Our Nation’s Commitment to Rural Quality of Life Began with a Seminal Idea

By Sonny Ramaswamy

By 1862, in the midst of the Civil War, Justin Smith Morrill, the representative from Vermont, with little formal education beyond 8th grade level, had accomplished his vision of having schools teach the way to feed, clothe, and enlighten. The Morrill Act to create land-grant colleges was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln as a way to bring scientific and classical studies, along with liberal and practical education in the agriculture and mechanic arts and military tactics and leadership education to the children of the working class. Read full USDA blog article. 

Rebuilding Trust at NIFA

By Rob Martin

The Beet Submission: “Co-Digital Access: Rebuilding Trust at NIFA”

The Best Places to Work (BPTW) Committee, invites all NIFA staff to participate in the “Co-Digital Access on Rebuilding Trust at NIFA” initiative to rebuild trust here at NIFA.

The BPTW is taking the bold step of tackling the issue of Trust at NIFA. The FEVS scores indicate that trust is in short supply. Trust is not easy to rebuild and equally hard to maintain. Through open and constructive communication positive change is achievable.

By now, you should have seen the Co-Digital Access article in “the Beet” inviting you to volunteer to participate in a focus group or contribute ideas electronically through Co-Digital access. We have proposed four questions that we hope will prompt a constructive dialogue and lead to solutions. These sites are available to all NIFA staff until July 14.                 

You may sign in and add your voice as many times as you wish during this period. Your thoughts and ideas can also be submitted by using the suggestion boxes, and all participants will remain anonymous.

• What does a trusting agency look like?
• How do we get there at NIFA?
• How can you contribute to rebuilding and maintain trust?
• What would you like others to contribute?

American Society of Plant Biologists Conference 

The annual plant biology meeting has been held for over eight decades and has been dedicated to the fostering of plant scientists in their research and careers. Today the meeting attracts more than 1,300 scientists from 40 countries.

Every year the program features the latest research in plant science with five major symposia, thirty concurrent symposia bringing together young scientists to give talks as well as the top in their fields from around the globe. Learn more about the conference.

Photo: Agnes Hong and Liang-Shiou Lin with the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability attends the annual ASPB conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Visiting Scholar Noel Estwick and Beverly Samuel Work on 1890s Engagement in EDEN

Dr. Noel Estwick, from Prairie View A&M Texas, is working in conjunction with Beverly Samuel, national program leader in the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences. They are seeking ways to engage the 1890 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and increasing the institutions’ disaster preparedness. The project, “Exploring the Needs for 1890 EDEN Growth,” began with Estwick convening a 1890s advisory group, consisting of 25 representatives from 13 institutions, for a 3-day workshop to identify barriers to their disaster preparedness. The project’s focus is on identifying resources, setting priorities and establishing collaboration with NIFA and other federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enhance the 1890s disaster preparedness and sustainability. The expected outcome is to increase the number of EDEN delegates from 1890s, disaster preparedness plans updated at institutions, and community linkages developed to further enhance the broader community preparedness. Samuel says, “This project will improve the EDEN national network and address the needs of vulnerable populations to better prepare for disasters.”  

Estwick will be visiting NIFA July 24-27 to meet with staff and other federal representatives to further develop an action plan.  He will present what has been done and the future plans Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to noon in conference room 1341. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. The Visiting Scholar Program at NIFA is an initiative of the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences with scholars working on special projects benefitting the agency, country, and world.    

NIFA’s Global Engagement Opportunities 

The Center for International Programs (CIP) has developed a fact sheet and PowerPoint slides that describe NIFA’s global engagement opportunities. CIP enhances the effectiveness of NIFA and the U.S. institutions it supports in research, education, and extension to engage globally and advance U.S. agriculture. These resources are available for national program leaders and other NIFA staff to use for webinars, presentations, and university visits.  

Before You RSVP Yes; Read this Ethic Brief

If you are attending and outside event consider the new ethics rules for invitations. This brief explains when you will need prior written approval from the ethics office and when written approval is not required for attending complimentary invitations. 

NIFA Out in the Field

Here USDA ARS research associate Charles Hawkins (r) and research leader Brian Irish explain germplasm and genetic selection work to improve water use efficiency for alfalfa. This work is supported by the NIFA Alfalfa and Forage Research Program. Alfalfa is a critical component in livestock production, and uses a great amount of water to grow. This research will lead to greater amounts of forage grown with the same amounts of water as presently available varieties.

