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Editor: Kelly Sprute                                                                                          Aug. 29, 2019

Making a Difference

A poultry producer checks the broiler hens in one of his chicken houses. (USDA photo by Bob Nichols)

Want to Save Money? Invest in Agricultural Biosecurity

A major war was fought in 2014-2015, with more than 200 battlefields and millions casualties in the United States alone. You may not have seen much of it on the news, but there’s a good chance your wallet felt it.

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 17 states caused the American poultry industry to lose about 51.5 million chickens and turkeys. During this outbreak, the infected flocks cost U.S. taxpayers more than $1 billion in depopulation, cleanup, disinfection, and insurance payments. Read the full USDA blog.

NIFA News

SC State’s 1890 Research and Extension Program Holds Groundbreaking for New Charleston Facility South Carolina State University (SC State) held a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 28, 2019 to celebrate the construction of a new 1890 Research and Extension building in Charleston, South Carolina. The new facility will house paid and volunteer staff who will design, implement and deliver programs in the areas of: Agriculture Small farm Natural resources Adult and community leadership Family life and nutrition 4-H and youth development Community education Life-long learning opportunities Technology programs and services The purpose of the building is to provide programmatic and administrative space to ensure comprehensive and structured delivery of research-based programs designed to enhance the economic, educational, social and physical well-being of the participants. Read the full SC State University article.  NIFA supported this project through 1890 Facility Grant program. Photo: South Carolina State University officials and board members break ground for a new 1890 Research and Extension building. Image courtesy of South Carolina State University.

Award Announcements

NIFA Invests $1.3 Million to Bolster Farm Benchmarking Database

NIFA recently announced four Farm Business Benchmarking Grants that will improve the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers. They will do so by maintaining and expanding a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management. This national database summarizes actual farm data from thousands of agricultural producers. It provides benchmark financial information and links to a comprehensive farm financial planning and analysis software system used by agricultural producers, professionals, educators and lenders to help over 50,000 producers analyze their farm business each year.

NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension that solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. Keep informed about NIFA, USDA, our land-grant and non-land-grant university partners, and stakeholders with the NIFA Update. Read past issues online, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAImpacts.

If you wish to submit a news item or information, send an email to NIFAUpdate.

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