TRI-AG News

TRI-AGNEWS Spring 2020

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Impact Driven

IN THIS ISSUE AITC brings technology to the farm The CAHS receives grant COVID-19 impacts the CAHS

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HEMP – The New Frontier

Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs

Gerard d'souza, Ph.D. I want to acknowledge the PVAMU's Agricultural Dream Team: the faces and experience behind the names that help to Bring Ag Back, making it better, making it matter!

Interim Associate Director of Research and Professor

Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs

KWAKU ADDO, PH.D., is a native of Ghana, West

ALFRED L. PARKS, PH.D.

, is a native of Arkansas.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Parks earned a Master's in Agricultural Economics/Farm Management and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His expertise in agriculture and research enabled him to travel all over the world and make contributions in these areas.

CAROLYN J. WILLIAMS, PH.D.,

Africa. Addo received a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He later obtained a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Bacteriology from the University of Idaho. Addo received a doctorate in Food Science, and Human Nutrition from Washington State University.

PVAMU's Agricultural Dream Team

LOUIS NUTI, PH.D., was one of

the original hires at the International Goat Research Center as a Research Scientist with a specialty in reproductive physiology, artificial insemination, and goat management. He has been at Prairie View A&M University for more than 36 years and has mentored several graduate students who have earned their Ph.D. under his tutelage. Nuti is a native of Illinois and earned his Master's and Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin.

is a native of Palestine, TX. She earned a Bachelor's degree, then a Master's degree in Home Economics Education from Prairie View A&M University. Williams earned a Doctorate in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University. She began her career as an Extension Agent with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, now known as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. In 2011, she assumed the role of Executive Associate Director, where she has administrative oversight of Extension Agents and Specialists in 35 counties in Texas.

Executive Associate Director of Extension

Director of Farm Operations

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RUTH J. SIMMONS President

In this Issue

JAMES M. PALMER Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs GERARD D’SOUZA Dean and Director of Land-Grant Programs ALFRED L. PARKS Interim Associate Director for Research KWAKU ADDO Associate Dean for Academic Programs CAROLYN J. WILLIAMS Executive Associate Director of Extension

AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

Agriculture of The Future

LOUIS NUTI Director of Farm Operations PAUL M. JOHNSON Interim Director of Information Impact Center (IIC)

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TRI-AG NEWS is the official impact news magazine for the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University.

TUCKER WILSON Tri-Ag Editor-in-Chief EBONY OHEN Multimedia Project Specialist Contributing Writers TAELOR SMITH TUCKER WILSON WASH A. JONES KESHA HENRY

CAHS Hosts CDE Student Success

Brazos County 4-H Member Makes Face Masks A Glimpse Back at 2019

Proofreaders/Editors WASH A. JONES SAMUEL SAMPSON

This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Evans-Allen 1890 Research Formula Program and the 1890 Extension Formula Program project under Section 1444 and Section 1445. The contents are solely the responsibility of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA or NIFA.

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Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, PVAMU or the Tri-Ag editor.

Send news, story ideas and comments to: 250 E.M. Norris St. | P.O. Box 519, MS 2001 | Prairie View, TX 77446 cahscomm@pvamu.edu

TRI-AG NEWS is available electronically

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM

COVID-19 Impacts the CAHS

Photography PARIS J. KINCADE JR. SHAWN RUSSELL TAELOR SMITH CRYSTAL TALLEY THOMPSON

pvamu.edu/cahs/e-publications

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Easy Donation Options MAIL A CHECK Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension Building 250 E.M. Norris Street | P.O. Box 519; MS 2001 Attn: Fiscal Department Prairie View, TX 77446

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VISIT US ONLINE www.pvamu.edu/cahs Click on ‘Opportunities’ & go to ‘Ways to Give’

ACCESS US DIRECTLY Using this QR Code 

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

PVAMU Home of VetLink HEMP A New Frontier

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 CURRENT

LOCATIONS

 PROSPECTIVE LOCATIONS

pvamu.edu/cahs 3

COVID-19 IMPACTS THE CAHS Cooperative Extension Program headquarters staff, county agents, and Family and Consumer Health staff shared timely and relevant information electronically. ď ´ SCAN THE CODE for examples of COVID-19 related content on the CAHS website.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) changed university operations in unprecedented ways. After spring break in March 2020, the university converted to on-line instruction for all classes, and one week later, the campus closed to everyone except essential employees.

All non-essential employees were moved to an alternate working location, per government-issued shelter-in-place orders.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to

person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Amid the virus' spread locally, the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences' students, faculty, and staff, under the leadership of Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Gerard D'Souza, rallied with useful safety tips, and messages of encouragement. D'Souza's guest columnists shared helpful information via his biweekly digital newsletter. Here's an excerpt of D'Souza's message to the CAHS:

As part of our land grant mission, we are reminded of how privileged we are to serve and interact with a large number and great variety of constituencies, from our students to underserved and underrepresented audiences in Texas, commodity groups, landowners' associations, community-based organizations, youth, 4-H, and family audiences, legislative and policy bodies. Although each of these constituencies has unique needs, protocols, and platforms such that a one-size-fits all strategy is not possible, the one thing that they all need and that we are able to provide in spite of the current operational constraints is science-based information, intervention, and education. Just look at recent interviews featured on the PVAMU home page and our own CAHS home page for example. The Information Impact Center (IIC) team, led

by Paul Johnson has created a new space on the CAHS home page (www.pvamu.edu/cahs) devoted to guidance and practical advice based on our deep scientific and professional (such as RDs and veterinarian) expertise and our intimate knowledge of clientele needs, thanks to our Extension staff and practitioners in the field, a formidable team working together to serve the needs of society as envisioned in the Morrill LandGrant Act. Our College-wide strategic plan (the culmination of a yearlong participatory process is nearing fruition, and you will hear more about this in the coming days) takes on new meaning and significance, armed with the knowledge that food is health and health is wealth. It's our time to shine! Take good care and stay well.

