UVM Extension Professor and Agronomy Specialist Heather Darby
Heather Darby has been awarded a USDA NIFA grant for an over $2 million multi-state research project entitled, Enhancing the viability of grass-fed dairy production in the U.S. through comprehensive research and Extension.
Increasing consumer demand for grass-fed dairy products has driven dairy farmers to seek information about transitioning to grass-based dairy systems. The project aims to increase the success and viability of grass-fed dairy production operations by conducting research and education programs that address the needs of farmers, stakeholders, and consumers.
Click this link to read the full project proposal.
Plant and Soil Science Professor Yolanda Fanslow Chen
Yolanda Fanslow Chen
has been awarded a $308,000 USDA NIFA grant for a research project entitled, Field testing of pheromone mating disruption for swede midge in brassica crops.
Swede midge is a highly-damaging invasive species of Brassica crops. In regions where it has become established, losses up to 100 percent have been reported. The central problem is the lack of effective reduced-risk tools and tactics for both organic and conventional vegetable growers. The goals of this project are:
- Compare pheromone dispensers to determine efficacy and affordability.
- Compare how field weathering affects the attractiveness of the male midges.
- Determine how to deploy pheromone mating disruption within an annual cropping system.
- Develop tools for educating growers nationally about this serious new pest.