Three students in the College of Agriculture recently received...
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Geoff Williams named director of new Bee Center
Geoff Williams, associate professor, graduate program officer and longtime director of the AU-Bees Lab, is director of the new Auburn University Bee Center, effective Tuesday, April 1. In February, the Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Auburn...
Innovating solutions to agricultural challenges
By Jeremy Henderson There’s a buzz in the air around Corley Hall these days — literally. Blame it on the team of both doctoral and undergraduate biosystems engineering students tackling the age-old problem of precise fertilizer application with cutting-edge drone...
Researchers’ report informs governor’s strategic plan
Alabama’s $123 billion agriculture industry has identified land loss, profitability and transportation infrastructure among its most pressing challenges in a recent...
Geoff Williams named director of new Bee Center
Geoff Williams, associate professor, graduate program officer and longtime director of the AU-Bees Lab, is director of the new Auburn University Bee Center, effective...
Innovating solutions to agricultural challenges
A team of both doctoral and undergraduate biosystems engineering students is tackling the age-old problem of precise fertilizer application with cutting-edge drone technology. According to NASA, they’re tackling it well.
Mahas part of first team to investigate Southern cotton leafroll dwarf virus management
As John Mahas prepared for a move to start postdoctoral research at Cornell University, he was still wrapping up research in the Auburn University lab where he earned his master’s and doctorate. It was here he focused his work on managing the emerging cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) and its vector, the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii. This research led to the publication of two peer-reviewed papers, one of which marked a first in the Southeastern United States.
Beef Cattle Conference to be held at Auburn University in October
Beef cattle producers across the state will gain valuable insight on how to overcome bottom-line sustainability challenges in the cattle business during the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences’ 2024 Beef Cattle Conference, October 3-4. The conference...
Auburn Fisheries facilities help farmers battling supersized catfish
Many farmers are raising a blue catfish and channel catfish hybrid, which makes up half of all catfish harvested in the U.S., so the problems surrounding their rapid growth are widespread. Both small- and large-scale farmers aim to harvest fish that are “market size,” between one and a quarter and four pounds. […]
Johnston, Touchette receive summer 2024 graduation honors
Two soon-to-be alumni of the Auburn University College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology received the highest honors the college can bestow upon graduates ahead of commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 3. Angela Touchette...
Water Resources Center engages community in Moore’s Mill Creek Planning
As a project manager with Auburn’s Water Resource Center, Cooley manages watershed restoration projects and educates communities on how to care for rivers, streams and creeks.
Auburn works to bring bold breakthroughs in blueberry research
Blueberries, a superfood rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential nutrients, are widely celebrated during July for National Blueberry Month. Recognizing the potential within these small yet mighty fruits, researchers at Auburn University work to promote the positive health benefits of blueberries.
Dunham awarded $650K to research improvement in genotypes of multiple catfish
USDA-NIFA recently awarded a $650,000 grant to Rex Dunham to genetically improve the overall genotype and phenotype of both channel catfish and a hybrid between channel catfish females and blue catfish males. Dunham is a professor in the School of Fisheries,...
Promoting blueberry production in Alabama
As the U.S. celebrates National Blueberry Month in July, researchers in the Auburn College of Agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station are looking for ways to boost blueberry production in the state by introducing more profitable cultivars for both field and protected cultivation.
Agricultural economists’ simulator to weigh in on U.S. Conservation Reserve Program
Researchers at Auburn University aim to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions due to agriculture by modifying one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs: the USDA’s 25-million-acre Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Understanding the role of the soil microbiome in plant health
Soil scientist Audrey Gamble is working to improve sustainability of cotton production by improving soil microbial structure and function.
Mullenix named animal sciences department head
Kim Mullenix will serve as the next head of the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences, effective Aug. 19.
Auburn scientists begin project to build robot to help ornamental plant growers
An AI-powered robot will be able to inventory thousands of plants while also collecting data on plant growth, pests and diseases.
Sustainable beef production system could improve profitability
Sometimes, one Auburn University researcher says, it makes sense to increase input costs in one part of the system if it means costs are decreased somewhere else or the profit margin of the system is increased.
Maity awarded $300,000 in support of plant research and agricultural production systems
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) recently awarded Aniruddha Maity a $300,000 grant to….
Brewer awarded $434,000 to study using existing water infrastructure for limiting invasive carp
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in consultation with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, has awarded Dr. Shannon Brewer a $433, 867 grant to….
Auburn faculty redefining possibilities for use of biochar products in farming
For researchers studying environmentally friendly farming practices, biochar is a game-changer.
Biochar, a charcoal-like substance created by heating plant waste, is a groundbreaking innovation in the field of sustainable farming. It is beneficial for improving soil quality, recycling organic plant material and capturing greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural industry.
Researchers identify the ‘ManhattAnt’
Auburn University researcher part of team identifying fast-multiplying New York City ant An unidentified ant that went viral following its discovery in the heart of New York City has finally been studied and identified. The ant first made national headlines and was...
Horticulture’s Kaylen Anderson wins Employee of the Year
“It’s a dream to work for Auburn. I love Auburn,” Anderson said. “I’m forever grateful for the experience, the amazing people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made.”
