Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture

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Plant Products in Bioenergy Production, Medicine, and Consumer Products
Torg, Carrie; Lundblad, Kristina; Noel, Seana; Lin-Kissick, Webster; Vu, William (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
This literature review aims to identify and explore different applications of plant products in bioenergy production and industrial applications within the medical and manufacturing industries. Historically, over-reliance on fossil fuels has had a detrimental effect on our environment and fostered concerns over global carbon emissions, causing subsequent climate change. Biofuels serve as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. There are four main categories of biofuel, each with unique benefits and challenges. Bioenergy production techniques such as carbon sequestration and hydrochar present low-cost, renewable energy solutions. In the medical field, plant products can be used in biomaterials to facilitate medical innovation, replacing synthetic medical equipment. Cellulose, chitosan, and alginate are a few examples of promising plant-biomaterials being investigated to advance medicine. Integration of sustainable consumer products in daily life processes has been a desired prospect for a long time. Similar to the medical field, the application of plant products in manufacturing ranges widely. Plant biomass used as feedstocks has the potential to replace high-emitting fuels. Packaging materials made from post-consumer plant products contain superior biodegradable characteristics, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials. Chemically altered nutrition additives can be replaced by natural, plant-produced preservatives that both demonstrate positive health benefits and provide a longer shelf life. As consumers increasingly prioritize health and environmental sustainability, the demand for plant-based substitutes continues to rise, resulting in innovation across the food industry; thus promoting an increased examination of existing food labeling and additive policies. This research highlights the critical and expanding role of plant products as sustainable and effective substitutes in bioenergy, medicine, and consumer products.
Genetics, Nutrition, and Other Management Practices on Dairy Cow Productivity and Sustainability
Algoo, Layla J.; Chafin, Charlotte E.; Han, Kristen J.; Umanzor Herrera, Raudy; Waltham-Sajdak, Maxwell O. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Genetics, nutrition, and management practices are all pivotal factors in the sustainability and productivity of the constantly changing dairy industry. Farmers are being increasingly pressured to match the growing market demand for dairy products as the human population increases. This literature review aims to examine the best strategies to optimize the productivity and sustainability of the dairy cow industry through improved genetics, nutrition, and management practices. The review delves into the complex methods by which the industry can maximize its output, alongside its longevity. Trends in breeding to improve milk productivity tend to feature traits from the same sires, which limits biodiversity and long-term sustainability. This highly selective breeding can also cause serious inbreeding complications. Potential solutions for the looming issue of inbreeding include genetic crossbreeding and cryopreservation to improve biodiversity without compromising milk yield. Additionally, the dairy cow industry has shifted focus to more nutritional diets that increase milk yield and enhance cow wellbeing by using corn silage, among other techniques. These new additives also limit greenhouse gases from cows, which contribute greatly to climate change through methane production. Other methods include implementing management practices, such as Precision Livestock Farming, to revolutionize efficiency in the industry. PLF systems in livestock farms apply technologies, such as sensors, cameras, and computer software, to monitor animal welfare and automate farming practices. Not only does PLF expedite productivity, but the new system also contributes to improving the industry’s sustainability. The demand for dairy continues to rise as the population expands. This study investigates how genetics, nutrition, and management practices can aid farmers in increasing productivity while maintaining sustainability.
Examining the Influence of Governmental, Socioecological, and Economic Perspectives as Determinants of Food Security
Arney, Taylor; Bendezu, Kayla; Cho, Yu-An; Ma, Victor; Verma, Aarav (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
The concept of food security has traditionally encompassed complex issues that underpin human health and development globally. Defined and categorized by scholarly researchers, food security encompasses stability, access, and availability in its shaping. These characteristics are influenced by three major pillars that determine consistent and equitable access to food: the role of governance and policy implementation, socioecological challenges, and contrasting economic systems. This paper examines how each determinant intertwines and has proven its significance in either ensuring or challenging food security on all regional, national, and international levels. Strategic leadership and policies set by governments play a pivotal role in enhancing food security in both direct and indirect methods. International examples include China and Indonesia's success in re-achieving food security via an active government that supported their agricultural industries to flourish. The socioecological approach examines how both human society and natural disasters affect the creation and maintenance of secure food systems. Pandemics and climatic catastrophes damage the most vulnerable in disproportionate ways, underlining the importance of social capital in food systems. In developing economies, social burdens like food loss become a prevalent issue due to poor infrastructure in society. In developed economies, however, patterns of a weak food system occur at the consumption stage. Economic intervention in the form of better wages, quality housing, and reduced food prices raises levels of access to healthier diets. Economic limitations, however, include foreign land investment displacements, global price changes, and insufficient food systems (e.g., food deserts, oases, swamps). All three determinants of food security align clearly with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Furthermore, these frameworks align with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) priority of Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health. Food security is ultimately driven by inclusive and collective action among its three major determinants, grounded in the principles of the AFRI and the SDGs, with a commitment to reducing inequality and fostering resilience.
