Iowa's Master Gardeners improve food security

Across the country, more than 80,000 Master Gardener volunteers educate the public, provide youth programming, and donate produce to local food banks. In Iowa, the Master Gardener program distributed $21,000 in mini grants in 2016 to enhance Iowa’s food security. The mini grants funded 16 county Master Gardener programs serving more than two dozen counties.

In all, more than 90 Master Gardeners were involved in food security mini grant projects, volunteering more than 500 total hours. Together they grew more than 58,000 pounds of produce that was donated to 50 food pantries and food banks.

The Iowa Master Gardener program, administered by Iowa State University Extension, is part of the nationwide system of Master Gardeners of the Cooperative Extension Service supported by NIFA. Read more about Iowa's Master Gardener program.

Inclusivity at Missouri 4-H

4-H is about more than barnyard animals, it's about emerging sciences, like rocketry and geographic information systems. 4-H is also about leadership, citizenship, and many other things, but one quality truly stands out: 4-H is about inclusion. In Missouri, 4-H clubs take an inclusive approach to working with youth who have special needs. 4-H staff, volunteers, and parents understand how to help youth with special needs have meaningful experiences in 4-H activities, including participation in competitive events at county fairs, exhibits, camps, and more. Read the 4-H blog at USDA.gov.

New tech for grape growers

Researchers at Cornell University Extension’s Lake Erie Regional Grape Program are using sensor technology to increase profitability and sustainability. With support from NIFA’s Specialty Crops Research Initiative, the team partnered with Thom Betts, a local grape grower and owner of the National Grape Cooperative, to scan 188 acres to develop baseline information about variable rate irrigation. For the past three years, they have been able to estimate the yield for the entire vineyard with a low 5 percent margin of error. The project may eventually allow the growers to share computer-based acreage maps with extension agents. These tools may allow them to develop vineyard blocks that are more consistent, easier to manage, and more profitable. Read more at Morning Ag Clips.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin provides safety tips to local farmers

With support from NIFA's AgrAbility program, AgrAbility of Wisconsin (AAW) is creating significant impact on Wisconsin agriculture by providing assistance to 2,500 farmers and farm families who have been able to continue farming or return to the farm worksite through AAW intervention. Read more at AAW's website.

Vermont Extension television highlights ag science

There are approximately 500 farms and 5,000 cattle in Vermont, according to the Vermont Beef Council. In winter, cattle can experience discomfort due to a lack of grazing space. Vermont Extension’s “Across the Fence” television program interviewed local farmers and asked them to describe their best practices during the cold months. Also featured is a report on invasive species that plague the ash tree. Watch both segments here.