Construction will Begin on Café and Kitchenettes

We have confirmed with Summit Construction and Guardian Realty that construction on the Café will begin the evening of July 10. Shortly thereafter, Summit will begin refurbishing the kitchenettes. Construction crews will be working from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Once the Café is completed, Black Tie Vending will set up their equipment. Black Tie Vending will inform us of the Open House and on how to use the equipment. 

By Robert Holland

Large-Scale Study 'Shows Neonic Pesticides Harm Bees'

By Rebecca Morelle

Researchers said that exposure to the chemicals left honeybee hives less likely to survive over winter, while bumblebees and solitary bees produced fewer queens. The study spanned 2,000 hectares across the UK, Germany and Hungary and was set up to establish the "real-world" impacts of the pesticides. Read full BBC article. 

Good and Bad Worms

To sustain agriculture and food security, farmers in the Northeastern U.S. need healthy soils. Microscopic worms, or nematodes, play an important role in soil health. Some nematode species are parasites, and high population densities can lead to poor soil and low crop yields. Other nematode species can be beneficial to soil and plants. To assist farmers, producers, crop advisors, and others interested in learning more about managing parasitic worms, the Multistate Research Fund, a NIFA initiative to foster collaboration among universities, has implemented a project to provide simple, low-cost tools and methods for effectively managing nematodes and protecting soil health.

Learn more about worms and nematodes. Image provided by Morgan Creek Chronicles.

KSU Awarded $147,469 Grant to Partner with Kentucky High Schools on Agriculture, STEM Education

Kentucky State University has received a three-year, $147,469 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to help establish an agriculture-STEM education and outreach program geared toward K-12 students across the state. With this grant, KSU will provide participating high school students with short lectures and hands-on demonstrations to deepen their understanding of STEM fields, including agriculture and aquaculture, in particular. Read full Lexington Herald-Leader article.

Photo: Several school administrators earned advanced credentials from the National Institute for School Leadership. From left, Michael Godbey, Gwen Lawson, Ty Howard, institute facilitator Edna Thomas, Thad Elmore, institute facilitator Yvonne DiMattia, Elaine Kaiser, Jeff Craiger, James Carrier and Jason Radford. Dee Jones

July Events

July is National Ice Cream Month

Learning Links:

Soft Schools.com
Mental Floss
Ice Cream.com

July 13, Post Grant Actions: Audits and Fraud training, noon to 1 p.m., in room 3310

July 14, Rebuilding Trust Co-Digital submissions due

July 27, Strategies to Increase 1890s’ Disaster Preparedness by Dr. Noel Estwick, from 11 a.m. to noon in room 1341.

July 31, Nominations due for NIFA Day of Appreciation Awards

Post Grant Actions: Audits and Fraud Reduction – The more you know! 

Learn how NIFA supports the process in educating grantees on remaining fraud-free! Join us on July 13, 12 to 1 p.m. in room 3310 as Mary Britt (OGFM-POD) gives an overview of post award, monitoring & oversight functions.

Dessert will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your lunch!

My name is Dorissel Resto, I live in Puerto Rico and currently my main focus is to finish my master's in Integrated Communications at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico. Today, globalization challenges us to leave the comfort zone and learn new cultures and new languages ​​for our professional development. For this reason, supported by a study partner, I decided to apply for the summer section of the boarding school that the Hispanic Association of College and Association (HACU).

As a NIFA intern, I would like to develop communication skills that complement my studies in a practical way. I would like to be remembered as an energetic person with a desire to progress and not stop for lack of fluency in a second language. At this moment, I cannot think of limits or barriers ... nor any time to lose.

I am indebted to the efforts of the entire communications team for sharing their knowledge in such a warm way. Whenever they need me, I enthusiastically assist in whatever is required.

Hello, I’m Shantel Chung, a rising senior at North Carolina A&T State University pursuing a degree in journalism and mass communications with a concentration in multimedia. I have always had a passion for journalism and making a positive influence on my community. My future goals include growing my brand, starting my own public relations firm, and non-profit organization. In the future I plan to get my master's and my long-term goal is to work in marketing and communications. I decided to pursue an internship at NIFA because I have had an interest in governmental communications. I am passionate about working at an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives, and I believe that NIFA is a perfect example of that. Throughout my internship at NIFA, I hope to improve my professional skills, network with like-minded individuals, and gain knowledge in the communications field. I also believe that this internship will provide me with insight on my strengths, weaknesses, what kind of working environment I prefer, and what I want to do before graduation. All in all, I hope to leave a great impression at NIFA. I want to walk out of my internship at NIFA knowing that I made a positive impact and difference at the agency.

