Retaking The Field Volume 4 Available

“Retaking the Field Volume 4: Science Breakthroughs for Thriving Farms and a Healthier Nation” is a collaborative report from 20 FedByScience universities and the Supporters of Agriculture Research (SoAR) Foundation. The report highlights research projects in five Science Breakthroughs areas identified as the most important fields to advance agriculture by the year 2030: genomics, microbiomes, sensors, data and informatics, and transdisciplinary research. The report shows how scientists funded by NIFA are leveraging federal resources to advance the breakthroughs areas. “Retaking the Field” tells stories about exciting advances and innovative research in agricultural sciences. Read the full Retaking The Field Volume 4 report.

The 2019 National 4-H Conference is going on April 6-11. Over 200 4-H teens from 48 land-grant universities and 4-H Canada prepared youth perspective briefings on societal and agriculture issues to 14 Federal agencies, and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. The delegates prepared these briefings in the first three days of the conference and interacted with various federal partners. Delegates also participated in workshops related civil discourse and reviving civility in discussion about important issues. The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research roundtable was the 5th annual presentation to the Agriculture Committee. Read the full House Agriculture press release.

USDA Seeks Nominations for NAREEE Advisory Board and Subcommittees

USDA seeks nominations of qualified individuals for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The 15-member NAREEE Advisory Board reviews and makes recommendations on top priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics. Members serve two- to four-year terms depending on the Board or committee and represents different sectors of agricultural research. The current open positions include: specialty crop committee, genetic resources advisory, citrus disease subcommittee, and NAREE advisory board. 

For more information visit the NAREEE Advisory Board website or the Federal Register Notice. To be considered, a complete AD-755, a resume or CV, and any letters of support must be submitted by April 26 to nareee@ars.usda.gov.

USDA Census of Agriculture Comes Out Tomorrow

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2017 Census of Agriculture results April 11, at noon EDT. The full Census report will include millions of data points, number of farms, land in farms, total value of production, demographics, and more at the national, state, and county levels.

The report, along with a number of related publications, video presentations, and searchable data query interfaces, will be available on the NASS website at www.nass.usda.gov. Available now in preparation for data release are three videos featuring NASS subject matter experts explaining the importance of the Census, what’s new in this Census, and how to find Census data. Read the full USDA press release.