National Institute of Food and Agriculture ⋅ Page 1

Rumbling in the Soil

From kernels of inspiration to quarterly reports, empowering farmers and ranchers for success

The average age of an American farmer is 57, and has risen for the past several years. An innovative program led by Professor Randy Westgren and Peter Hofherr, assistant director of the McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, works to change that trend by leading new farmers and ranchers to entrepreneurial success.

Gases and Grasses

CAFNR receives grant to study cover crops and greenhouse gases

CAFNR is studying cover crops with a focus on weed suppression, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing fertility in an environmentally friendly way and improving grain productivity.

An Economic Powerhouse

Ag, bioscience make north-central US a key unlocking economic growth and job creation opportunities

“Power and Promise: Agbioscience in the North Central United States” credits the region’s land-grant universities, including their extension services and experiment stations, with a central role in American agriculture’s rise to global preeminence, arguing that continued support for them is vital to realizing the opportunities offered by the 21st century economy.