Gerard

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#ExtensionLeads Virginia Williams is in her fifth-year as an active 4-H member in Brazos County though she is just eleven years old. She started as a clover kid at the age of six and has been active ever since.

Virginia and her mom, Lynn, who is a 4-H Volunteer Leader, are busy supporting a great cause. They have made more than 100 face masks for added protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. The masks have been given to frontline workers at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, senior citizen residents at Bryan Housing Authority, and members of their church community.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM

When asked why she decided to do this, Virginia said, “because everyone has a part in helping others, and I want to make things better.” When asked, what do you want to happen as a result of your action, she said; “people not get sick and avoid the symptoms of the coronavirus and to show people that they matter. Also, that people my age are thinking about them.”

Virginia’s mom stated, “everyone has a part in this, and I believe that working together is a vital part of flattening the curve. If it is something as simple as staying at home or making masks for health care workers or our most vulnerable citizens, we are all in this together, and acts of kindness go a long way.

So why not pitch in and be helpful?” Virginia’s caring acts and thoughtfulness of her community truly exemplifies the 4-H motto of “making the best better.” She participates in 4-H fashion design, cooking competitions, and share the fun challenges.

Virginia was invited to the Junior Olympics for gymnastics; however, the event has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

BRAZOS COUNTY 4-H MEMBER

MAKES FACE MASKS 5

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM

#ExtensionLeads

Prairie View A&M University’s Community and Economic Development Agent, Megan Guerrero presented "The Art of The Start-Up-Online Business".

She kicked off Helping Empower Entrepreneurial Ladies to Succeed, or H.E.E.L.S. with the 2019 Women in Business Conference and Expo that allowed small businesses from Willacy County to showcase some of the items and services that they offer. The conference started Friday, April 12, 2019, with Entrepreneurial women from all over the Rio Grande Valley. More than 20 small business owners and future entrepreneurs attended. Resources were available from the following agencies: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Small Business Development Center, Digital A.I.M. Marketing, and B.B.V.A. Compass.

Megan Guerrero H.E.E.L.S.

Andrea L. Everett

The Community and Economic Development unit at Prairie View A&M University, in coordination with the Comptroller's Statewide Procurement Division, has developed a program that focuses on strategies that increase bid participation and sales among Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB’s). Once certified, these businesses can provide goods and services to more than 200 Texas agencies, universities, school districts, and large industries that participate in the statewide bidding process. HUB programs were created to promote full and equal procurement opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. In coordination with the State Comptroller’s Office and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its partners, the Cooperative Extension Program has developed the Business in Development, or B.I.D. Certification Program to train HUBs on how to do business with State and local government.

In 2019, the B.I.D. Academy facilitated seven sessions with 15 participants. Another one-day outreach event called “Get HUB Certified!” was also facilitated, which resulted in six more participants. Of the 21 participants under the program, 20 HUB profiles and applications were reviewed, 10 HUB certificates were awarded, 16 state contracts submitted for $1,570,899. Of the 16 state contracts submitted, eight contracts were awarded, totaling $942,734 in new state contracts awarded for B.I.D. participants.

Community Economic Development Agent

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#ExtensionLeads

Harris County 4-H Agent, Jarren Small, partnered with Reebok International Limited to celebrate Black History Month with “THIS IS MY HISTORY.” The Pop-Up Sneaker museum featured works created by the students of Yes Prep Southeast’s Sneaker Design Club. The students in the club had to illustrate what Black History Month meant to them using donated Reebok Classics footwear. iYo Visuals documented the process of students making their custom pieces and some interesting conversations between them, showing the powerful impact that integrating art, sneaker culture, and education can have in the development of socio-emotional skills among this generation of youth, thus, bringing pop culture to the classroom.

DONATIONS Reebok donated a pair of Reebok Classics for each student to use as his/her painting canvas.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM POP CULTURE MEETS THE CLASSROOM YES Prep Southeast is a predominately Hispanic high school.

Many students wanted to participate in expressing what Black History meant to them and the impact on American Culture.

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AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

By Taelor Smith

Agriculture often can be overlooked in the aspect of technology, but in today’s global economy, the future is now.

To keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its deep relevance to agriculture across the world, this year, the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences introduced the Agro-Innovation & Technology Center (AITC).

Being the new technology and innovation arm of the CAHS, the Agro-Innovation & Technology Center aims to integrate science and technology to enhance teaching, learning, and evaluation competencies and encourage out of the box thinking and share knowledge on an enterprise platform. Under the direction of Ashwani Srivastava, the AITC serves as an innovation hub for the College, providing overall technological support and maintains the College’s efforts in achieving its tripartite mission of academics, research, and service in the many counties across the state of Texas.