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station purchases property in Autaugaville
The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station closed on a new 904-acre property in Autaugaville May 16. The $5.15 million purchase was…
Auburn research looks to boost average peanut yields
U.S. peanut producers have seen peaks and valleys in their yields over the years, prompting researchers at Auburn University to…
Endowed Professor Nannan Liu demonstrates excellence in research
A seasoned researcher and administrator in the Auburn University College of Agriculture and one of the top 2% of entomologists in the world got her start in the field because of the kindness of a neighbor.
Mariannah Harding earns master’s in horticulture at 18
As 18-year-old Mariannah Harding straightened her master’s regalia on Samford Lawn, she reflected on the days she worked in Auburn University’s most iconic building. “I watered the plants in Samford Hall,” she said. “I remember looking outside, watching students take...
Auburn ag merch available for shipping
You asked, we answered. Shipping is now available for the Auburn Agriculture Merch Store, and orders will start to roll out beginning early next week. While the store launched in January for in-store pickups, we didn’t forget about all those comments and questions...
Meet 7 outstanding members of the class of 2023
Auburn University will confer degrees upon hundreds of new alumni the weekend of May 6, and the College of Agriculture is proud of its exceptional members of the 2023 graduating class. Read below about seven who excelled during their time here and are headed on to...
USDA appoints Bourassa to food safety advisory committee
An Auburn University associate professor and Extension specialist has been appointed to the USDA National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). “I am honored to accept this appointment to the USDA National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry...
Spring 2023 Graduates to be recognized by Auburn College of Agriculture
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 Spring GRADUATES! The College of Agriculture announces its spring 2023 graduates. The commencement ceremony for the College of Agriculture will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 6 p.m. We would like to recognize the dedication and perseverance...
Precision planter training offered by Vantage South March 3
Vantage South will offer precision planter training March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter. Lunch and drinks will be provided by Vantage South. Advance registration is required using the event’s online registration form. The day...
Former Dean Richard Guthrie passes away
Richard Guthrie, former dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, passed away Jan. 23. “Dr. Guthrie was a dear friend and mentor to many of us and was a highly respected leader for our college,...
Harrison Estes thrives in applied biotechnology major
Auburn agriculture senior finds success in his major Do you know what applied biotechnology is? Harrison Estes — a senior majoring in applied biotechnology — defines it as “the study and practice of genetic modification for industrial, medical and agricultural...
Starkey, Wilson recognized with Auburn Faculty Awards
Faculty members Jessica Starkey and Alan Wilson of the Auburn University College of Agriculture were recognized with Auburn Faculty Awards at a banquet Nov. 17. Starkey, associate professor of poultry science, was one of three faculty members receiving an Alumni...
Fisheries lab joins U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on $5 million project
The Southeastern Cooperative Fish Parasite and Disease Laboratory — a multistate fish disease diagnostics laboratory that is part of the College of Agriculture’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences — has recently joined with the U.S. Fish and...
Animal sciences department hosts foreign embassies for study tour
The Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences hosted 12 foreign embassies for a study tour of beef cattle production systems in the Southeastern U.S. October 19-21. The delegation included representatives from Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Latvia, the...
Wilson receives Auburn’s highest faculty honor
Alan Wilson, a professor in the Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, has been awarded the university’s Gerald and Emily Leischuck Endowed Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2022. The Leischuck Award is the highest...
Student named to national FFA officer team
A student in the Auburn University College of Agriculture who was a 2019-2020 Alabama state Future Farmers of America officer was selected as a member of the Nominating Committee for the 2022-2023 National Future Farmers of America officer team. Ka’Shiya McKinney is a...
Auburn College of Agriculture honors outstanding students and 2022 fall graduates
Two outstanding students, JT Mumber (below, left) and Perian Reese (below, right), from the Auburn University College of Agriculture are recipients of the college’s Student Marshal and Dean’s Award. The final selection was made by the scholarship committee. We...
Lecturer asks: What has ag research done for you?
What has agricultural research done for you? It’s a fair enough question, and one that many of us might have a problem answering. But the answers are numerous enough to fill a book or two, which is exactly what Gale Buchanan has done. Buchanan, who spent the first 21...
Water Resources Center, AU Bees Lab partner with city to promote natural resources stewardship
Alabama Watershed Stewards and Alabama Water Watch, along with the AU Bees Lab and Westervelt Ecological Resources, are partnering with the city of Auburn through a recently awarded grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for 2022-23. Alabama Watershed...
Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering launch 150th anniversary celebration
In 1872, Auburn got a new name. And a new purpose. The world hasn’t been the same since. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Auburn’s reorganization under the Morrill Act from East Alabama Male College into the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama,...
College of Agriculture hosts 43rd annual Ag Roundup
The 43rd annual Ag Roundup, hosted by the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club and the College of Agriculture at Auburn University, will return to campus on Saturday, Sept. 24, offering a special opportunity for agriculture alumni and friends to gather for a day of...
Koebernick named to USDA Plant Variety Protection Board
Jenny Koebernick, associate professor in the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences in the Auburn University College of Agriculture, has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Variety Protection Board. The Plant Variety Protection...
Bowen named interim head of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Department
Kira Bowen has been tapped to serve as interim head of Auburn University’s Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, effective August 1. “I look forward to working with Dr. Bowen in this new role,” said Paul Patterson, dean of Auburn’s College of...
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station announces new structure
The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) at Auburn University has announced a new regional structure of its outlying units and operations. “The new regional organization structure is intended to focus more station-based personnel on research operations,”...