Angelique Serrano is a Thurgood Marshall College Fund intern in the Division of Community and Education (DoCE) at IYFC. She comes from Savannah, Georgia and recently received her bachelor’s degree in business management from Savannah State University and will be working this fall on her M.S. in business administration. Prior to joining NIFA’s DoCE team, Serrano mentored Hispanic students transitioning from high school to college by familiarizing them with the campus and giving advice on college life. Her dedication to helping others and business background give some insight to her values. She looks forward to learning, seizing opportunities, networking, and understanding the inner workings of NIFA, as well as improving valuable skills like working with teams, and presenting herself in a professional manner. This internship will compliment her future goals, which include working in different business sectors to diversify her skill set and starting a business of her own.  She is located in room 4414.

Juan V. Fernandez is as a Pathways intern. He is working in the Division of Community and Education (DoCE) with Carlos Ortiz and Irma Lawrence. Prior to NIFA Fernandez was an intern at the ARS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Lab (SASL) in Beltsville, MD where he programed and installed soil moisture sensors in the fields for data collection. He is currently working on a M.S. in industrial engineering with a concentration in sustainability engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso. During the school year he works as a research assistant. Some of Fernandez’s research interests include, systems optimization, sustainability, quality control, supply chain management, and operations research. Fernandez has also had the opportunity to work at the Universidad de Piura, Peru where he worked with students from different disciplines designing a concept for a sustainable model home. He also had research experience in Ensenada Baja California Mexico at Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior, where he implemented a drone system to track the health of plants at local vineyards. Juan loves research, but since he was funded to complete his education, his goal is  to work for the people, and to learn more  about government positions because he too wants to work for the government to make a change.  He is located in cubicle 4436.

Luis E. Ramirez is a Pathways intern in the Division of Community and Education (DoCE) 2017. He is working with Carlos Ortiz and Irma Lawrence. Ramirez is a graduate student from El Paso, Texas where he is pursuing a M.S. degree in industrial engineering with a concentration in sustainability at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His research interests includes the application of new methods for system optimization mainly focused in renewable energy systems and sustainability. He previously held an internship with USDA Forest Service in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the Rocky Mountain Research Station. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from UTEP. During his undergraduate studies he participated in two international faculty-led programs in Mexico and Peru. These programs solved different problems such as the need of water for irrigation. He worked with a group of students in the designing and developing a system that would collect water from the environment and use the collected water for agricultural purposes. He is excited to be part of this internship; he aspires to learn from his mentors and hopes his knowledge and passion for sustainability can create a positive impact. Ramirez envisions himself as working for the people’s needs and wants to work for the federal government. He is located in room 4412.

Josiah Brooks has joined the Division of Community and Education (DoCE) for the summer of 2017.  He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After graduating from high school, he moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to attend college at New Mexico State University. He has a passion for agriculture, science, and animals that has led him to pursue a degree in animal science. During the pursuit of his degree, he made it a priority to be involved with the department as much as possible. He was hired by his advisor as an undergraduate researcher.  It was through this experience that he decided to attend graduate school and become a ruminant nutritionist. Through his NIFA internship, he wants to learn as much as he can about USDA and NIFA. He is located in room 4410.

Getting “Ticked Off” with Ticks

By Kim Kaplan, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Agricultural Research Service

As we kickoff the traditional start to the summer and head outdoors, remember to apply that sunscreen. Oh, and watch for ticks. According to Andrew Li, an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist who is leading a new deer tick control program, they’re out in force, too. Experts predict 2017 will see the highest number in years of these sesame-seed-size parasites—also known as “blacklegged ticks”—that spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Read the full USDA blog article.

MyUSDA June 2017 Newsletter

In this edition of the newsletter, you will read about the kickoff of the government-wide 2017 Feds Feed Families campaign, sponsored by USDA. You will also get an update on the employee response to this year’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey.

USDA welcomed a new class of interns this summer, and employees commemorated Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage and LGBT Pride months. There are articles about all these events inside.

Those of you working in the Whitten and South Buildings have likely noticed a family of red-tailed hawks living among us. USDA photographer Preston Keres followed them one day and shares his picture in this issue.

If you have article submissions or feedback, contact the editors at MyUSDA@dm.usda.gov. 

Redefining American Agriculture for the 21st Century

Agriculture is the Backbone of America

Agriculture is diverse. It touches everything from water to food security to jobs to your community. As one of the most vital industries in America, it is integral to national security, health, and the economy. Agriculture is America. Land-grant universities are the backbone that supports American agriculture. Through education, research, and outreach, land-grant universities work to support agriculture and its impact across America. At Agriculture Is America, we showcase land-grant universities’ research, news, and impact in one unified voice that connects the importance of agriculture to you and your family. Watch the Ag is America video.