University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

06/17/2024

UD’s Soils Judging Team placed eighth this semester in the national competition in Iowa after taking first place at the regional competition in Pennsylvania. Skills required for soils judging range from geology to chemistry, so students are equipped with a range of marketable skills upon entering the job market. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/june/soil-science-national-soils-judging-competition/

06/15/2024

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens is preparing the next generation of horticulturists through a work-based learning program for seniors at Appoquinimink School District.

Delaware is known for public gardens and parks, but most people don't realize that an entire industry supports these places. UDBG offers high school seniors a peek behind the scenes of an industry that includes landscape design, nursery production, garden centers, and irrigation careers.

University of Delaware alumnus and UD Botanic Gardens horticulture manager Andrew Adams provides on-the-job training. Adams, along with Botanic Gardens director Lauren Kope, instruct students in plant identification and horticultural practices like plant propagation, watering techniques and how to do a proper three-point prune.

Worked-based learning program participant Sofia Torres enjoyed the camaraderie of working alongside other plant enthusiasts. After learning about the horticulture industry at UDBG, Torres chose to study plant science. The current UD student is a SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) scholarship recipient.

"There's a big misconception about careers with plants," Torres noted. "There is more to it than mowing lawns. There is knowing what pests could be damaging the grass, the amount of sunlight, the area, and the climate it needs to thrive."

Read all about it on UDaily.
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/may/work-based-learning-botanic-gardens-students/

06/14/2024

University of Delaware alumna Mackenzie Sharp studies bacteria and the microbiome.

After graduating from the UD's non-thesis MS in Animal Science in 2022, Sharp began working at the Wilmington International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) location. She spends her days working with gut bacteria in an anaerobic chamber. As an associate scientist, she performs microbiology research for Next Gen Probiotics (NGP).

"I work in a lab every day, which is very cool," explained Sharp. "And not something that I particularly saw myself originally going into when I was an undergraduate, but I love this job so much."

The non-thesis master's in Animal Science with a concentration in "Veterinary Biosciences, Biotechnology, and One Health (VBBOH)" includes an individual research experience requirement.

Sharp worked with Prof. Hong Li to perform research on chickens for her research experience. "I presented weekly and learned how to present data properly as a visual. That was very helpful and prepared me well for this job."

"I loved my time at the University of Delaware. I miss it a lot," underscored Sharp. "As a UD student, you feel like you are a part of something bigger."

06/13/2024

Don Sparks, the Unidel S. Hallock du Pont Chair in Soil and Environmental Chemistry, founding director of the Delaware Environmental Institute and Francis Alison Professor, is retiring from University of Delaware after an illustrious 45-year career. One of the hallmarks of his career is his role as a mentor to numerous students who came through his environmental soil chemistry program.

“Dr. Sparks instilled a good work ethic in the members of his lab,” said Maria Pautler, an alumna of the Sparks lab. “That, along with witnessing his fair treatment of myself and others, is something I tried to emulate throughout my career.”

Read the full story.
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/june/don-sparks-career-celebration-soil-science/

06/12/2024

What’s the best ice cream in Delaware?🍦
According to Reader’s Digest, University of Delaware UDairy Creamery takes the cake!

Read the story at Delaware Online.
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2024/06/09/best-ice-cream-shop-delaware-readers-digest-summer-udairy-creamery-ud-cones-food/74014948007/

06/11/2024

The Sparks Legacy Symposium & Celebration was held on June 7, 2024 to honor Dr. Donald (Don) Sparks, the Unidel S. Hallock du Pont Chair and Professor of Soil and Environmental Chemistry, Director of the Delaware Environmental Institute and Francis Alison Professor.

Don is retiring after being a professor at the University of Delaware for 45 years. He built UD's Plant and Soil Sciences Department into something world-renowned and has served as a mentor to many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

06/07/2024

An estimated 2,400 poultry houses lie vacant from the early era of Delmarva poultry’s boom. Owners of these homes face a challenge: repair, remove or renovate. All of the options are costly, and few are practical.