Agriculture OF THE

Having been established in early 2019, AITC provides a technological infrastructure to make it possible for CAHS and the university, as a whole, to leverage from the power of agricultural intelligence, as well as track and transfer research and extension projects, in-field trials, discoveries, and innovations through enterprise data integration and various Smart technologies. AITC delivers support services in the most effective and timely manner by centralizing its operations and using multiple online collaborative tools.

The center also supports the university’s 700+ acres farm, the Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch, in initiatives such as farm visibility, farm structure, planning farm use, and to facilitate cooperation among research, extension, and academics.

AITC has collaborated with other 1890 land-grant universities through several annual organization conferences and meetings, including the National Extension Technology Conference (NETC), Southern Regional Program Leader Network - IT (SR-PLN-IT), AgriLife IT Services (AIT), and Extension. Srivastava shares, “There are plans to continue to grow the relationship with various IT units at all of the land-grant universities across the country. For most 1890 institutions, the technology unit mostly provides IT support and training services.” The AITC proves to be one-of-a-kind as the center not only supports the College in IT, but also plays an important role in the strategic aspects of CAHS by extending a myriad of services to ensure tripartite integration among research, extension, and academics. These services include:

 Plan of Work Provide technological support for NIFA Plan of Work tools; Institutional Profile, Research, Education and Economics Information System (REEIS), Research, Extension, and Education Project Online Reporting Tool (REEport) and Accomplishment reports for extension and research.

 Research (CARC) Software support services, software tutorials for Research Scientists, Poster templates, printing, LIVE research seminar broadcasting, and data integration application developments.

 Extension (CEP) Access to Smart Program Planning Tools, County Clientele Profile, video conferencing, audio video & technology support.

 Academics Integration Standardization of Smart Classrooms across the College to ensure faculty are provided the latest technology tools to conduct lectures and information most effectively.

 Technology Transfer (CARC + CEP) Information about Technology Commercialization and Worldwide Innovation Initiatives and Projects.



Application Development Services related to Data Integration, Data Mining, Data Visualization, Mapping Technologies, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Accountability Systems, and Mobile Applications.

 IT Services Supporting over 400 desktops and laptops within the CAHS. Hardware, Software Training, support and procurement of Technological needs of the College, Office 365 implementation, Microsoft TEAMS, Remote support for all CEP county computers.

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Much progress has been made in such a short amount of time for the center, especially for modernizing the university’s farm. AITC has developed a virtual technology platform to support online farm visibility, real-time plot status, farm structure, and planning farm use, to facilitate overall farm management and collaboration amongst research, extension, and academics. AITC also has refreshed the new computer equipment for the CARC building and initiated a technology upgrade project to include most advanced audio/video technologies available to our scientists to share and collaborate content effectively, and launched its Intranet site to provide seamless support services to all faculty and staff of the College. A highlight of the center’s inaugural year was its presentations on the virtual farm application at Texas A&M University-Commerce for the Stiles Foundation and the 2019 National Land Grant University’s (LGUs) Technology platform at the National Extension Technology Conference (NETC).

Besides the support AITC provides to the College, the center also has created opportunities for students and local community youths to interact with modern Smart technologies involved in agriculture and farming. Students can learn and demonstrate their skills in computer applications utilized in agriculture and build their résumés while studying here. As of now, two graduate and one undergraduate Student Assistants are sharpening their skills in technology.

Srivastava hopes to add a Software Application Developer soon to help support future data integration projects.

Moving forward, the AITC plans to create a central repository of data for knowledge management systems, decision support systems and implement Microsoft “TEAMS” within the College to leverage this powerful collaborative tool to increase productivity, collaboration, and access to a unified communications channel. The center will continue to support farm modernization by enhancing network infrastructure and Smart farming technologies such as FARMEnterprise Resource Planning. Srivastava also hopes the center will be supported in introducing Smart technologies to assist in disseminating information. “If funding allows, we'd like to build a state-of-theart Agricultural Information Expo center for visitors to discover present and future agricultural advancements aided by Artificial Intelligence (AI), virtual reality, augmented reality and multimedia technologies.”

This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444. 

TO LEARN MORE about the Agro-Innovation & Technology Center, contact ASHWANI SRIVASTAVA | 936-261-5140

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AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

Future

Imagine a world where help to treat your ailing animals was at your fingertips.

Now thanks to Prairie View A&M University Research Specialist, Paul Johnson who also had that dream, such a world is in the realm of reality. Johnson is doing his part to make animal healthcare easily accessible.

PVAMU‌ Home of As a Research Specialist in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Johnson began developing a VetLink app in 2016. In 2018, the app was published and since has been making an impact on farms in rural communities across the globe. Johnson plans to make VetLink the go-to app for treating animals, and he says future developments to the technology will help make PVAMU a leader in animal health.

Q: What was the idea behind the concept of the Vet Link app?

A: I started working [at Prairie View A&M University] in 1993

at the International Goat Research Center as a Research Technician. My involvement with the goats allowed me to interact with the farmers who came in for training. They used to ask for information about goats, how to do basic things. At that time, goats weren't an animal that Texans knew much about. That sparked something, and I thought, "What if we could provide this information to them via a website that they can visit?" I wrote a grant to develop a web database of animal health issues, but just goats and nothing else.

Q: How well has the app performed?

