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Editor: Kelly Sprute Aug. 22,
2018
Making a Difference
 The sun rises on a Kansas State University wheat plot. Image by K-State.
Wheat Code Finally Cracked; Wheat Genome Sequence will Bring
Stronger Wheat Varieties to Farmers
Kansas State University
scientists, in collaboration with the International Wheat Genome Sequencing
Consortium, published in the international journal Science a detailed
description of the complete genome of bread wheat, the world’s most
widely-cultivated crop (a highly complex and elusive genome). This work will
pave the way for the production of wheat varieties better adapted to climate
challenges, with higher yields, enhanced nutritional quality, and improved
sustainability. The article is titled “Shifting the limits in wheat research
and breeding using a fully annotated reference genome.” The research article —
authored by more than 200 scientists from 73 research institutions in 20
countries — presents the reference genome of the bread wheat variety Chinese
Spring. The DNA sequence ordered along the 21 wheat chromosomes is the
highest-quality genome sequence produced to date for wheat. It is the result of
13 years of collaborative international research and the support of the
National Science Foundation, NIFA, Kansas farmers and many others. “Completion
of the sequence is a landmark event that will serve as a critical foundation
for future wheat improvement,” said Allan Fritz, Kansas State University
professor of agronomy and wheat breeder. Read the full
K-State article.
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 Adding Producers: USDA
Adds New Tools, Resources to Farmers.gov
Agricultural producers have new resources available to
them to help prepare for and recover from impacts of natural disasters on the
USDA’s new website, farmers.gov.
The site has updated tools and information to help ag producers identify the right
programs for their operations.
“Agriculture is a risky business,” said Agriculture
Secretary Sonny Perdue. “At USDA, we’re here to help you prepare, recover, and
build long-term resilience to natural disasters. Whether you want to visit your
local USDA service center or visit our new farmers.gov, we want to help you get
what you need.”
New additions to the site are being built for
farmers, by farmers include a farmers.gov portal for secure
business transactions and a disaster assistance discovery tool. Read
the full USDA release.
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Korth to Head Combined Entomology, Plant Pathology Departments
Ken Korth, a professor recognized as an outstanding mentor and
researcher, has been appointed head of a new department at the University of
Arkansas that combines the disciplines of Entomology and Plant Pathology. “I am
excited by this opportunity to take on new challenges,” said Korth, who is a
professor of Plant Pathology. “We have outstanding faculty and staff in both
departments, working in extension, teaching and research. Read the full
University of Arkansas article.
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The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP)
invites all Cooperative Extension Directors and Administrators from each
institution that forms the Cooperative Extension Section to the 2018 National
Extension Directors and Administrators and Cooperative Extension Section Annual
Business Meeting Oct. 1-3 in Portland, Oregon. The theme of this year’s
meeting is “Pioneering the Best Ideas and Methods for Leadership in Portland.” Don’t
miss this once a year opportunity to participate in learning, networking, and
capacity building opportunities. Learn
more about the NEDA and CES annual business meeting.
 NCR-SARE Announces
2019 Youth Educator Sustainable Agriculture Grants Call for Proposals
Youth Educator Grant projects provide opportunities for
youth in the North Central Region to
learn more about sustainable agriculture (farming and ranching that is
ecologically sound, profitable, and socially responsible). Educators
use the grants to encourage young people and their parents to try sustainable
practices and see sustainable agriculture as a viable career option. The
maximum amount for grants is $4,000, and a total of approximately $40,000 is
available for this program. Learn
more about the 2019 NCR-SARE Youth Educator Grant.
NCR-SARE Announces
2019 Call for Farmer Rancher Grant Proposals
Farmers and ranchers in the North Central Region are invited to submit grant proposals to
explore sustainable agriculture solutions to problems on the farm or
ranch. Proposals should show how farmers and ranchers plan to use their
own innovative ideas to explore sustainable agriculture options and how they
will share project results. Learn
more about the 2019 NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant.
NCR-SARE Announces
2019 Call for Partnership Grant Proposals
NCR-SARE’s Partnership Grant program is intended to
foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of
farmers and ranchers to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education
activities related to sustainable agriculture. Individual grants are limited to
$40,000. NCR-SARE expects to fund about 14 projects in the 12-state North Central Region. Learn
more about the 2019 NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program.
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NIFA Invests $11
Million towards Effective Mitigation Strategies for Anti-Microbial Resistance
NIFA recently awarded 10 integrated research, education, and extension grants that will lead to
development of sustainable and integrated food safety systems that reduce
health risks along the food chain from production to consumption. Among the
projects funded, transdisciplinary teams of experts aim to use educational
approaches to improve cattle health and reduce antibiotic use, employ
non-antibiotic approaches to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in poultry, and
assess and mitigate risk associated with antimicrobial resistance determinants
in cattle feed-yard dust. The goal of this program is to empower
transdisciplinary teams of experts, working with producers, to develop, refine,
and disseminate practical science-based knowledge about food and agricultural
management and production practices that can reduce or eliminate the threat and
risk of antimicrobial resistance. These grants are a part of NIFA’s Agriculture
and Food Research Initiative.
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NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture.
If you wish to submit a news item or information, send an email to NIFAUpdate.
USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.
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