It's been a wonderful year for the innovative scientists, forward-looking students and skilled operations staff at the NH Agricultural Experiment Station! The response that we continue to hear from the many Granite State communities we support is one of enthusiasm for the locally-inspired research, and we are excited to continue moving forward our state's and region's agricultural-, food-, and eco-systems through science-based discoveries.

In addition to the latest news from the NHAES below, I wanted to highlight a just a few other items that made 2024 special.

• Listening to Moose Tracks
• Microplastics in Estuaries
• Using Duckweed as a Green Manure
• Reducing Barriers to Local Food Systems in New Hampshire
• Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Holds Town Hall at UNH

Thank you for your continued support of the Station's mission to support New Hampshire’s lives, livelihoods and landscapes! From all of us at the NH Agricultural Experiment Station, we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and hope your 2025 is filled with innovations and discoveries!

Anton Bekkerman

Director, NH Agricultural Experiment Station

Rising Above Traditional Crop Disease Scouting

A collaborative team of NHAES scientists, UNH farm operations staff, Extension specialists, and industry professionals is exploring drone technology for disease detection in New Hampshire corn crops. In the first phase of the study, they demonstrated that affordable drones with multispectral cameras could differentiate corn varieties with 98% accuracy. This innovation offers potential for earlier disease detection, reduced yield losses, and improved management decisions, supporting sustainable agriculture across New England. Discover how drones could transform disease detection for regional farms.

Sustainability: From the Ground Up

The Soil BioME team at UNH, led by NHAES scientists Jessica Ernakovich, Serita Frey, and Stuart Grandy, is advancing soil-based solutions to environmental challenges. By leveraging public-private partnerships, they’re addressing issues like nitrogen efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable agriculture. Collaborations with organizations like Ag Spectrum and Novo Nordisk translate scientific discoveries into practical applications, improving crop productivity and environmental health. Learn more about Soil BioME's transformative research.

• Granite Geek: Science thrives with the long-term view – who’s going to pay for it? – Granite Geek
• Can drones spot crop disease from on high? – Granite Geek
• The Gulf of Maine is warming up. To see potential effects, consider the lumpfish. – NHPR
• Drones Giving Produce Growers a New Perspective on Crop Scouting – Growing Produce
• High-Tech Crop Monitoring – Morning Ag Clips

INSPIRED Aquaculture is Here!

The NHAES recently published its latest issue of the INSPIRED research report, focused on Aquaculture. This issue highlights critical research in support of New Hampshire’s growing aquaculture industry and presents findings that explore the challenges and opportunities facing sustainable aquaculture, from managing climate impacts to controlling sea lice infestations.

Learn more about these efforts and other innovative aquaculture research in the full report.

Support the NHAES and Subscribe to Our News Channels

Please consider supporting future agricultural, food and natural resources research and innovation at the NH Agricultural Experiment Station with a charitable gift.

Want more news and information from the NHAES? Sign up for our NHAES News – and get notified each time we publish new articles highlighting our research (approximately twice a month). Know someone who might be interested in signing up to receive Station Science? Send them our newsletter sign-up webpage.