A: In the first two weeks, I had 28 downloads. I started to look

at the data to see who logs in and is using the app. I saw it was mostly foreigners. In the first week, 15 people of the 28 who download the app created an account and was using the app regularly. Since we now have the IOS and the Android version available, we have 191 downloads for the IOS version and 95 for the Android version. All of this is without any advertisement, just publication, and word of mouth. People, as far as South Africa, have an interest in using our model to do similar work and help farmers in their region.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Q: Have you made any changes or updates based on received feedback?

A: Yes: I have made changes to the symptoms database

because terms differ in certain regions; we try to modify the search terms. The reason being a particular disease symptom is known in an area as one thing, and in another area, it is called something else, we try to make these modifications.

I learned this when I make presentations and also from the email we received. Another change we made was to have the app in 5 different languages.

Q: What was your target audience when developing the app?

A: My target audience was remotely located farmers. Farmers who are at minimal 50 miles away from veterinary services. I was not targeting health professionals or people in the cities because they can drive or walk to the vet. Hopefully now, international audiences [in those same predicaments].

Q: Why is Vet Link important for rural communities?

A: When most people graduate from vet school, they want to

go where the money is, and that's with pets; cats and dogs.

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A farmer who produces five goats, two pigs, and chickens in the backyard, they're not going to have service to the veterinarian. If a farmer has a goat and they're in the country, they drive 50 miles to a vet. The vet is going to charge what they would charge for cattle, possibly $200. Those are the people whom I am targeting.

Q: Are there plans to help treat other farm animals?

A: I have presented this app a few times, and the option for

commercialization came up. Texas A&M sent me a link to apply for funding to commercialize it. I was successful in getting it, and I started venturing to that part of it. I realized that since I only focused on goats, it was limited and I needed to include other animals like sheep, pigs, and cows. I am now seeking funding to broaden that scope.

Q: What future upgrades do you anticipate?

A: Say that you're 100 miles outside of the city and your animal

is sick. What you can do with this app is take a picture of your animal, upload it and somebody will contact you to say what illness your animal has and give a database of the vets in your location that will assist you. The vets will go into the app, diagnose the animal and explain treatment. That will save the farmers some time and money. That's how I envision this working.

Q: Do you have any other novel concepts coming soon?

A: Oh yes! Right now, I tend to partner with the Computer

Science department to do some big data and machine learning technology for that. I would like to see the day when I can take my phone and search [the specific ailment of the animal], and it tells me the cause of it.

Q: How do you feel having created an app that is so impactful for the agriculture community?

A: I'm making an impact slowly. I know it's not gaining the traction

that other app creators would like. For me, it's not about the money. I don't get the satisfaction from that. I get the satisfaction from knowing I can help one person. I'm a very modest and shy personality, so it doesn't get to my head. Other people are more excited about it than I am. The simple reason because it started from a simple idea. I didn't intend for it to go this far. It's not doing what I envisioned yet, but I am humbled by the idea that something so simple is growing so big. It will hit home for me when I'm driving down 290, and I see a sign that says "Prairie View A&M University. Home of VetLink." ď Ž

AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

CAHS HOSTS

7 ANNUAL TH

INVITATIONAL

FFA CDE

By Wash A. Jones The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) hosted its seventh Annual Invitational FFA Career Development Event (CDE) featuring high school FFA students competing in 11 agriculture-related events at various campus venues Feb. 20, 2020. The events provided opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities in the following career and leadership areas: veterinary science, prepared and extemporaneous public speaking, nursery and landscape, floriculture, land evaluation, homesite evaluation, farm business management, entomology, milk quality, and poultry evaluation. Event winners received team and/or individual awards (plaques and/or medallions, respectively) at an awards ceremony following the event.

Kudos to the many PVAMU faculty, staff, and student volunteers, who helped to make this a successful event.

FFA student participants totaled 727, and instructors/ chaperons totaled 133 from 79 schools around the state.

CAHS hosts one of many Invitational CDE and Leadership Development Events (LDE) conducted by various institutions around the state throughout the year.

The Invitationals serve as an opportunity for students to gain practice in their designated events in preparation for the area, state, and national FFA competitions.

Wash A. Jones, Ph.D., Associate Professor in CAHS and Chair of the CDE and LDE Planning Committees, said that this event provides immediate and residual benefits to the FFA students, their schools and PVAMU by allowing students to gain practice and valuable contest experience and by exposing students and their teachers to potential career opportunities at PVAMU. "This experience allows PVAMU personnel to network with numerous high school FFA students and provide them valuable educational opportunities that could impact their career choices," Jones said.

Since the inaugural CDE in February 2014, CAHS has hosted more than 6500 students on campus for this event. The next Leadership Development Event will be scheduled for October 2020, and the next CDE will be scheduled for February 2021. ď Ž

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By Tucker Wilson

PVAMU's College of Agriculture and Human Sciences soon will embark on a new frontier, industrial hemp.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

This strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. Experts say hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber and used in traditional medicine systems in China and India 10,000 years ago. Now, everyone is excited about it; farmers see dollar signs, and colleges, especially land-grant institutions, want to lead the scientific charge.

CAHS Research Scientist Leader Aruna Weerasooriya, who is an expert in growing Cannabis for research and specializes in medicinal plants and plant systematics, said PVAMU is the ideal breeding ground for hemp research. "We have a 780-acre farm, and we are closer to the Houston Medical Center and business centers than any other agriculture university." In addition, the CAHS Cooperative Agricultural Research Center has the staff to address various aspects of this new frontier.

