions, Salma Shrity, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

Researchers analyzed survey data to identify producer and operation characteristics, attitudes, and concerns that may influence decisions to adopt organic production methods. This fact sheet presents findings related to producer perceptions of organic production, market opportunities, and certification requirements, including factors that may encourage or discourage adoption of organic practices. The results provide insights to guide Extension educators, agricultural service providers, and organizations in developing targeted educational programs, technical assistance, and resources to support producers interested in organic agriculture.

The Role Of Producer And Operation Characteristics In Organic Production Adoption Decisions, Salma Shrity, Kynda R. Curtis

All Current Publications

Survey data were used to examine producer and farm or operation characteristics, as well as producer attitudes and concerns related to producing and selling organic products that may affect decisions to use organic production methods. This fact sheet discusses the study results related to the producer and operation characteristics that may or may not impact the adoption of organic production methods. The study findings provide valuable information for designing targeted Extension programming, educational resources, and technical assistance that address the needs of different producer groups. By understanding which producer and operation characteristics are associated with organic adoption, organizations can better …

The Organic Production Interests Of Utah's Agricultural Producers, Kynda R. Curtis, Salma Shrity, Michele Schahczenski

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of survey respondents’ demographic characteristics and farming operation details, including acreage under production, annual gross sales, primary agricultural products, and marketing channels used. It also describes respondents’ organic production experiences, including years certified, certified acreage, and the primary motivations behind adopting organic production methods. The findings presented provide valuable insights into the characteristics, experiences, and needs of Utah producers related to organic agriculture. Extension educators, agricultural service providers, policymakers, and industry organizations can use this information to develop targeted educational programs, technical resources, and support services that address producer challenges, strengthen organic production capacity, …

The Organic Educational And Resource Needs Of Utah's Agricultural Producers, Kynda R. Curtis, Salma Shrity, Michele Schahczenski

All Current Publications

The findings presented in this fact sheet identify producer priorities for educational content, resources, and support services. This information can guide the development of targeted educational and outreach programs, technical resources, and tools that address producer challenges and support informed decision-making about organic production opportunities in Utah.

Toxic Plants In Zimbabwe: The Lantana Camara Species, Frank Kapungu, Cecilia Masvingwe

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Lantana camara is a major invasive plant species in Zimbabwe. Its toxic effects pose a threat to livestock production, biodiversity, and development. A survey was carried out throughout the country to investigate the distribution of L. camara in Zimbabwe and assess the extent of its spread. Identification was done by toxicologists with the support of an experienced botanist from the National Herbarium of Zimbabwe. The location of the plants was identified using a portable Garmin eTrex® 10 Handheld GPS navigation device., and the coordinates were recorded. Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was used to plot the map. L. camara was …

Temporary Cattle Identification: Benefits Of Marking With Hair Bleach, Melanie Heaton, Reganne K. Briggs, Rebekah Iverson, Brooke Holgate, David Secrist

All Current Publications

Temporary identification is an important management tool for beef producers. Animals are routinely marked following breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, vaccination, treatment, sorting, shipping, and marketing so they can be quickly identified without repeated handling. Effective temporary identification improves labor efficiency, reduces animal stress, and helps ensure management decisions are applied to the correct animals. This fact sheet provides information on temporary cattle marking using hair bleach.

Aesthetic Restraint And Blank Space : Design Translation Of Yuezhou Kiln Patterns In Yellow Tea Packaging, Zhou Wenyu, Wan Changlin

Food and Machinery

To explore a new path for traditional ceramic culture to empower local food packaging, this paper takes Yueyang yellow tea as the target carrier and investigates the application strategy of Yuezhou Kiln patterns in modern packaging design. The article analyzes the aesthetic characteristics of aesthetic restraint and blank space in the decorative crafts of Yuezhou Kiln, along with their deep compatibility with contemporary minimalist design philosophy, and proposes design principles such as cultural continuity, functional priority, and freehand-style translation. By deconstructing and reorganizing kiln patterns and reconfiguring colors and materials, this study constructs a packaging visual system with regional distinctiveness, …

Correlation Between Thermal Characteristics And Fat Concomitants And Flavor Quality In The Refining Process Of Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Liu Zhaofan, Liu Jiabao, Li Hang, Huang Zonghai, He Xinyi, Li Yun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the correlation between thermal characteristics, fat concomitants, and flavor quality during the refining process of Camellia oleifera seed oil, and to provide a theoretical basis for precise regulation of the refining process. [Methods] Oil samples were collected during the refining process (crude oil, alkali refining, decolorization, deodorization, and winterization). The dynamic changes in physicochemical indexes, thermal characteristics, fat concomitants, fatty acid composition, and volatile flavor substances were systematically determined, and their correlations were analyzed. [Results] The refining process reduced the acid value of C. oleifera seed oil from 1.79 mg/g to 0.26 mg/g and the peroxide value …

Effects Of Material Form On The Modification Of Rice By Heat-Moisture Treatment, Wang Haoyan, Feng Wei, Zheng Yubin, Wang Ren, Huo Jian

