Hello there!
Welcome to our February Recap Newsletter! In this issue, we are bringing you the latest updates and insights from the NASA Acres Consortium.
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In our efforts to better understand how best to serve farmers and ranchers in the U.S., NASA Acres and Ag Data Transparent have launched a survey focused on farmer perspectives on sharing their data in research collaborations geared toward improving their operations. Through this survey implemented by Trust in Food, a Farm Journal Initiative, we aim to understand:
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what are the most valuable topics to farmers that NASA Acres and satellite data could support;
- what and by whom ag data are collected;
- who determines how ag data are shared and secured; and,
- the trust level with various agencies, institutions, and companies in sharing their ag data.
If you are a farmer or rancher in the U.S., please fill it out! And either way, please forward so we can hear from as many farmers and ranchers as possible!
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Discover how NASA is bringing the value of satellite Earth observations to farmers in Part 1 of a two-part video series with Dr. Karen St. Germain, Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. In Part 2 of this two-part video series, Dr. Karen St. Germain reflects on her personal journey from budding scientist to the Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division.
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Map of U.S. county-level corn yield anomaly for 2022 |
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Map source: Dr. Natacha Kalecinski, University of Maryland
Data source: National Agricultural Statistics Service
The map above, produced using USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) data, shows the yield anomaly in 2022, for maize (corn) at the county-level across the United States, compared to the 21 year average from 2001-2022. The colors indicate the range of the anomaly from minus -80% (blue), indicating below average, to +80% (red), indicating above average. The map was produced by Dr. Natacha Kalecinski at the University of Maryland, who utilizes satellite Earth observation data to monitor and forecast crop yields. Under NASA Acres, Dr. Sergii Skakun and postdoc Dr. Natacha Kalecinski are developing an operational yield forecasting model (ARYA) working at both the national and county level to more effectively predict crop yield. The model is based on MODIS and VIIRS surface reflectance data as well as the growing degree day temperature extracted from the reanalysis ERA 5. Their studies will help us gain better insights on how trends and extreme weather influence crop yield across the U.S.
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General Mills and Unilever join forces with the Harvest initiative to advance sustainable and regenerative agriculture (SARA) practices worldwide
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In late February, we expanded our reach at the nation’s largest farming conference, Commodity Classic. At the NASA booth, we had great assortment of educational materials and a lineup of speakers spanning topics from farmer data governance, artificial intelligence, soil health, climate change and more! We are connecting American farmers across the country with our Consortium to help address their most pressing challenges and improve life here on Earth.
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The Soil & Environmental Physics Lab at UC Merced is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral scholar focused on transdisciplinary research related to agriculture and food security as part of NASA's Acres Consortium. The postdoctoral scholar will conduct integrated basic and applied research on the application of satellite Earth observation (EO) data to pressing agricultural and food security challenges facing U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agrifood stakeholders.
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Scholarship Announcement :
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The scholarship awards $3,000 to up to 5 recipients studying engineering, science, or computer science at a 4-year college or university. If you or someone you know are a graduating high school senior or college undergraduate enrolled in a STEM program, this is your chance to apply! The application window is open from February 15, 2024 – March 31, 2024.
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