CAHS Interim Associate Director of Research, Alfred L. Parks, who is also an Agricultural Economist, agrees this new path is an excellent opportunity for all involved. "I'm cautiously optimistic about the economics of the industrial hemp industry. That said, I see a great opportunity for us in the College of Agriculture to provide unbiased research-based information, especially to the clientele that we serve," Parks said.

According to Weerasooriya, although hemp products are now legal in Texas, the university still needs to obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Agriculture to start a pilot research project. As a research institute with a diverse group of scientists and the existing state-ofthe-art laboratory facilities in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC), PVAMU can expand its service to Texans. Since hemp is grown for either Cannabidiol (CBD) extraction, seed production, or fiber production, the pilot project would focus on the priorities and needs of farmers who grow hemp and companies who develop value-added products. We also could collaborate with the Texas Department of Agriculture in their research needs in crop production and management.

"We should be able to identify the specific strains for the purpose and study the needs of the plants to grow successfully in the Texas climate, their propagation, production, harvesting, and post-harvest management.

We would also study CBD extraction methods, pest and disease management, marketing needs, and, most importantly, develop good analytical protocols to test the safety and quality of the final products before it reaches the consumer," Weerasooriya further asserted.

Although in its infancy, progress is underway to jumpstart the research.

"Several private companies are developing their memorandum of understanding with university administration. Once an agreement is reached, we'll seek system approval; after that, we can move forward," said Weerasooriya. He added, "We are waiting for the Texas Department of Agriculture to call for applications which will happen in the next few months and then we are ready to go!"

HEM A New Frontier 12 12

”

As for the possibilities with hemp,

HEMP WORKSHOP WAS A SUCCESS!

they're endless.

Aruna Weerasooriya Ph.D.

Hemp is completely different from marijuana.

The main difference between the two is in its chemical composition, specifically in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the chemical responsible for marijuana's psychological effects. Hemp also differs in its function, cultivation, and application.

Although hemp is Cannabis, it doesn't have any intoxicating properties. Therefore, it won't grow any strains containing a high level of THC. USDA guidelines stipulate that hemp should have less than 0.3% of THC in dry weight.

"As for the possibilities with hemp," Weerasooriya said, "they're endless. New research avenues, academic programs, especially short courses designed to train farmers, manufacturers, and government regulators, scholarships, patents, etc." Overall, hemp is known to have more than 25-thousand possible applications. And soon, PVAMU will lead the way to discoveries.

The Growing Hemp - Are you Ready? workshop was an exciting day on the Hill and has “set the bar high,” as described by many of the participants in attendance.

On February 6th, more than two hundred participants arrived and eagerly waited to learn about the potential of growing hemp in Texas. The workshop agenda had a diverse line up of speakers, including CAHS research scientists, representatives from USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Texas Hemp Harvesters Associations and FARMACOPIA Farms, who provided information and answered questions about the status of hemp in Texas; USDA and Farm Bill provisions; the economics of growing hemp; cultivation, management, and harvest and post-harvest processing of CBD and hemp products.

The participants were very happy with the information they received and left feeling more aware and educated about hemp production and economics. A survey administered at the end of the program showed that 84 percent of the participants who completed the survey increased their knowledge about hemp production, and 68 percent intend to adopt practices learned during the program. The workshop was hosted by the Cooperative Extension Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit in Collaboration with the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center. Plans are on the way to host more hemp workshops in various counties across the state.

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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

MP

AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

C HS

Student Success Robinson Makes History

A PVAMU College of Agriculture and Human Sciences graduate student, Debrecia Robinson, has made history, well before her career takes off. Robinson is Presidentelect of the Texas Student Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TSAMFT). This distinction carries prestige, and much more, according to CAHS Assistant Professor and Human Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator Selena D. Tate, Ph.D. Tate says Robinson’s accomplishment comes as no surprise. “She is a strong leader, exudes professionalism, and has a dedication to the counseling profession.” More importantly, “Debrecia is the first graduate student from an HBCU to serve as president for the Texas Student Association for Marriage and Family Therapy [TSAMFT],” Tate added. Robinson’s term runs from February 2020-February 2021.

James E. Tatum Scholarship Recipients The purpose of the Mr. James E. Tatum Scholarship Program is to: Strengthen the longterm partnership between The Organization, USDA, and 1890 institutions. Increase the number of students studying agriculture, natural resource sciences and other related disciplines.

Both students are agriculture majors with a concentration in animal and food science. They were awarded $1000.00 each. These funds help the recipients to defray the cost of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree.

Ag Outlook Future Leaders in Agriculture Program This year’s participant was Christopher Jennings, Senior, Agriculture major with a concentration in animal and food science. This program (initially the Diversity Program) now The USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program, selects undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture-related studies for a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. During the visit, students attend the Outlook Forum and a USDA briefing, to discuss career opportunities with agriculture leaders in academia, government, and industry. Participants also take part in a tour of the nation's capital. Winners receive free registration, transportation, and lodging. PVAMU's USDA Liasion, Horace D. Hodge said, “this program was established in 2007, and PVAMU has had one or more students selected each year.”