Instead of collecting cobwebs, what if these structures can produce something sweet and nutritious?

Repurposing poultry houses for strawberry production

06/05/2024

Want to learn an eco-friendly way to combat pesky mosquitoes and ticks in your backyard without harming other bugs? University of Delaware faculty member Doug Tallamy has some important advice. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/03/climate/ask-nyt-bug-control.html

05/31/2024

Leveraging landscape architecture for conservation: From the UK to Zambia, University of Delaware alumna Juliahna Mistretta is adamant that her work should positively impact people, places, and the environment. In 2005, she watched Hurricane Katrina ravage her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Witnessing this life-changing storm and the environmental challenges that followed catalyzed her interest in conservation and sustainable design.

“Experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change and rising sea levels ignited my interest in creating sustainable environments,” Mistretta said. “Spaces that are not only resilient toward our changing climate but that can reintroduce biodiversity into urban areas and have a profound effect on people’s lives.”

Read all about Juliahna. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/may/juliahna-mistretta-landscape-architecture-conservation/

05/24/2024

Our incredible University of Delaware students share what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) means to them. We salute the UD Class of 2024.

05/24/2024

Don't miss out! Our CANR Alumni social is only ONE WEEK away!

Let us know you'll be there!

05/23/2024

It’s finally here! 🎓 Congratulations to the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Class of 2024!

Your hard work, dedication, and passion for making a difference in the world have culminated in this momentous achievement. As you step into new roles and opportunities, may your knowledge and experiences guide you towards a future filled with growth and success.

Remember, the seeds you’ve sown here at UD will bloom into a lifetime of accomplishments. Best wishes for a bright and prosperous future!

05/23/2024

Here's to our graduating seniors! Their hard work, dedication, and passion have brought them to this incredible milestone.

As they embark on this new journey, we're excited to share some inspiring stories from our graduates about their plans post-graduation. Swipe through to read some of their exciting ventures and future endeavors!

💛💙 This post was inspired by the excellent work over at the UD College of Health Sciences !

05/22/2024

Hannah Kirby, a University of Delaware food and agribusiness marketing and management senior, switched into the major late in her college career. It was a risky move, but she knew the reward would be worth it.

“My biggest advice to other students is that if you feel like you need to switch majors, do it. It’s worth graduating with something that you’ll be happy with the rest of your life.”

Read about Hannah's UD journey.
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/may/hannah-kirby-food-agribusiness-marketing-management/

A late switch to UD's food and agribusiness marketing and management major pays off for UD senior Hannah Kirby

05/20/2024

Meet Jane Farnham, a UD Class of 2024 food science major. Farnham interned with Turkey Hill Dairy, where she and her colleagues created a brand new ice cream flavor—Brookie Trio’politan™. Her work combines her love of cooking and food with her interest in science. Read more about Jane’s internship experience and her UD food science coursework.

https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/may/jane-farnham-food-science-internship-turkey-hill/

05/14/2024

In her cross-country college tour of our nation’s land-grant universities, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small toured the University of Delaware Newark Farm and laboratory facilities, and sat down with our impressive students. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/may/agriculture-deputy-secretary-xochitl-torres-small-blue-hen-students/

05/10/2024

Growing up with guinea pigs, hamsters, parakeets, turtles, and fish, University of Delaware alumna Kayla Pettiford planned a career in veterinary medicine from a young age.

"It's always been what I wanted to do," said Pettiford, an alumna of UD's non-thesis master's in Animal Science. "And I can't see myself doing anything else."

Veterinary school acceptance is notoriously competitive, and the rigorous training can make for a stressful experience.

"I know many students feel overwhelmed and stressed in veterinary school, and I didn't want to feel that way," said Pettiford. "Everybody's journey to vet school can look a little different. I knew I needed more technical understanding and background."

