In the past month, I've had the opportunity to visit two events that reiterated the importance of locally and regionally relevant agricultural, food, forestry and natural resources research, teaching and outreach.

One of the events was hosted by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen to showcase the diversity of New Hampshire's businesses that are key to the state's economic sustainability, as well as the institutions and organizations that support those businesses. Part of the event included a focus on the food and beverage sectors, with some of the participants—including Echo Farm, Stonyfield, NH Food Bank, among others—being important partners with the NHAES, COLSA, and more broadly, UNH. It was fantastic to see the through line of the local impacts that the people and work at our Station and College make across New Hampshire businesses and organizations.

Pudding from Echo Dairy Farm and pudding-filled donut holes from Sullivan Country Store, both in Cheshire county, NH. Photo credit: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen's communications team.

Another event was a partner engagement session hosted by the US Forest Service for four experimental forests across New Hampshire and Maine. It was rewarding to speak on behalf of our many faculty and staff to describe the long-standing research, teaching and outreach programs that these experimental forests enable our Station and College scientists to accomplish. These programs elevate our College and Station's capacity to develop impactful research, train future scientists to recognize and overcome local and regional challenges, and develop future workforce generations that can get hands-on, relevant experience within our state. At the end of the event, it was more evident than ever that one of the key components to ensuring the sustainability of our state and regional natural resources and developing a workforce to support those resources is the long-term partnerships between our scientists and our region's experimental forests.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to improve the lives and landscapes of our state and region!

Anton Bekkerman

Director, NH Agricultural Experiment Station

UNH Receives USDA Grant to Boost Climate-Resilient Farming Practices



Station scientists Rich Smith and Natalie Lounsbury have secured a USDA grant to advance climate-resilient farming practices. Their research focuses on crop row orientation and cover cropping to improve soil health, moisture dynamics, and weed suppression. This project aims to equip farmers with strategies to adapt to increasing climate variability and enhance agricultural sustainability. Explore how this innovative approach could transform farming practices.

Research: Targeted Home Systems to Remove PFAS More Cost-Effective Than System-Wide Solutions



New research supported by the NHAES shows that households on public water systems are willing to pay an average of $156.84 annually to protect themselves from PFAS, potentially cancer-causing chemicals. This amount aligns with the costs of home water treatment systems effective at removing PFAS, rather than municipal-level treatments. The study, which suggests localized solutions may be more cost-effective for addressing PFAS contamination, was co-led by Station scientist John Halstead. Read more about this significant study and its implications.

Aquatic Plants Could Help Reduce Water Pollution

Station scientist Anna O’Brien is exploring the use of duckweed to mitigate water pollution. Her research shows that duckweed and its microbiome can transform harmful chemicals from urban runoff into less toxic byproducts. This innovative approach could significantly improve the design and efficiency of constructed wetlands, contributing to healthier freshwater ecosystems. Discover how these tiny aquatic plants can play a big role in cleaning our water.

The INSPIRED Water Quality & Management Research Report is Here!

Download the digital version today!

New Hampshire’s freshwater bodies play a vital role in supporting the state’s hydroelectric power, ecosystems, tourism, and recreation, contributing over $200 million from recreational fishing alone. As climate change and urbanization impact these natural water systems, NHAES researchers are pioneering methods to assess water quality and develop sustainable management solutions. By leveraging new technologies and extensive data, their discoveries aim to keep New Hampshire’s waters resilient. Read more about these advancements in the 2024 Water Quality & Management Report.

• How bad are microplastics in New Hampshire? – Boston Globe
• New report highlights ways to protect, preserve NH’s freshwater resources – NH Public Radio
• UNH researchers identify which radicchio varieties can thrive in New England – NH Public Radio
• Kiwiberry Breeding Scientist Earns Innovator of the Year Award – Growing Produce
• UNH professor honored with innovation award for kiwiberry research project – WMUR9
• UNH researchers wonder if controlled burns really do help red oak – Concord Monitor
• UNH Receives USDA Grant to Boost Climate-Resilient Farming Practices – Morning Ag Clips
• Kiwiberry Breeder Is UNH’s 2024 Innovator of Year – Morning Ag Clips
• Station scientists receive honors for Earth science research – Morning Ag Clips
• For Dairy, Focusing on the Essentials – Morning Ag Clips

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

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