Frazier Selected as Ambassador Ines Frazier, Senior, Agriculture major with a concentration

in plant and soil sciences was selected as an Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Ambassador. These ambassadors will serve for the organization’s 2021 fiscal year, from March 1, 2020, to Feb. 28, 2021. These students represent 25 schools from 21 states. During their year of service, these students will interact with agribusiness leaders, campus faculty and fellow students as they represent AFA.

L-R, Faith Isabelle, Junior, and Hannah Adams, Freshman

Greg Payne Scholarship This program is sponsored by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Organization of Professional Black Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees and the Greg Payne family.

Over the last 13 years, this family has awarded $78,000 to PVAMU students. PVAMU's USDA Liason, Horace D. Hodge manages the scholarship program on behalf of the MN Chapter and the Greg Payne family.

Incoming Students Awarded Scholarships Congrats to four Incoming CAHS students who were awarded (out of a total of 35) university-level scholarships.

Pictured are: Paige Dixon, Major in Human Nutrition; Regents Scholar and Robert Thomas, Agriculture major Not shown: Taylor Godfrey, Agriculture major; Presidential scholar, and Lance Yang, Human Nutrition major; Regents scholar.

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L-R Alfred L. Parks, Ryann Brown, Faith Isabelle, Tybriel Battiste, April Taylor, and Horace D. Hodge

IMPACT

Since the inaugural CDE in February 2014, CAHS has hosted almost 5800 students on campus for this event.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

A glimpse back at 2019 AG Day on “THE HILL”

IMPACT

Hundreds of area school children were exposed to various aspects of the ways Agriculture impacts daily lives.

Ag Day on The Hill proved to be a new experience for those who have attended the event in years past.

Expanded to encompass two days of activities, the event was held on April 26th and 27th, 2019, and focused each day for youth and local farmers, respectively. On both days, all activities were held at the various CAHS entities spread across the Prairie View A&M University campus, including the Cooperative Extension Program/Carden-Waller Building, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Agriculture and Business Multipurpose Building, and the

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Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm.

Interim Executive Associate Director of Research Dr. Alfred Parks coordinated and led the planning committee. In doing so, he wanted this year to be one that focused on encouraging the youth and bringing the University closer to the community it serves. "We broadened the spectrum this year to include a lot of literacy activities appealing mostly to the younger groups. One of the things we were hoping to do was to spread the word throughout the community, so I'm proud of the spirit of participation and cooperation."

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Following its tradition of bringing agriculture to the masses, the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences hosted its annual AG Day on "The Hill" to close out the spring semester. This event brought together community members, students, and local agriculture producers for an opportunity to learn, explore, and network.

Formerly known as Ag Field Day,

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM

Prairie View A&M University's College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) hosted its Sixth Annual Invitational FFA Career Development Event (CDE) featuring high school FFA students competing in eleven agriculture-related events at various campus venues on February 21. The events provided opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities in the following career and leadership areas: veterinary science, extemporaneous public speaking, nursery and landscape, floriculture, land evaluation, homesite evaluation, farm business management, entomology, milk quality, and poultry evaluation. Event winners received team and/or individual awards (plaques and/or medallions, respectively) at an awards ceremony following the event.

Kudos to the CAHS Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Dr. Gerard D’Souza, for his support and leadership in this endeavor to engage volunteers college-wide, and other participants in the University community, as well as the University's friends. At the awards ceremony, D'Souza addressed participants regarding the potentially far-reaching impact of this event and how the CAHS is making a positive difference in the lives of youth through CDE and related events.

FFA student participants totaled 859, and instructors/chaperons totaled 134 from 81 school districts around the state, with participants from as far away as San Antonio, Texas, and Lindale, Texas, each about 170 miles away. Additionally, 135 students and 47 faculty/staff/friends of Prairie View A&M University volunteered to assist in hosting the event.

The CAHS hosts one of many Invitational CDE and Leadership Development Events (LDE) conducted by various institutions around the state throughout the year. The Invitationals serve as an opportunity for students to gain practice in their designated events to prepare for area, state, and national FFA competitions.

AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

CAHS Hosts Sixth Annual Invitational FFA CDE

AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

IMPACT

Students showcased their research projects through poster and oral presentations held in the Student Recreation Center during the second day of the week-long event.

The Office of Research, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs (ORISP) and the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs cooperatively hosted Research Week in May 2019, an event purposed to recognize and celebrate the emerging research at Prairie View A&M University by faculty members, scientists, and students.

Representing the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences were eight Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC) researchers: Peter Ampim, Ripendra Awal, Javad Barouei, Laura Carson, Hamideh Habibi, Gary Newton, Ram Ray, and Eric Risch. Along with researchers from all other PVAMU colleges, they presented their projects to 16 judges and attendees.

Post-doctoral Researcher Eric Obeng presented the research on which he assisted Peter Ampim which focuses on the production of Egyptian spinach in Texas due to its similar climate as the plants' native regions of Asia and Africa. "Our research is targeted for small scale producers and limited research farmers. What we want to do is evaluate the leafy green vegetables that are very popular with the growing immigrant community in Houston, so that the limited resource farmers can produce and sell to them. There is a high demand for these vegetables, but not a readily available market, so most of them rely on the importation, and when they come, they are frozen."

Ampim’s focus through this research is to offer farmers a way to profit from their ability to provide fresh produce to communities.

