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Editor: Kelly Sprute Feb. 19, 2020
Making a Difference
 Ryan Stephens analyzes one of more than 1,200 scat samples collected from small mammals at the Bartlett Experimental Station. Photo courtesy of University of New Hampshire.
Mice and Mushrooms: Non-Picky Eaters More Effective at Spreading Spores
Mice and Mushrooms: Non-Picky Eaters More Effective at Spreading Spores
Small mammals such as mice and chipmunks who are not picky eaters play a more important role than previously known in dispersing the spores of wild mushrooms and truffles, according to new research from the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of New Hampshire.
Mushrooms and truffles are key components to forests where they colonize the roots of plants and assist with water and nutrient uptake. They also play a fundamental role in helping reestablish plants following disturbances such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and the retreat of melting glaciers.
The research was conducted by Ryan Stephens, a postdoctoral researcher, and Rebecca Rowe, associate professor of natural resources and the environment. Scientists spent three years collecting and analyzing more than 1,200 scat samples collected from small mammals at the Bartlett Experimental Station in the White Mountain National Forest to determine the types and amounts of spores they are dispersing. Read the full UNH article.
This material is based upon work supported by the NH Agricultural Experiment Station, through joint funding of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the state of New Hampshire.
Ryan Stephens analyzes one of more than 1,200 scat samples collected from small mammals at the Bartlett Experimental Station. Photo courtesy of University of New Hampshire.
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NIFA announces funding to help eligible veterinarians repay a portion of their veterinary school loans in return for serving in areas of the United States lacking sufficient veterinary resources. Funding is made through NIFA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). Without the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program to help relieve that financial burden, many veterinarians might otherwise select more lucrative career options in the urban areas, such as companion animal care. Recipients are required to commit to three years of veterinary service in a designated veterinary shortage area. A map of veterinary service shortage areas by state is available online. See the VMLRP request for applications for details.
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NIFA Addresses Farming Stresses
In an effort to address mental health concerns in farming communities, many of whom are facing tough economic times and the stress that comes from extreme weather and natural disasters, the 2018 Farm Bill authorized the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a bipartisan program that will create a national network of stress-assistance services—things like farm hotlines, support groups, workshops, and in-home assistance—for people working in agriculture. FRSAN is referenced in the “A New Solution Emerges as Farmworkers Facing Debilitating Depression” article from Civil Eats. Read about Marco Garcia from rural western North Carolina.
Wisconsin Dairy Farm image courtesy of Getty Images.
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Secretary Perdue Joins Western Hemisphere Ag Ministers for Session at Agricultural Outlook Forum
The USDA recently announced U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will host agricultural leaders from key Western Hemisphere countries at the USDA’s 96th Agricultural Outlook Forum. Joining Secretary Perdue at the plenary session, titled “Feeding the World through Innovation,” will be Argentina’s Minister for Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries Luis Basterra, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Victor Villalobos. They will discuss cooperative approaches to promoting agricultural innovation and global trade as foundations of global food security. Read the full USDA press release.
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Hemp is an Example of Value-Added Agricultural Innovation
What's one good example of value-added agricultural innovation? Industrial hemp. Stephanie Ho talks with USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins. Bill Hilliard, CEO of Atalo Holdings. Chris Adams, Adams Family Farm about hemp as a value-add agricultural innovation. Listen to the full USDA broadcast.
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A Western Hemisphere Look at Ag Innovation
The U.S. Agriculture Secretary will be joined by counterparts from key Western Hemisphere nations at the upcoming USDA Ag Outlook Forum this Feb 20-21. Rod Bain talks with Secretary Sonny Perdue about his thoughts on Ag Innovation. Listen to the full USDA broadcast.
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Collaborating to Preserve the World's Diminishing Soil Resources
Signals in the soil will provide answers to long-held questions about soil ecosystems.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is partnering with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) to unlock the mysteries of the chemical and biological processes occurring within our soil. The agencies will collaborate on 10 research projects that will enable American and British researchers to gain a better understanding of soil ecosystems that will continue to play a critical role in feeding the world and supporting life functions.
"As global demands rise for food, fibers and bioenergy, and as land degradation driven by land use change, poor agricultural practices, contamination, and urbanization occurs, humans require more from diminishing soil resources," said NSF Director France Córdova. "This valued partnership will provide new ways to tap into and understand complex underground signals and the soil ecosystems that we all depend on." Read the full NSF announcement.
Soil USDA image.
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Some Bariatric Surgery Patients Don't Sense Heightened Blood Alcohol Levels
A new study of 55 women found that two of the most popular forms of bariatric surgery – Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – may dramatically change patients’ sensitivity to and absorption of alcohol. Some women’s sensitivity to alcohol increased so much after bariatric surgery that the amount they could consume before feeling the effects was reduced by half compared with their pre-surgery drinking habits, while others had reduced sensitivity, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found.
The study, currently in press with the journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Hatch Project. Read the full University of Illinois article.
Some bariatric surgery patients don’t sense heightened blood alcohol levels, according to research led by professor of food science and human nutrition M. Yanina Pepino, left. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer.
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Ogallala Aquifer Summit
The 2020 Ogallala Aquifer Summit will take place in Amarillo, Texas, from March 31 to April 1, bringing together water management leaders from all eight Ogallala region states: Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming. The dynamic, interactive event will focus on encouraging exchange among participants about innovative programs and effective approaches being implemented to address the region’s significant water-related challenges.
The Ogallala Water Coordinated Agriculture Project, supported by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is a multi-disciplinary team of 70 people based at 10 institutions in 6 Ogallala-region states, engaged in collaborative research and outreach aimed at sustaining agriculture and ecosystems in the region. Read the full Hays Post article.
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NIFA Announces Funding Available for Veterinarian’s Educational Loans
NIFA announces funding to help eligible veterinarians repay a portion of their veterinary school loans in return for serving in areas of the United States lacking sufficient veterinary resources. Funding is made through NIFA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
Recipients are required to commit to three years of veterinary service in a designated veterinary shortage area. Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for attendance at an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent. See the VMLRP request for applications for details.
Female veterinarian with horse, photo courtesy of Getty Images.
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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 or LinkedIn @usda-nifa.
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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