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Making a Difference
Multistate Research Team Honored for Advancing Livestock Reproductive Performance
Each year, AgInnovation, the national association of State Agricultural Experiment Stations, recognizes excellence in multistate research efforts at the regional and national levels.
At the recent AgInnovation Annual Meeting in Grand Junction, CO, Dr. Andrea Cupp of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln accepted the 2026 National Excellence in Multistate Research Award on behalf of an interdisciplinary team focused on improving reproductive performance in cattle and sheep. The team includes scientists from 23 Land‑grant Universities.
This award honors more than five decades of impactful work from the Hatch Multistate Research Project Reproductive Performance in Domestic Ruminants, which has shaped livestock management nationwide. Read more about the team’s work here.
At the group's 2024 annual meeting, project members toured the University of Wisconsin’s new meat laboratory. Image courtesy of AgInnovation.
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Celebrate National 4-H Week with NIFA
As National 4-H Week approaches, USDA NIFA is gearing up for a special celebration honoring the upcoming 100th anniversary of the National 4-H Conference in 2027. Join us October 4-10 on Facebook, LinkedIn and X as we highlight a century of youth leadership, ideas and voices who shaped the future. Throughout the week, we’ll showcase the impact of the National 4-H Conference, offer a behind-the-scenes look at what happens there and invite 4-H’ers to share their stories.
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NIFA Seeking Principal Associate Director
NIFA is accepting applications for a Principal Associate Director, an executive‑level position responsible for high‑level policy, program, and operational leadership.
Key duties include:
- Formulating and evaluating policies and programs related to food and agricultural research, education, and Extension, as well as overseeing operational activities including budget, policy, personnel, and civil rights.
- Providing oversight to ensure strategic alignment across NIFA’s program institutes, international programs, planning and accountability functions, and administrative systems.
- Leading the integration of science programs and administrative operations to advance NIFA’s mission across Research, Extension and Education.
Learn more about the position and how to apply here.
Application deadline: Oct. 7
Ag Outlook Forum Proposals Being Accepted
Do you have an innovation that you’d like to feature at the next Agricultural Outlook Forum—one that benefits farmers or directly impacts consumers?
The Forum, scheduled for Feb. 18–19, 2027, in Arlington, VA, will feature Science Innovation Exhibits. Anyone with an innovation wholly or partially funded by USDA is eligible to apply. Exhibitors must cover their own travel costs.
A selection committee will evaluate proposals based on the innovation’s impact, alignment with USDA priorities, and the visual, tactile, or interactive qualities of the proposed exhibit.
Proposals should be limited to one page and include:
- A description of the innovation.
- An explanation of how the innovation aligns with one or more USDA research and development priorities.
- A description of how the project is supported by USDA NIFA funding.
- The current and projected impact.
Send proposals supported with NIFA funding to Dr. Jodi Williams at jodi.williams@usda.gov
NIFA Invests ~$500K to Strengthen Rapid Response to Invasive Pasture Mealybug
NIFA has awarded LSU AgCenter $500,000 through its Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Diseases Events Across Food and Agriculture Systems competitive grant program to develop integrated pest management strategies to mitigate impacts of the invasive pasture mealybug in sugarcane. Efforts will focus on improving pest detection, evaluating control methods and developing science-based management strategies to help protect sugarcane production. USDA has also designated the pasture mealybug as a priority pest, reinforcing its commitment to addressing emerging agricultural threats and supporting American producers.
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Northstar 4-H Program Helps Rural Maine Youths Discover New Opportunities
In quiet Waldo County, where more than 90% of the population lives in rural areas, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension program is opening new doors for young people. The NorthStar 4-H Youth Mentoring program gives students hands-on learning experiences, caring adult mentors and chances to get involved in their community. In areas where after-school programs and enrichment activities are limited, NorthStar helps young people discover their interests, build confidence, and imagine new possibilities for their future. In rural communities that often struggle to offer co-curricular and youth development opportunities, NorthStar provides field trips and after-school activities that help students discover their passions, build relationships and explore future possibilities. Read more about this NIFA-supported program.
NorthStar 4-H members following a hike on the Maine coast. Image courtesy of the University of Maine.
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USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Accepting Applications
Be the face of U.S. agriculture overseas. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) officers are an elite corps of 150 agricultural attachés who serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of American agriculture around the world. FAS is currently accepting applications through Oct. 13 for foreign agricultural affairs officer trainees. Learn more about the position and apply here.
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USDA NIFA invests in research, education, and outreach that keeps American agriculture productive, profitable, and at the forefront of innovation. Through partnerships with the Land-grant University System, NIFA leverages more than 10,000 scientists, educators, and Extension professionals to turn discovery into real-world solutions for farmers, ranchers, families, and communities.
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 contact sm.nifa.eeo@usda.gov no later than 10 days prior to the event.
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.
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