CAHS student research was presented by a number of students fresh from their experience at the Association of Research Directors Conference, where they competed with other 1890 Land-grant institutions. Though competition with student researchers from other colleges was fierce, judges were impressed with all that CAHS students shared with attendees.

CARC Researchers Participate in The Inaugural PVAMU Research Week MAY

JUNE

A glimpse back at 2019

The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, under the leadership of Dean Gerard D’Souza, has embarked on providing experiential learning activities for CAHS students as it relates to providing healthy, nutritious produce to the surrounding community while igniting the passion of students here on Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) campus through its Community Garden Project. The Community Garden project is a collaborative effort between CAHS, the College of Business, and the City of Prairie View.

The project was an ongoing effort from the start of the 2019 spring semester but came to a standstill in March. Toward the end of the month, the annual Honors Convocation, hosted this year by CAHS, welcomed many family members and alumni to celebrate their students being recognized at the ceremony. Michael and Adam, brothers of Chandra Adams, Program Assistant in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, attended the convocation for Michael's daughter, Leigh Adams, a sophomore Agriculture major. After Chandra introduced her brothers to several students and staff currently working on the Community Garden Project, the brothers, both CAHS alumni, felt compelled to help.

The brothers went to work on the project by generously donating composting mixture and assisting the students in building planter boxes. Over two days of work, the Adams brothers supported the project, but most importantly, they actively engaged with the students by demonstrating the use of necessary tools to build the boxes. The students viewed various design methods, which they practiced along with standard building procedures. Afterward, the interested PVAMU students helped to construct the "PV" designed planter boxes to be used for raised bed gardening.

IMPACT

Students learned how to build and create the planter boxes which lay the foundation for the Student-Led Community Garden.

CAHS Alumni Provide a Valuable Contribution for Major Project Initiative 16

Meat Lab Groundbreaking Students, alumni, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences faculty and staff, and a host of guests gathered at the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch, in July, to break ground on what will soon become Prairie View A&M University’s Meat Lab. CAHS Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Dr. Gerard D'Souza, opened the brief ceremony sharing the importance of the new building.

"This facility will greatly benefit students. It will enhance their skill set through hands-on and experiential learning about food handling and processing, adding value to meat products, and working alongside faculty mentors to create exciting new project innovations. It will make them more marketable, and ultimately, more productive people." Several notable guests attended the ceremony, including City of Prairie View Mayor

David Allen, PVAMU Agriculture Alumni Chapter President E.W. Wesley, and PVAMU President Dr. Ruth Simmons, who noted in her remarks that the CAHS "has been the lifeblood of this university since its founding in 1876." PVAMU Senior Agriculture major Camryn Davis introduced the groundbreaking sequence participants, who included Dr. Alfred Parks, Dr. Carolyn Williams, Dr. Kwaku Addo, Mr. Horace Hodge, Reverend Charles Lewter, IV, Spawglass Regional Operations Manager David Ajlani, and Dillan Davis, who serves as the CAHS Mr. Pre-Vet.

IMPACT

The new lab will enhance students’ skill set through hands-on and experiential learning about food handling and processing, adding value to meat products, and working alongside faculty mentors to create exciting new project innovations.

JULY

AUGUST

Cass County Presents The 4-H College and Career Readiness Club

IMPACT

Twenty-Four members have enrolled in the College & Career Readiness Assessment and ACT Diagnostic workshops in Cass County.

In spring, 2019, Cass County launched a new club to prepare students for higher education and the 21st century workforce. The 4-H College & Career Readiness Club (C&CRC), led by club manager Larry Allen, was specifically designed for students in grades eight through 12 to build a college readiness culture for the next generation of leaders. With support from Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension 4-H and Youth Development Program, C&CRC was able to partner with Higher Education & Learning Professional Consulting, Inc. (HELP) to provide intentional college readiness support.

HELP Consulting, based in College Station, is a nonprofit that specializes in helping students get to and through college and graduate school, and move on to careers.

Since May 2019, the club has enrolled 24 members and offered two workshops (College & Career Readiness Assessment and ACT Diagnostic), which were delivered by the higher education experts at HELP Consulting.

HELP President Dr. Edward Tarlton and Vice President Dr. Robert Harper guided interactive sessions to help students better understand their non-cognitive strengths, broaden their awareness of career opportunities, and make informed decisions about their pathway from the classroom to career. Each workshop participant received an individual College & Career Readiness Profile Report – which compiled a snapshot of their assessment results and connected them to matching occupations as well as college majors that support their career interest.

"Members were super excited about identifying career pathways that matched their results, and I'm looking forward to utilizing the cohort data report from HELP to implement intervention activities throughout the upcoming school year," said Mr. Allen, club manager for C&CRC.

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In September, 2019, two representatives from the Texas-based grocery chain, H-E-B, spent a day on the PVAMU campus to meet with students and CAHS leaders to discuss the many collaboration opportunities that are possible for the college and students. Matt Walters, H-EB's Director of Meat Procurement, and Adam Wells, a recruiter for the company, met with Dean Gerard D'Souza, Dr. Alfred

Parks, and Dr. Kwaku Addo throughout the day along with some CAHS faculty and staff. The representatives also toured the various CAHS facilities, including the Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Farm. Wells and Walters spent time with CAHS students over lunch, where they discussed the many internships and career opportunities for new graduates and current students.

