FEBRUARY 2024 TOOLKIT
Black History Month
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In 1890, historically Black colleges were added to the land-grant university system. Today, they conduct innovative research on climate change, hemp, irrigation, honey bees, sheep, goats & more: http://bit.ly/MRF-HBCUs #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #HBCU #1890strong @1890foundation @USDA @AgIsAmerica
For over a century, historically Black land-grant universities have conducted agricultural research. Today, they continue #MakingBlackHistory, delivering agricultural innovations that impact us all: https://bit.ly/MRF-HBCUs #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #HBCU #1890strong @1890foundation @USDA @AgIsAmerica
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National Cherry Month
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Sweet cherry acreage has increased largely due to dwarfing rootstocks tested by a team including @RutgersSEBS @OSUAgSci @CAFE_UMass & @CANRatMSU. These rootstocks allow more trees/acre and an increase in cherries worth ~$260M/year. http://bit.ly/MRF-RootstockUse #NationalCherryMonth
It’s #NationalCherryMonth! Using @ucdavisCAES & @OSUAgSci findings to store and ship cherries, growers are able to cut costs by shipping fresh cherries by boat instead of by air. Learn more: https://bit.ly/freshfruitshelflife
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National Cancer Prevention Month
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Understanding Bioactive Dietary Chemicals (W-4122)
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Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Davis, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
Sample post:
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As part of a multistate research project, scientists at land-grant universities identified compounds in legumes, potatoes & other foods that can reduce cancer risks: https://bit.ly/DietaryChemicals #CancerPreventionMonth
American Hearth Month
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Understanding Bioactive Dietary Chemicals (W-4122)
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Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaii, University of Illinois, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Washington State University, University of Wisconsin
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample posts:
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As part of a multistate research project, scientists at land-grant universities identified compounds in green tea, berries, vegetables & other foods that can reduce the risk of #heartdisease: https://bit.ly/DietaryChemicals #HeartMonth #CVD
Land-grant university scientists have their fingers on the pulse. See what a @USDA_NIFA-supported multistate team has discovered about nutrients that can help reduce the risk of #heartdisease: https://bit.ly/DietaryChemicals. #HeartMonth #CVD
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February 2: World Wetlands Day​
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Land-grant universities participating in this project: Alabama A&M University, California Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample posts:
The data & models produced by a multistate team of scientists have been critical to understanding how wetlands function as carbon sinks & making informed decisions that preserve wetlands & reduce global warming: https://bit.ly/MRF-wetlandsoils #WorldWetlandsDay #NIFAimpacts
It’s #WorldWetlandsDay! Wetland soils are key to mitigating climate change, managing shellfish & constructing stable houses, roads & bridges. See how multistate research improves our understanding & management of #wetlands: https://bit.ly/MRF-wetlandsoils
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The Economic Value of Ecosystem Services
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, Auburn University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis, Colby College, Colorado State University, Cornell University, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi Cooperative Extension, University of Montana, University of Nevada, North Carolina State University, North Dakota State University, Northern Arizona University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Virginia Tech, Washington State University, West Virginia University, University of Wyoming
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample post:
For many people, wetlands are associated with recreation. @UNL_CASNR found that for every $1 spent on wetland restoration, society can gain as much as $9 in duck hunting benefits. See other findings from this multistate project on the economic value of ecosystem services: http://bit.ly/MRF-ecosystem-services
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February 9: National Pizza Day​
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Every piece of pizza is loaded with agricultural research. See how scientists have improved the production & quality of common pizza toppings: https://bit.ly/MRF-pizza @ucdavisCAES @CornellCALS #NationalPizzaDay #PizzaDay #NIFAimpacts
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February 11: Super Bowl
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Who’s excited for #SuperBowlSunday?! Before the big game kicks off, check out how @USDA_NIFA-funded multistate projects are improving your favorite game day snacks: https://bit.ly/MRF-SuperBowlSnacks #SuperBowl #SuperBowlLVIII #gameday #tailgate #snacks @AgIsAmerica
Western Regional Turfgrass Research (WERA-11)
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Land-grant universities participating in this project: University of Arizona, University of California-Riverside, Colorado State University, University of Hawaii-Manoa, University of Idaho, Iowa State University, University of Nebraska, New Mexico State University, Oregon State University, Utah State University, Texas AgriLife Research, and Washington State University
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample post:
Turf grass is an essential part of many lawns, parks, golf courses, and sports fields, including @AllegiantStadm the home of #SuperBowlLVIII. See how land-grant universities are working together to improve turf grass varieties and management: https://bit.ly/mrf-turf #SuperBowlLVIII
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February 14: Valentine's Day
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Happy #ValentinesDay from the #MRFimpacts team! From roses to strawberries to chocolate, we have sweet research to share with you. Learn more: http://bit.ly/MRF-VDay
February 16: National Almond Day
It’s #NationalAlmondDay! @ucdavisCAES scientists designed sensors to detect water stress in #almond trees & recommended ways to reduce water use during irrigation. Other studies are helping reduce honey bee exposure to pesticides used on almond trees. https://bit.ly/MRF-Almonds
February 27: National Strawberry Day
Learn how #landgrantuniversities collaborate to improve #strawberry production and food safety: https://bit.ly/MRF-Strawberries These projects are supported in part by @USDA_NIFA @AgIsAmerica
February 26 - March 3: National Invasive Species Awareness Week
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When not monitored or controlled, invasive species can harm our economy, environment & health. See how collaborative research & Extension projects help control invasive weeds, insects & other pests: https://bit.ly/MRF-pestmgmt #NISAW #InvasiveSpecies
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Managing Ticks & Mosquitoes (NE-1443)
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Auburn University, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, University of Idaho, Illinois Cooperative Extension, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, Texas AgriLife Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Wisconsin, USDA-ARS
Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample post:
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#InvasiveSpecies like Asian tiger mosquitoes can transmit pathogens to humans & livestock, causing illness, death & economic impacts. Researchers have developed new ways to control mosquitoes, including traps, gene silencing & sprays: https://bit.ly/ticks-mosquitoes #NISAW #NIFAimpacts
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Managing Invasive Weeds in Wheat (WERA-77)
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Kansas State University, Montana State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon Cooperative Extension, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Utah State University, Washington State University, University of Wyoming
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample post:
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Herbicides are often used to control invasive weeds, but many have developed resistance to these chemicals. With support from @USDA_NIFA, land-grant university scientists are evaluating new, sustainable tools for weed control: https://bit.ly/weeds-wheat #InvasiveSpecies #NISAW
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Managing Stink Bugs (NEERA-1306)
Land-grant universities and partners participating in this project: University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, University of Minnesota, New Mexico State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University
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Find participant names and contact info in the NIMSS database here.
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Sample post:
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The brown marmorated stink bug is a severe agricultural pest in the mid-Atlantic U.S. Researchers are working with growers to develop affordable, effective control options for stink bugs. Learn more: http://bit.ly/MRF-StinkBugs #NISAW #InvasiveSpecies
How to use this toolkit?​
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This toolkit shares Hatch Multistate projects that are related to timely themes and priority topics as well as materials and sample social media posts you may use to promote the projects. You may adapt the sample posts as as needed.
We encourage you to share our projects and materials in any way you see fit. For example:
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Social media
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Web stories
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Newspapers
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Magazines
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Grant proposals
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Annual reports
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Media interviews
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Speeches
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Town halls
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Presentations
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Newsletters
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Congressional testimony
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Conferences
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Meetings
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Extension events
Hashtags & Handles
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@MRFimpacts
#MRFimpacts
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@NCRegionalAssoc
@NERASAES
#NERASAES
#PromotingCollaboration
@SouthernAES
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@WAAESD
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@1890foundation
#1890strong
#HBCU
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@USDA_NIFA
#NIFAimpacts
@USDAScience
@APLU_Ag
#landgrantuniversities
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@AgIsAmerica
#AgIsAmerica
Don't forget visuals!
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Social media posts and other types of communication products get more engagement if they include photos or other visual aids.
Search your libraries or the following free image libraries: USDA Flickr, USDA-ARS Image Gallery, Unsplash.
Make sure diagrams or charts can be understood quickly.
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Provide attribution as needed.