Earlier this month, the University of New Hampshire welcomed members of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau (NHFB) for its 107th annual meeting. The NHFB continues to be a strong supporter of the agricultural, food and natural resources research and educational missions of the NHAES and COLSA, and it was great to have them hold their meeting at UNH.

After the business meeting, NHFB members were invited to tour the recently renovated Spaulding Hall as well as a bus tour to learn about the agricultural research and diagnostics facilities around campus. The showcasing of Spaulding Hall was particularly rewarding because NHFB members have consistently supported the building's renovation, helping provide an important voice in what ultimately ended up being one of the largest state-funded capital investments in New Hampshire.

NH Farm Bureau members learning about COLSA and NHAES students, programs and research after touring the renovated Spaulding Hall.

The Spaulding Hall tour featured not only an overview of the state-of-the-art teaching and research labs and their contributions to the agricultural and lands sectors, but also brief presentations and thoughtful conversations with COLSA undergraduate and graduate students. One of the students noted that coming to COLSA and being able to work and study at the Fairchild Dairy Research and Teaching Center motivated her to pursue a career in large animal veterinary. Another student highlighted her experience in hands-on production and small-farm operations learning within local and regional food systems. A graduate student, whose research on agricultural soils was funded by the NHAES, discussed his evolution in understanding the extent to which scientific discoveries can make an impact on farms' economic and environmental sustainability.

Thank you to all NH Farm Bureau members your continued support of the Station's mission to support New Hampshire’s lives, livelihoods and landscapes!

Anton Bekkerman

Director, NH Agricultural Experiment Station

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.

Key studies include research on how warming ocean temperatures are shifting lumpfish distribution in the Gulf of Maine, the first documentation of blue crabs mating in Great Bay, and how oysters are helping improve water quality. NHAES scientists continue to explore solutions that support both environmental resilience and seafood production.

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

Coyotes Thrive Despite Human and Predator Pressures

A new study from NHAES researcher Rem Moll reveals that human hunting may actually boost coyote populations by increasing their reproduction and immigration rates. Moll, in collaboration with North Carolina State University scientist Roland Kays, analyzed data from over 4,500 camera traps across the U.S., uncovering that while coyote hunting can reduce numbers temporarily, it also leads to population rebounds, especially in areas with ample prey. Interestingly, the presence of larger predators like black bears showed a more sustained impact on reducing coyote numbers in certain habitats. Discover how these findings can inform effective wildlife management strategies for coyote populations.

• Is hunting actually boosting the coyote population in New England? – WBZ News
• The surprising finding of a new UNH study about coyotes – The Boston Globe
• Coyotes Thriving Despite Pressures From Humans and Predators, Study Finds – EcoWatch
• Hunting coyotes actually boosts their numbers – Earth.com
• Coyotes appear to be thriving under pressure – Popular Science
• Coyotes Thrive Despite Human and Predator Pressures – Environmental News Network
• Research Finds Coyotes Thriving Despite Human and Predator Pressures – Inside Ecology
• Coyotes Are Thriving in New Hampshire – Technology Networks: Applied Science
• Coyotes are thriving despite human and predator pressures, large-scale study finds – Phys.org
• Research finds coyotes thriving despite human and predator pressures – ScienceDaily
• Synthetic Microbiomes: Building Plant Defenses for a Changing Climate – NHDAMF Weekly Market Bulletin
• New Leadership: NH Water Resources Research Center – NHDAMF Weekly Market Bulletin
• What 'stressed' oysters can teach us about Maine's coastal climate health – News Center Maine
• New Leadership: NH Water Resources Research Center – Morning Ag Clips
• Harvest Time for UNH's Cucurbits Research Program – Morning Ag Clips
• UNH Research Boosts NH Aquaculture Sustainability – Morning Ag Clips

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