Each summer, H-E-B employs over 200 college students for their summer internship program. For the upcoming Summer 2020, students have the chance to intern in the various areas and departments of H-E-B, including the corporate offices, manufacturing, and in-store locations throughout the state. These internships are highly sought after by agriculture and nutrition students because many positions align with the careers these students go into after graduating. Wells noted to students that often the company hires graduating interns, allowing them to start their job immediately.

IMPACT

A pipeline is established between PVAMU’s CAHS and H-E-B. to help students secure internships that could lead to jobs with the company.

H-E-B Executives Share Internship Opportunities with CAHS Students SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

A glimpse back at 2019

IMPACT

The Imagine Science Day was held at the Oak Cliff Boys and Girls Club95 kids, 25 adult volunteers, and 17 youth volunteers worked tirelessly to make the program a huge success!

Having the opportunity to explore the various avenues of academia is something that can be limited for students who don't have proper access to specific resources. Thanks to Imagine Science Day, students in many Dallas underserved communities are being given a chance to explore new areas of learning.

Imagine Science Day is the interactive component of the Imagine Science partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of Dallas, YMCA, Girls, Inc., and 4-H Club. This year's event, held on July 8, consisted of four interactive and hands-on STEM activities representing the categories that comprise the STEM acronym, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Participating students spent the day at the Oak Cliff Boys and Girls Club making bath fizzes (science); working on teams to build ozo-bots using robotics and tablets (technology), creating mechanical wind turbines (engineering); and measuring KRISTEN WELLS-LEWIS catapults and trebuchets (math).

In this unprecedented partnership between four leading national youth organizations, Imagine Science Day helps to bridge the STEM gap by igniting the imaginations of historically underrepresented youth. We believe that prolonged, informal exposure to STEM increases a child's interest and builds a foundation for proficiency through high school and beyond. Dallas County CEP 4-H and Youth Development Agent, Kristen Wells-Lewis and AgriLife Agent, Brittney Reeves, are both members of the Imagine Science Steering Committee and work closely with the Imagine Science Project Coordinator, Katherine Steffey-Bernstein, along with other members of the Imagine Science Steering Committee representing all four partner organizations.

To learn more information about Imagine Science, please visit imaginesci.org.

Dallas County 4-H Celebrates Imagine Science Day 18

IMPACT

CEP-AgNR developed a model Farmers' Market initiative as part of its Urban Agriculture Program. Students raise a variety of vegetables and herbs in a student-led community garden to sell.

NOVEMBER

In collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Program's (CEP) Agriculture Natural Resources (AgNR) Unit, the Cooperative Agriculture Research Center (CARC), the College of Business (COB), and the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) launched the inaugural Prairie View Farmers’ Market on October 3, 2019, followed by a second event on October 10, 2019.

Both were held from 9 AM-1 PM in the Courtyard of the Panther Plaza Retail Center, located at 39725 Owens Road, just south of the main campus, in Prairie View, Texas.

DECEMBER

CEP awarded $800,000 by the U.S. Department of Commerce

IMPACT

The development of The Rural Workforce Academy-provides classes and workshops to foster economic resiliency and train a skilled workforce in disaster-impacted rural areas.

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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Members of the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Jimmy Henry (PI) and Bridget Ross (Co-PI) were recently awarded $800,000 by the U.S. Department of Commerce. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated, "the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $48 million in the state of Texas to help it prepare for natural disasters and promote economic resilience and business growth."

“We are very grateful to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for generously funding this project, as well as Dr. Corey Bradford’s office (PVAMU’s Office of Business Affairs) for providing matching support,” said Gerard D’Sousa, Ph.D., Dean of PVAMU’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. “By leveraging our USDA capacity funding, BRIDGET ROSS this grant will go a long way toward rural workforce and community development in Liberty and Waller counties, both profoundly affected by and still recovering from natural disasters. By creating certification programs in areas such as welding, electrical, construction, and nursing, the proposed ‘Rural Workforce Academy’ formed as a result of this grant can serve as a model for similarly affected areas in the state of Texas and beyond,” he further pointed out.

Funds for the project will go to designated Opportunity Zones, created by President Donald J. Trump’s Tax Cuts, and the Jobs Act of 2017, to spur economic development. The money will provide tax incentives to investors in these economically distressed communities throughout the nation.

JIMMY HENRY

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM

The first two Prairie View Farmers' Market events attracted more than 100 attendees from the university community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as residents of the city of Prairie View and other surrounding towns. The market was met with great enthusiasm by those who came to make purchases of a variety of leafy greens, okra, peppers, sorrel, tomatoes, and more. Ms. Corliss Ondijo and Mr. George Walker, both of whom are local producers and owners, were two of the market vendors. Ms. Ondijo expressed that she was extremely “pleased that Prairie View A&M University had established a Farmers’ Market.” She is looking forward to being a mainstay among its community producers, where she plans to offer seasonal vegetables, herbs, and honey.

AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & HUMAN ECOLOGY

PVAMU’S Farmers’ Market

PICTURED Ja’Kedrick Robinson (right) Senior Digital Media Arts Major

Dieon Davis (le)

Senior Business Marketing Major Photo credit Ebony Ohen

PO Box 519, MS 2001 | Prairie View, TX 77446

CONTACT US

pvamu.edu/cahs or @pvamucahs

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