Agricultural Research Service

In this podcast, learn more about how a centuries-old crop, like hemp, has many new potentials throughout the U.S. agricultural marketplace. This episode of the “Wearable Science” podcast, discusses using hemp for clothing, animal bedding, and for more material applications. siysc.transistor.fm/episodes/seaso… #NationalHempMonth

Congratulations🎉to Dr. Tara McHugh who recently became a 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneer! McHugh, ARS Pacific West Area Director, received the honor from the World Food Prize Foundation. McHugh is recognized for her transformative innovations to preserve, utilize, and deliver fruits and vegetables to the consumer. According to the Foundation, “by converting underutilized agricultural products into appealing, shelf-stable foods, McHugh’s research improves nutrition and reduces food loss.” worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm?node…

Blueberry growers face rising challenges from winter frosts and pests. ARS scientists from Poplarville, MS, and New Orleans, LA, are working on sprayable, plant‑safe nanocellulose coatings— an emerging technology made from cotton gin byproduct—to help shield buds, blooms, and fruit. A sustainable innovation that works with standard farm sprayers, from small farms to large operations in the future. #NationalBlueberryMonth

During #NationalWatermelonMonth, there is no better time to select fresh watermelon to accompany a family meal, picnic, or have as a snack! The cool, refreshing fruit is full of vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this sweet treat for its taste and health benefits! Check out healthy eating tip No. 26 at: aglab.ars.usda.gov/nutrition-corn… #ARSAglab

ARS scientists are helping American ranchers and farmers keep their lands healthy and sustainable. Researchers in Corvallis, OR, are developing methods to restore abandoned mines. In this Regenerative Farming video, see how they are using a combination of soil amendments, including biochar. youtube.com/watch?v=jKdvoS…

Tree saving tech -- Early detection of Beech leaf disease (BLD) is vital as it spreads through forest trees across the United States. Learn how ARS researchers have adapted a machine learning model that can identify BLD in real-world images -- with over 95% accuracy. aglab.ars.usda.gov/fuel-your-curi… #ARSAgLab

An ARS team is putting beans to the test! They're developing new cultivars that thrive in changing temperatures, varying water levels & tough soil conditions – calling these alternative bean fields “Purgatory Plots.” They are also working to grow beans that are more resistant to disease in harsh environments. Learn more at: ars.usda.gov/oc/dof/fit-fab…

ARS researchers in Miles City, MT, are working with American cattle ranchers to improve nutrition for herds using prescribed fires. Ranchers have typically deferred grazing for up to two seasons after a wildfire. Researchers are now finding that cattle prefer to graze in recently burned areas. The burned areas provide livestock with crude protein, fiber digestibility, and a higher mineral content. Learn more at: scientificdiscoveries.ars.usda.gov/explore-our-di…

ARS researchers in Peoria, IL and Ames, IA, are using AI to help American farmers save their corn crops. Scientists used AI to develop the online database called PanEffect. This innovation enables corn plant breeders to determine how genetic differences in corn -- and their fungal pathogens -- can influence disease development. This preventative tool is important to corn growers as they produce the largest U.S. crop, valued at $79.5 billion. scientificdiscoveries.ars.usda.gov/explore-our-di… #ScientificDiscoveries #CornMonth

Cotton can be engineered into nanofibers that are incredibly strong -- potentially even stronger than steel at the same weight. In this podcast, ARS scientists discuss how the nanofibers from cotton can be used for medical applications, like mask filters, wound dressings, and more. siysc.transistor.fm/episodes/seaso…

July is #NationalWatermelonMonth. Did you know that the classic watermelon variety, known as the Charleston Gray, was developed by USDA-ARS Scientist Charles Frederick Andrus? The Charleston Gray cultivar was introduced by ARS to consumers in 1954. Learn more about the history of the Charleston Gray at: ars.usda.gov/news-events/ne…

ARS researchers and their university partners have released the results of a comprehensive study that examines how feeding livestock alternative fats and oils can affect their productivity. This research provides a valuable tool for livestock producers and feed mills—helping assess both the nutritional and economic value of adding fats and oils to animal diets. Learn more at: scientificdiscoveries.ars.usda.gov/tellus/stories…

From the fields and family farms to our ranches, America's strength has always been rooted in the hard work of its people. This Independence Day, we honor that legacy as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary and continue building a stronger future together. Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Celebrating our nation's birthday -- Happy July 4th🎉

ARS scientists have released an aroma hop variety called “USDA-ARS Vera.” The Vera hop is being used in brewing pale ales, lagers, and other beer varieties. The new hop is a welcomed addition to the $116 billion U.S. beer market. scientificdiscoveries.ars.usda.gov/tellus/stories…

While preparing for your 4th of July cookouts, know that ARS scientists are working with U.S. farmers to keep our food safe and improve U.S. crops -- from beef and poultry to potatoes and hops. ARS's scientific innovations help make our nation's holiday safer, tastier, and more sustainable. aglab.ars.usda.gov/learn-and-expl… Happy July 4th!🇺🇸

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread deadly diseases like Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, and Zika Virus. Some mosquitoes can build up resistance to common pesticides. Watch how ARS researchers are working to curb mosquito populations by sterilizing male mosquitoes and releasing them with females. Their work is lowering the public health threat of viruses carried by this insect. youtube.com/watch?v=Uf7yBH…

New tool for U.S. wine grape growers! ARS researchers in Kimberly, ID, have developed a new method to measure crop irrigation that employs AI with analytic software and sensors. This will help wine grape growers determine best practices for irrigating their crops, while saving money and optimizing wine grape quality. scientificdiscoveries.ars.usda.gov/explore-our-di… #ScientificDiscoveries

In this ARS podcast, learn about "Yorizane," the first self-pollinating almond in the United States. Hear from ARS Research Geneticist Craig Ledbetter, who has been developing self-pollinating almond varieties for consumers to enjoy. siysc.transistor.fm/episodes/seaso… #NationalPollinatorMonth

Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Mattia!🎉 Mattia, an ARS research geneticist was recently named among the "40 Under Forty Rising Leaders" for the citrus industry. He appears among the citrus industry's Rising Stars in Produce Business Magazine. Among Mattia's professional achievements listed, are his work to identify disease-tolerant citrus varieties to include the Donaldson orange tree, the SunGlo nectarine, and the Brixy -- an orange hybrid. producebusiness.com/40-under-forty…