|
USDA Announces Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as NIFA Director
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As Director, Dr. Hamby will lead USDA’s efforts to advance agricultural innovation, community outreach and fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Dr. Hamby’s deep-rooted experience in agriculture—from hands-on work in farming to decades of leadership in research and innovation—makes him the ideal choice to lead NIFA,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “His commitment to advancing agricultural research, Extension and education will help drive solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges and ensure the continued strength and global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.”
A Tennessee native, Dr. Hamby grew up on his family’s cow-calf operation and developed a deep connection to agriculture through 4-H and FFA, eventually serving as a national FFA officer. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Tennessee before completing his master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural education at Oklahoma State University. Over the course of his career, he has directed hundreds of research efforts specializing in concept testing, product marketing, value driver analysis and following market trends and strategies to support agricultural producers.
Dr. Jaye L. Hamby, NIFA director. NIFA image.
|
|
|
Tiny Indicators of Soil Health in Florida’s Citrus Groves
In the citrus groves of southwest Florida, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are investigating the hidden power of soil nematodes. These tiny organisms with enormous ecological impact offer key insights into soil health. This study investigates how cover crops influence nematode communities and, in turn, impact soil fertility and sustainability. Researchers in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water and ecosystem sciences (SWES) are leading the study.
The study took place at two sites within a commercial citrus grove. One site had trees over 20 years old and another with younger trees under 10 years old. Researchers tested three cover crop treatments.
They analyzed nematode communities in these different systems over time—six-month intervals from September 2022 to February 2024. The team observed how cover crops influenced food web structure, nutrient cycling and soil resilience.
Cover crops generally increased nematode abundances across all trophic groups, from bacterivores and fungivores to predators and omnivores. In the older grove, cover crops enhanced soil food web complexity. Meanwhile, in the younger grove, cover crops improved nutrient availability. UF/IFAS researchers say their work reinforces that soil health is a dynamic process influenced by plant diversity. Read more about this NIFA-funded work.
Cover crops grow in between rows of citrus trees. Image courtesy of Sarah Strauss, UF/IFAS.
|
|
|
 Reminder: Use NIFA’s Official Identifier Correctly
The official NIFA identifier is comprised of the USDA logo with NIFA signature lockup. Per NIFA regulations and guidelines, it is expected that grantees use NIFA’s official identifier in publications, posters, websites and presentations resulting from their award. The official NIFA identifier should be used on all print and digital materials.
|
|
|
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 X (formerly 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.
|
|
|
|
