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![]() Dec. 12, 2024
Source: Farm Foundation news release A fresh crop of Farm Foundation Cultivators will have the opportunity to present their research before a unique gathering of food and agriculture leaders at the upcoming Round Table meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, on January 16. Twice a year, Farm Foundation gathers professionals from across the food and agriculture value chain at Round Table meetings to promote discussion and interaction among thought leaders in government, academics, agribusiness, and other interest groups. The January Round Table's theme is "Getting the Next Green Revolution Right," and will focus on agricultural biotech. Cultivators, who may be undergraduate or graduate students, are selected from a competitive pool of applicants from accredited North American colleges or universities. Students are nominated by their college dean or department head. Each Cultivator is connected with a Farm Foundation Round Table participant who acts as a mentor for the meeting, letting students know what to expect and making sure they are interacting with other attendees. Cultivators are expected to participate in all aspects of the meeting and present a poster representing a key aspect of their studies. "After nurturing the Cultivators program for over a decade, we have seen how participation in this program can deeply influence the trajectory of these students' careers," says Jenna Wicks, Farm Foundation program manager. "We are excited to see how they will grow through their interaction with Farm Foundation." Cultivators selected for January 2025 are listed below. Cooper Cable, North Carolina State University Presentation Topic: A Comprehensive Dairy Model to Assess Carbon Footprint in Cost Effective Ways Cooper is pursuing a Master of Economics at North Carolina State University, where he earned a B.S. in Agriculture Business Management. He is currently a research and teaching assistant at NC State. Ashton Dalton, Louisiana State University Presentation Topic: The Influence of Different Cryoprotectants on Mitochondrial Function in Vitrified Bovine Oocytes Ashton is pursuing a dual degree in Animal Sciences and Religious Studies at Louisiana State University. He serves as a College of Agriculture Ambassador and conducts undergraduate research. Amanda Lay-Walters, University of Arkansas Presentation Topic: Regional Survey Recommends Amendments to Southeastern Blackberry Leaf Tissue Nutrient Sufficiency Ranges Amanda Lay-Walters is a Ph.D. candidate in the Horticulture department at the University of Arkansas. Her doctoral research focuses on nutrient management for southeastern blackberry production. Grace May, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Presentation Topic: Managing the Technology Treadmill in the Next Green Revolution Grace is studying agriculture and consumer economics with a concentration in public policy and law at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with minors in business as well as environmental economics and law. Yasmeen Saleem, University of Florida Presentation Topic: Effect of Reclaimed Water on Blueberry Seedling Growth and Root Morphology Yasmeen is pursuing a degree in soil, water, and ecosystem sciences at the University of Florida. She is an active participant in research projects focusing on reclaimed water irrigation and biochar application for sustainable blueberry production. Raymond Yan, Penn State University Presentation Topic: From Campus to Cropland: The Role of Universities in Food Systems Innovation Raymond is studying agricultural and biorenewable systems management and computer science engineering at Penn State University, with a minor in food and bio entrepreneurship innovation. He co-leads Penn State Nittany AI's first AI in agriculture research project, using precision imagery to quantify white-tailed deer damage to crops. The Farm Foundation Round Table is an invitation‐only group of thought leaders, policy makers, and influential figures from a broad cross‐section of the food and agriculture value chain. The group, with invited guests, meets twice a year to discuss issues of importance to agribusiness, the food system, and rural communities. Round Table discussions also generate new ideas for Farm Foundation project work. By attending these events, student Cultivators have the unique opportunity to interact with leaders in today's food and agriculture sector. Learn more about the program and each Cultivator at https://www.farmfoundation.org/programs-overview/cultivators. Tweet |
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