FFAR Grant Combats Climate Change Through Soil Health Practices

Farmers and ranchers are facing increasing challenges from climate change, such as more frequent droughts and flooding, which can devastate crops. Extreme weather imposes drastic changes that ultimately threaten food security. The grant’s research team, led by AFT’s Climate Initiative Director, Dr. Jennifer Moore, is developing a data-driven decision platform that can be used at various capacities to analyze current global warming potential (GWP) for major agronomic systems with the ability to prioritize key areas within states or regions.

FFAR Grant Provides Technical Training to Enhance Soil Health

Cover crops are essential to preserving nutrient-rich soils for cultivating health foods and improving overall soil health. Although there are various training programs for farmers on how to use cover crops, there is a dire need for technical training for industry agronomists and other farm advisors who influence farmers’ management decisions.

FFAR Grant Develops Tools to Predict Consumer Demand, Reduce Food Waste

FFAR Grant Improves Soil Health Through Phosphorus Management

Phosphorus, a nutrient commonly found in manure and commercial fertilizers, is beneficial to plant growth. Despite phosphorus’ beneficial properties, there are only few studies on the effects of soil health practices on phosphorus. Kansas State University researchers are examining how cover crops and phosphorous management strategies interact to influence soil health.

Integration of Small Farmers into Technology-enabled, Rapid-response Fresh Food Supply Chains

Highly-perishable produce is usually shipped across long distances. Without information about current and future market demand, some farmers produce a surplus of food that is wasted. Producers need more efficient supply chains to ensure quality fresh food reaches consumers. Arizona State University and New Mexico State University researchers are developing market intelligence and supply chain planning tools that enable growers to predict consumer demand and sell directly to consumers. The tool helps farmers reach the right markets at the right time.

Employing Regional Produce Cooperatives to Enhance Household Nutrition and Reduce Food Insecurity

Millions of Americans struggle with food insecurity. Feeding America established Regional Produce Cooperatives to direct a greater variety of produce to food banks at a lower cost. Feeding America is evaluating whether the decrease food waste, shorten the time between source and distribution and increase access to produce. Ultimately, the project aims to increase consumption of nutritious produce and decrease food insecurity.

Blackfeet Innovation Pathways to Food Sovereignty: Sustainability through Indigenous Applied Research Partnerships

Despite the Blackfeet Nation’s rich agricultural diversity, the Piikani people suffer from diet-related health disparities and persistent poverty. Blackfeet Nation and Montana State University researchers are helping ranchers and farmers make cost-effective management decisions, investigating regional food systems and identifying how tradition Indigenous foods influence Piikani health.

Addressing future global dairy demand: Targeting the gut-liver axis to promote heat stress resilience in dairy cattle

Heat-stressed dairy cows cost the American dairy industry an alarming $1.5 billion annually. Dairy cows are unable to efficiently produce milk when their body temperatures rise above normal. Heat-stress is also associated with reduced fertility and increases in diseases. Cornell University researchers are identifying nutrition-based solutions that improves dairy cows’ ability to adapt to extreme heat.