NIFA’s Chester to Join USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist as Director 

Dr. Deirdra Chester will serve as the new Director of USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist. Most recently, Dr. Chester led the Division of Nutrition in NIFA. In this role, she provided leadership and oversight for the division’s research, education and Extension activities across the nation through competitive grant programs focused on nutrition, functional components of food, the microbiome, and the prevention of chronic diseases. She supervised the staff of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program at the federal level and led development of the division’s strategic priorities.

Photo of Dr. Deirdra Chester, USDA image.

A Force to be Reckoned With: Fort Valley State’s First Meat Judging Team Wins National Award

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture supports 1890 Land-grant University students, as well their institutions, in order to develop the nation’s future science and agriculture leaders. The Meats Judging Program at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) is one of many examples of how an 1890 institute is cultivating the next generation of agriculturalists. Seven FVSU students made history as the first Meat Judging Team for the historically Black institution. This all-female team of trailblazers is a force to be reckoned with after they competed for the first time in the 2023 Spring Intercollegiate Meat Judging contest, where they took home several awards. Learn more about the team.

Fort Valley State University’s Meat Judging Team practices their judging skills in the Meat Technology Center. Courtesy of Latasha Ford, FVSU.  

Read More:
Impacts of NIFA-funded research and Extension programs on our Blog page.

Notice of Intent to Request Approval of a New Information Collection

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget regulations, this notice announces the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's intention to request a new information collection, entitled National 4-H Conference Registration and Leadership Roles. This information collection is required to support the successful planning and delivery of activities associated with National 4-H Conference. Written comments on this notice must be received by May 1. For more information, read this notice online.

Federal Register graphic logo.

GusNIP Nutrition Incentive RFA Webinars

In March, NIFA, Food and Nutrition Service and NTAE Center staff for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) will host webinars for applicants interested in applying to the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program. The webinars will focus on the fiscal year 2023 GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Request for Applications, covering general program guidelines, matching guidelines, SNAP/NAP policy, GusNIP NTAE Center’s Nutrition Incentive Hub free one-on-one support, and the required core firm-level and participant-level metrics. An evening timeframe is slated to accommodate applicants from insular areas. Registration is required.

• General Webinar: Monday, March 6, 2:30-4:30 p.m. EST - Register
• Insular Areas Webinar: Thursday, March 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. EDT - Register

NIFA webinar graphic.

GusNIP NTAE RFA Webinars

In March, NIFA staff for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) will host webinars for applicants interested in applying to the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation and Information Centers (NTAE) competitive program. An evening timeframe is slated to accommodate applicants from insular areas. Registration is required.

• General Webinar: Friday, March 10, 3-4 p.m. EST - Register
• Insular Areas Webinar: Tuesday, March 21, 5-6 p.m. EDT - Register

Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative RFA Technical Assistance Webinar

NIFA professionals will offer an Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative RFA Technical Assistance Webinar on Tuesday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. This webinar will include a program overview of the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, details of the RFA, description of the proposal evaluation process, and a question-and-answer session.  Register.

Organic Transitions Program RFA Technical Assistance Webinar

NIFA professionals will offer an Organic Transitions Program RFA Technical Assistance Webinar on Tuesday, March 14 at 3 p.m. EDT. This webinar will include a program overview of the Organic Transitions Program, details of the RFA, description of the proposal evaluation process, and a question-and-answer session.  Register.

Live FAQ Session: Veterinary Services Grant Program

NIFA program staff will host a live FAQ session about the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) March 15 at 2 p.m. EDT. The goals of the VSGP are to support food animal veterinary medicine through EET funds for accredited schools and organizations and through RPE funds for veterinary clinics that provide services in veterinary shortage situation areas. This program is designed to support education and Extension activities that will enable veterinarians, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians gain specialized food animal skills and practices. The goals of the VSGP are to support food animal veterinary medicine through EET funds for accredited schools and organizations and through RPE funds for veterinary clinics that provide services in veterinary shortage situation areas. This program is designed to support education and Extension activities that will enable veterinarians, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians gain specialized food animal skills and practices.

National 4-H Conference Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2023 National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’s capital each spring, National 4-H Conference is the flagship youth development opportunity of USDA. From April 14-19, the nationally recognized event is developing the next generation of leaders alongside more federal partners than ever before. Experience unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development and networking with 4-H’ers from around the world. The event features roundtable sessions, Youth Career Fair exhibitions, live “cool job” panels, community service, special events, assemblies and much more. Learn more and register online.

2023 National 4-H Conference “Join Us” graphic.

Legume Cover Crops Have Potential as a Nitrogen and Forage Source in Semi-arid West Texas

Farmers in west Texas are eyeing legume cover crops as a nitrogen and forage source to fill fallow periods between dryland, no-till wheat and cotton crop rotations. But finding the best fit for the area’s environmental challenges is proving tricky. So, Texas A&M University researchers are working with farmers to develop best management practices ranging from best species mixes to ideal seeding rates to termination times. Read more about this research supported by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, a NIFA-funded program.

Legume cover crop plots, courtesy of Texas A&M University.

NIFA has career opportunities in a variety of scientific disciplines covering engineering, food science, forestry, education, animal and crop sciences, and many other agriculture-related disciplines. NIFA job openings are listed on USAJobs.gov.

• Supervisory Policy Analyst- Closes March 10 or when 100 applications are received

NIFA Career Opportunities graphic.

To encourage more active lifestyles, public health agencies recommend mixed-use neighborhoods and “complete” streets that are friendlier to walkers and bikers, but @Cornell research finds that planners must look beyond cities.