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Making A Difference
 USDA NIFA Invasive Pest web graphic.
Land-grant Universities Key in Managing Devastating Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that threatens to destroy North American ash trees following its accidental introduction from Asia in the 1990s. Since then, efforts have been underway to identify the most effective means of protecting ash trees from attack. In recent years, EAB has become a significant threat to urban and community forests throughout the nation as it kills both stressed and healthy ash trees. Loss of these trees has a staggering economic impact on communities that must spend thousands of dollars to manage or remove infested trees and replace with other species. Read more about how Land-grant Universities are tackling the problem.
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News from NIFA
 L-R, Carlos Ortiz, Drenda Williams, Ahlishia Shipley, Ryan Kornegay, Michelle Samuel-Foo, Lydia Cassell, Briana Burke, Kamilah Grant, Courtenay Simmons, and Maurice Smith in front of the NIFA booth at the the recent MANRRS conference.
NIFA Professionals Make Impact at Recent MANRRS Conference
A team of 15 NIFA professionals attended the recent Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) National Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. The NIFA team joined other leaders from academia, industry and government working to foster partnerships and provide opportunities for students. A number of USDA agencies joined the NIFA group at the conference.
NIFA professionals led two workshops at the conference. Student delegates learned more about the opportunities available to them at NIFA as well as important information on how to apply for fellowships and internships. An Essentials of Grant Writing Process workshop offered chapter advisors information about the NIFA grants process and grant opportunities. Additionally, the team interacted with several hundred student delegates who visited the NIFA booth as part of the MANRRS Career Fair and Expo.
Professionals from multiple USDA agencies attending National MANRRS Conference.
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The Biggest Asset is You
Utah State University Extension created an Ag Wellness Team and mental health training program to combat mental health issues among Utah's ranchers and farmers. Their work was supported by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, which is funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Read more about USU’s program and successes.
Worried farmer. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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 NIFA Grants Writing Technical Assistance Workshop graphic.
For more information or to register, go online. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Neerja Tyagi at Neerja.tyagi1@usda.gov.
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NIFA webinar graphic.
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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.
NIFA Career Opportunities graphic.
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Impact of NIFA-Funded Research and Outreach
MSU Celebrates Successful Latino/a Farmer Program
Recently, Michigan State University (MSU) held its first La Cosecha “The Harvest” Celebration, an event welcoming over 150 Latino/a farmers, as well as MSU students, faculty and community members for a luncheon at Spartan Stadium. As Latino/a farmers increasingly seek pathways to become successful farmers, programs like La Cosecha are vital in supporting the transition into farm business management. Learn more about La Cosecha and the celebration here.
La Cosecha certificates of completion are presented to the farmers in attendance.
Courtesy of Dane Robison.
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News from Other Federal Agencies
Your Place in Space Challenge
The U.S. Department of Education has developed the Your Place in Space Challenge to create new solutions for space and inspire career and technical education students to envision careers in the space industry.
Learn more about the Your Place in Space Challenge at the May 10 virtual information session. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and NASA will present an in-depth overview of the challenge and answer questions. A video recording and summary of questions and answers will be published following the session.
Planet Earth with sunrise in space, courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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Facebook Post of the Week
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The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any NIFA event, please contact the appropriate Program staff no later than 10 days prior to the event. To find Program staff by event, please visit the NIFA Calendar of Events. NIFA Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. If you need interpretation or translation services please visit NIFA language services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or (443) 386-9488 no later than 10 days prior to the event.
NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and Extension that solves 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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