Second Morrill Act Celebration with Fresh from the Field

Build a better robot

Unmanned agricultural robots systems (UARS) are increasingly used in contemporary precision agriculture. To help foster a diverse and qualified workforce in ag technology, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) developed a special topic class for engineering technology students. Students designed, constructed, and operated a UARS in the classroom and in the field. The UARS included various sensors to measure crop height, crop canopy, and various properties of crops and soils. Students tested the UARS in rice and fruit fields. 

NIFA supported this research through the 1890 Capacity Building grant.

Read about Prairie View A & M’s research. Image provided by USDA.

A tasty tuber for the first state 

The sweet potato is an inexpensive, nutritious source of carbohydrates and vitamins. While Louisiana and North Carolina are the largest U.S. producers of the tasty tuber, researchers at Delaware State University are looking to breed varieties that will thrive in the state’s unique climate and soil. The research team tested four varieties with distinct skin color, flesh color, and taste.  All four did well during the 120-day growing period. The research could lead to new, low-cost produce options for low-income residents in the state.

NIFA supports this research through Evans-Allen funding.

Learn more about the Delaware State University research. Image provided by Lance Cheung, USDA. 

Goats and sheep versus barber pole worms 

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), aka barber pole worms, can affect sheep and goats with low weight gain, anemia, and even death.  These health conditions can result in millions in losses for farmers. Since 2003, Fort Valley State University has led the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC) to conduct producer-oriented research and outreach programs to control GIN in small ruminants and educate stakeholders on the latest treatment approaches. 

Through ACSRPC, farmers have greatly improved the sustainability of their sheep and goat production systems through Targeted Selective Treatment, in which only the animals in the herd or flock that actually need treatment are identified and treated for GIN infection.

The research has allowed farmers to save money by reducing on-farm use of synthetic drugs by up to 90 percent ($150-$200 per 100 animals per year for reduced drug use) and by identifying and retaining parasite-resistant breeding stock.

This project was supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grant, NIFA Organic Research and Education Initiative, and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Read more about the Fort Valley State University research. Image provided by iStock.

Waste not, want not

Poultry farms produce 10 million tons of waste per year in the United States. This waste has value as a fertilizer and as a potential alternative energy source.

Researchers at West Virginia State University (WVU) are investigating how to use anaerobic digestion to treat and use organic wastes from animal farms, agriculture and industry.  Anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities use naturally occurring microorganisms to turn biodegradable materials into energy or fertilizer. 

The research has led to increased bioenergy production from anaerobic digestion, the development of new AD technology, and reduced farm pollution draining into the Potomac River.

NIFA supports the research project through Evans-Allen and 1890 Capacity Building grant funds. 

Read more on WVU’s research. Image provided by iStock.

Man’s best friend in times of need 

The Southern University Ag Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a strong animal science program that can translate from livestock treatment to community pet care in times of need. 

Following the catastrophic Louisiana flooding in 2016, the Ag Center offered a free clinic to pet owners in the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Students, faculty, staff, and volunteers provided vaccinations, heartworm treatment, identity chip insertions, and general advice to concerned pet owners. The clinic treated more than 200 cats and dogs.

“Part of what we do is service the community.  Our extension service gives us our statewide mission.” said Dr. Bobby Phills, chancellor of Southern University Ag Center, dean of the College of Agriculture.

NIFA supports the program through Agricultural Extension at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions.

Watch the video on the Southern University Ag Center clinic. Image provided by Southern University Ag Center.