Pettiford took her time researching master's programs before deciding on UD's non-thesis master's in animal science with a concentration in Veterinary Biosciences, Biotechnology, and One Health (VBBOH).

"Histopathology wasn't even on my radar before the non-thesis master's program," she emphasized. "Now, it will become my focus; my lab and research experience at UD gave me that direction."

Read all about Kayla's experience on UDaily.
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/april/kayla-pettiford-masters-animal-science-veterinary-school/

05/09/2024

The University of Delaware National Agri-Marketing Association gives UD undergraduate students opportunities to practice their marketing skills and compete with other universities in a national competition. Students relish the application of their coursework into a real-life setting. Interested students can contact Professor Kelly Davidson at [email protected].

05/08/2024

University of Delaware in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences made a discovery in their work on wooden breast syndrome in chickens. The disease, characterized by firm, yellowish breast muscle, is estimated to affect up to 5 percent of a given flock, rendering meat from those birds unmarketable. The researchers found white blood cells filled with fat surrounding broiler chickens’ veins and showing signs of swelling are key contributing factors to wooden breast syndrome.

➡ Read about the research.
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/may/poultry-wooden-breast-syndrome-human-health-behnam-abasht-erin-brannick/

05/06/2024

As the world’s population continues to grow, people are turning to poultry as a critical source for meat, says Alexander Yitbarek, new faculty member in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

Poultry contributed to 12.5% per capita of meat consumption in 1961 globally. By 2021, the number rocketed to 40%. Chickens produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of meat or per dozen eggs, require less land and water, and have higher feed conversion efficiency. 🐓

➡️ Read about Yitbarek’s work. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/april/meet-our-new-faculty-alexander-yitbarek/

05/02/2024

Meet Frank Linam, a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Sciences student at the University of Delaware. Linam explores how rice survives in flooded soils and tackles the important question of how rice can filter out toxins. His research reveals how a protective layer forms around rice roots that protect rice against toxins. Linam recently received the Donald and Joy Sparks Fellowship in Plant Science to continue his research. Read the feature. https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/april/frank-linam-plant-and-soil-science-research-student-success/

05/01/2024

I Heart UD Giving Day is finally here— the University of Delaware's largest day of giving and gratitude.

This year, our college has 10 projects seeking your support! Gifts of ANY amount can make a massive difference.

💙 Blue Hens make things happen.
💛 What will YOU make possible?

THANK YOU in advance from the CANR students, faculty and staff! www.udel.edu/0012018

04/29/2024

Congratulations to University of Delaware faculty members Deborah Allen and our own Rodrigo Vargas, professor of ecosystem ecology and environmental change, who were elected fellows of AAAS - The American Association for the Advancement of Science — one of the largest scientific societies in the world and publisher of the Science family of journals.

Professor Vargas is recognized "for distinguished contributions to carbon dynamics across the terrestrial-aquatic interface, development of environmental networks, novel data analysis tools and his leadership in creating a more diverse scientific workforce."

https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/april/aaas-fellows-deborah-allen-rodrigo-vargas-science-education-environmental-change/

Two University of Delaware faculty members elected AAAS Fellows

04/27/2024

TODAY at University of Delaware’s Ag Day, We have a full schedule for you, including a fascinating presentation, “One Health Solutions to the Challenges of Feeding the World,” at 11:00 a.m. in Townsend Hall 132. 🌎💚

Be sure to check out the many exciting demonstrations and acts at the Main and ANFS stages (see map), as well as Cockroach Races, Pony Rides, a Sheep Shearing Demo, ice cream by UDairy, and an entire tent decorated to the excellent work of our friends over at FMC Corporation! With over 50 exhibits, plant sales, a diverse food court, and more, we have a range of experiences for every age!

This is a FREE rain or shine event. For the safety of our visitors and animal exhibits, please leave pets at home.