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of two material forms (rice flour and whole rice grains) on the modification performance of rice by heat-moisture treatment and physicochemical properties. [Methods] Early indica rice is used as raw material. Rice flour and whole rice grains are subjected to heat-moisture treatment (100 ℃, 2 h) under three moisture levels (21%, 24%, and 27%). Subsequently, the basic chemical composition, surface particle morphology, crystal structure characteristics, and farinograph processing properties of samples from the two groups are characterized. [Results] After heat-moisture treatment, the particle dispersibility of samples in both groups decreases significantly, accompanied by obvious aggregation …

Detection Of Egg Components In Food By Microfluidic Digital Pcr, Li Ben, Zhuo Yiming, Qin Jijun, Yang Lixia

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To establish a detection method for egg components in food using microfluidic digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. [Methods] Specific primers and fluorescent probes are designed based on the mitochondrial gene nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1). Then, the reaction system and amplification conditions are optimized, and specificity and sensitivity are evaluated before being applied to actual food detection. [Results] The established method can specifically detect egg components, while no cross-reactivity is observed with other common poultry egg components, such as duck and goose eggs. The optimal annealing temperature is 56 ℃, and the optimal concentrations of primers …

Preparation , Structural Characterization , And In Vitro Hypoglycemic Activities Of Acetylated Elaeagnus Moorcroftii Wall . Polysaccharides, Xue Xue, Tang Hui, Liao Bingwu, Chen Lu, Zhao Wenbin, Wang Xinbing, Sun Yan, Wei Youhong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To explore the preparation conditions, structural information, and in vitro hypoglycemic activities of acetylated Elaeagnus moorcroftii Wall. polysaccharides of Kashgar (A-EMP-K). [Methods] EMP-K is extracted by the water extraction and alcohol precipitation method, and modified by the acetic anhydride method. Then, A-EMP-K preparation conditions are optimized using Box–Behnken response surface methodology. Furthermore, structural characterization and in vitro hypoglycemic activity assays of A-EMP-K are performed. [Results] The optimal preparation conditions are a reaction time of 3 h, a reaction temperature of 61 ℃, and an acetic anhydride addition volume of 9.3 mL. Under these conditions, A-EMP-K exhibits a degree of …

Effects Of Shaping Methods On Water Extract And Chemical Composition Of Xinyang Maojian, Chen Yi, Zhang Hanxue, Sun Mufang, Guo Guiyi, Yang Jie

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To explore the effects of shaping methods on the quality of Xinyang Maojian. [Methods] Fresh leaves (one bud and one leaf) from the Xinyang group tea cultivar are used as raw materials. Tea samples are prepared with four different processing techniques. Analysis was conducted based on sensory evaluation, water extract content under multiple infusions and after 30 minutes of brewing, and the physical and chemical components of the first infusion of tea. [Results] The content of water extract in the first infusion and after 30 minutes of brewing is in the order of frying > rolling = kneading > carding. The …

Effects Of Frost Mulberry Leaf Powder On Properties Of Dough And Quality Of Bread, Zhang Erfang, Feng Yan, Zhang Yixin

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To explore the effects of frost mulberry leaf powder (FMLP) on the processing characteristics of dough and the quality and storage properties of bread. [Methods] FMLP is blended with wheat flour, and the rheological properties of the dough are analyzed by a rheometer. Bread quality is evaluated in terms of texture, color, specific volume, and sensory attributes. The TOPSIS method is adopted for comprehensive evaluation, and variations in moisture and hardness of bread during storage are compared. [Results] The addition of FMLP increases the G', G", and tanδ of the dough, enhances the hardness and chewiness of the bread, …

Effects And Mechanisms Of Carrageenan-Sodium Caseinate Interactions On Oil-Water Interfacial Properties, Huang Zequan, Cao Hongfang, He Jian, Wang Caiyun, Zhao Qiangzhong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of κ-carrageenan concentration on its interaction with sodium caseinate and the oil-water interfacial properties of the composite system. [Methods] Sodium caseinate composite systems with different κ-carrageenan concentrations were prepared. Protein structure, surface hydrophobicity, endogenous fluorescence, zeta potential, particle size, interfacial adsorption behavior, and interfacial dilatational modulus were determined. [Results] After the addition of κ-carrageenan, the secondary structure of sodium caseinate changed markedly, and the proportion of ordered structures showed a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. Surface hydrophobicity and endogenous fluorescence intensity exhibited a similar trend. When the addition level of κ-carrageenan was 0.15‰, …

5-Formyl- 3-Methylene- 3,6-Dihydropyridines Formed In Foods Activate Rage-Dependent Signaling Cascades In Raw 264.7 Cells, Wu Jiaqi, Ou Shiyi, Guo Hongyang, Huang Caihuan, Ou Juanying, Zheng Jie

Food and Machinery

[Objective] 5-Formyl -3-methylene -3,6-dihydropyridine (FMDP) is a novel compound derived from the reaction of amino acids with formaldehyde (FA) and acrolein (ACR), and its content in biscuits has been reported to be more than 40 times higher than that of free acrolein and formaldehyde. Given the structural similarity to FDP -lysine, an advanced glycation end product (AGE) derived from acrolein, this study aims to evaluate the potential safety risk of FMDPs by assessing their ability to stimulate the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). [Methods] Three FMDP compounds, each possessing a 5-formyl -3-methylene -3,6-dihydropyridine core structure, are synthesized by …