Agriculture Commons^™

Do Soil Amendments Improve Crop Production And Poor Water Infiltration?, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Tejinder Singh, Grant Cardon

All Current Publications

Soil amendments are widely promoted as tools to improve aggregation, porosity, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, and water infiltration of soils. These benefits are possible, but they depend on the specific soil problem being treated, amendment type and rate, soil chemistry, soil texture and structure, and the time since application. Studies at Utah State University provide a useful short-term test of what growers can reasonably expect from a single surface application of these amendments.

Restructuring Our Agriculture Industry To Reduce The Eutrophication Of The Great Lakes, Kathryn B. Dunn

Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research

No abstract provided.

Supporting The Adoption Of Digital Technology On-Farm: Ten Tips For Extension, David Rose, Kayleigh Crouch, Lisa Blix Germundsson, Myriam Gaspard, Onno Giller, Livia Ortolani, Robert Strong

Journal of Extension

We held a symposium to exchange lessons from U.S. and European experts on how Extension can be best designed to support adoption of digital agricultural innovation. We highlight 10 tips for an Extension audience in the United States: (a) ensure connectivity between all actors involved in agricultural innovation, (b) utilize the private sector, (c) advocate for adoption costs, (d) shape an enabling digital ecosystem, (e) create a service, not just a technology, (f) update Extension agents' digital skills, (g) support farmer-led innovation, (h) capture everyday farmer practices, (i) monitor and evaluate progress, and (j) offer long-term support.

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 …

Alternative Weed Control Options For Transplanted Onions In Minnesota, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A major challenge in onion production is weed control. In an effort to reduce pesticide use in bare-ground transplanted onions, we tested combinations of herbicides, flame weeding, and compost application at transplant. The municipal compost used at 2-inch depth reduced onion survival without reducing weed biomass at the end of the season. A single flame weeding pass mid-season did not reduce onion survival but did reduce total weed biomass in some treatments. Mid-season flame weeding may be a useful tool in combination with fewer herbicide applications or in multiple-flame-pass scenarios for transplanted onions.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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‰, …

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 …

Study On Preparation And Emulsification Properties Of Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles Arabinoxylan Hydrolysate/Soy Protein Isolate Complex, Yu Shuo, Guo Qingbin, Zhao Shudi, Li Zhenjing, Jia Xing, Kang Ji

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To expand the application fields of distillers dried grains with solubles and improve its market value. [Methods] Arabinoxylan (AX) was extracted from distillers dried grains with solubles and modified to prepare AX with different molecular structures. AX was then reacted with soy protein isolate (SPI) via the Maillard reaction to prepare the AX-SPI covalent complex. The structure of the complex was characterized using circular dichroism spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size, and zeta potential, and its emulsifying properties were studied. [Results] The AX-SPI covalent complex is formed by SPI and AX via the Maillard reaction, and differences in …

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 …

Effect Of Sodium Butyrate On Biofilm Formation And Virulence Of Salmonella Typhimurium, Yao Meng, Li Zhiheng, Wang Yan, Pan Wanlong, Liu Peng

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the regulatory effects of sodium butyrate on biofilm formation by Salmonella typhimurium and clarify its effects on the expression of virulence-related genes and pathogenicity under in vivo conditions. [Methods] S. typhimurium was treated with 4 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL sodium butyrate, and the effects of sodium butyrate on biofilm formation, motility, metabolic activity, and quorum sensing of the strain were detected. The expression changes of virulence genes (hilA, invF, and sipA) in sodium butyrate-treated strains were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. A C57BL/6 mouse infection model was established using S. typhimurium pretreated with 8 mg/mL sodium butyrate, …