Details are available at https://www.udel.edu/canr/about/agday/

04/26/2024

As the lowest-lying state in the US, Delaware's coastal communities are already feeling the effects of sea level rise in the form of storm damage and flooding. Still, coastal buyout programs that offer homeowners the fair market value for their homes have low acceptance rates. 🌊🏠

Laura Taylor, an agricultural and resource economics graduate student at the University of Delaware, is testing new ways to encourage community coordination during these flood-related coastal buyouts.

At UD's Center for Experimental and Applied Economics (CEAE), Taylor conducts economic experiments to study the financial decision-making process during voluntary coastal home buyouts with funding from Delaware Sea Grant She also received a Gerald J. Mangone Climate Change Science & Policy Hub Graduate Research Enhancement Grant to test a new method to encourage coordination between adjacent homeowners who have become eligible for a flood-related buyout.

"When all the homeowners in a neighborhood agree to a buyout, the community can reduce infrastructure, utilities, and services like trash collection," Taylor explained. In effect, it reduces the town's operating costs."

Read more about Taylor's work and how it can impact coastal Delaware communities.
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/april/laura-taylor-flood-coastal-buyouts-resource-economics/

04/25/2024

Our friends at University of Delaware Botanic Gardens are hosting a plant sale that begins TOMORROW, Friday, April 26 (3–6 p.m.), and runs through Saturday, April 27 (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

➡️Check them out at 211 Roger Martin Ln, Newark, DE 19713.

04/22/2024

Get ready! University of Delaware Ag Day has something for everyone. At our signature community event, you’ll find sheep shearing, bird flight demonstrations, plant sales, UDairy Creamery ice cream, participatory economics research and even cockroach races. We'll see on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Townsend Hall (531 South College Ave.) in Newark. https://www.udel.edu/canr/about/agday/

04/22/2024

Peng Zhao is attracted to the human aspect of statistics. 📈 One of 11 new faculty members in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources this academic year, the University of Delaware assistant professor of statistics in the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics uses statistical methods to analyze complex datasets.

“For example, when studying how genes influence certain diseases, we often deal with high-dimensional structures that have many genes but very few patients,” Zhao explained. “Developing variable selection techniques that detect important genes would be helpful.”

Zhao also focuses on developing models for more complex datasets using similar techniques in high-dimensional statistics.

“The ultimate goal is to improve healthcare outcomes for patients and enhance our understanding of biological systems,” said Zhao.

These goals cannot be achieved by computer science alone.

Find out how it all works in our interview with Peng Zhao!
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/news/2024/april/meet-our-new-faculty-peng-zhao/

04/20/2024

At the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) signature community event, you’ll find sheep shearing, bird flight demonstrations, plant sales, UDairy Creamery ice cream, participatory economics research and even cockroach races.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our college to exhibit to the entire community what we do and what we have here,” said Lori Baiardi, CANR events manager. “We have a 350-acre campus right here in Newark. Ag Day is an opportunity for the community to really learn about agriculture, conservation and incredible research that’s happening here at UD and impacts their lives.”

Led by College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ students, Ag Day is a decades-old tradition held each April. The 2024 edition of this favorite community event takes place Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at Townsend Hall (531 South College Ave.) in Newark.

🌱 Learn more: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/april/ag-day-2024-agriculture-natural-resources/

04/19/2024

After changing careers and a false start at another graduate school, Andrade-Feraud attended UD's non-thesis M.S. in Animal Science program.

"Without UD, getting into veterinary school would've taken me much longer. And I might not have been accepted at all," Andrade-Feraud said. "UD gave me the leg up that I needed."

The one- to two-year non-thesis master's program with a concentration in Veterinary Biosciences, Biotechnology, and One Health (VBBOH) is primarily for individuals wishing to become more competitive for professional programs or industrial research positions. For Andrade-Feraud, it was the ideal program to redirect her career.

"At UD, the professors were excited to teach us. And that made me excited, too. Everyone was happy to be there."