Mechanisms of Plant Growth and Productivity: Investigating Biological Processes at the Molecular, Cellular, and Whole-Organism Levels
Connell, Chelsea; Elabd, Jonear; Makati, Ashka; Sturgill, Evan; Wang , Ziyuan (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Arable land for agricultural production has been continuously decreasing over the past several years as a result of urban expansion. Although the output of agricultural produce has not been impacted in terms of quantity, innovations must be made to ensure that food production keeps up with the growing population. However, it is essential to first understand the mechanisms and interactions within plants that drive plant growth. This secondary research paper analyzes the biological processes that aid in plant growth and productivity, looking at the different mechanisms on a molecular, cellular, and whole-organism level. Specifically, photosynthesis, germination, and auxin-cytokinin signaling were the main processes discussed in this particular research paper. Through this analysis, it can be established that all three selected processes play an important role in plant development, with each contributing to the functionality of several key mechanisms in plants. Photosynthesis is the fundamental process through which the plant derives energy from light and sustains growth. Auxins and cytokinins regulate plant development, specifically in the roots and shoots, through an antagonistic relationship. Germination facilitates the transition of a plant from a seed to a sprout. A variety of peer-reviewed articles were utilized throughout the review process in order to synthesize a fully encompassing perspective, and bias was mitigated through the usage of articles from a variety of journals, years, and researchers. Certain limitations may reduce the effectiveness of this article, including the limited species of plants used in the examined sources. This research was conducted with the aim of connecting biological processes in order to understand their potential for plant development and crop yield. Therefore, this research could be used to aid in promoting the fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals of no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being.
How Technology Plays a Role in Livestock Management and Monitoring
Borra, Kushal; Garlock, Gabbie; Kasirajan, Meera; Jindal, Sara (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
The purpose of this research is to investigate three technologies — automated feeding systems, electronic ear tags, and digital twins with the Internet of Things — for monitoring and managing livestock operations of all sizes and their impacts on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Life on Land. This paper aims to provide an overview of each of these technologies, highlighting their applications and addressing concerns farmers may have about adopting these systems on their own operations. Overall, this paper found that automation can be of great benefit to farmers and ranchers who own and operate precision livestock operations of all sizes; however, its applications vary according to personal preferences and necessities. Smaller operations may not reap all the benefits that a larger operation might. For example, many family-run farms do not have the resources to pay for the same high-tech precision technologies that high-producing commercial operations can use on a greater scale. The upfront cost of implementing precision livestock systems can be a limitation for small-scale farmers, and in an era of constant technological advancement, there are additional barriers to keeping them up-to-date. However, with careful consideration and information, farmers can be prepared to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations through automation after encountering initial barriers. Through this evaluation, one can better understand how technology is utilized in agricultural production by answering the question: What are the benefits and limitations of precision livestock technologies, specifically automated feeding systems, electronic ear tags, and digital twins with the Internet of Things, and how can they enhance the agricultural industry and create progress toward implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
The Application of Adaptive Management Strategies and the Enhanced Resilience of Farms, Ranches, Forests, and Rangelands to Climate Change
Cross, Emmalee; Elkority, Zeina; Lee, Sheen; Schnitger , Dagny (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of climate change on the environment and how farms, ranches, forests, and rangelands can improve their resilience to it. Climate change is a problem in society, and its rising severity has ramifications within every aspect of life. Its impacts include higher temperatures, intensified drought, rising sea levels, and increased storm severity. This decreases crop yields, worsens species survival, and ultimately intensifies poverty and displacement. Awareness about understanding climate change has resulted in the development of many adaptive management strategies to overcome it. Each strategy is only applicable to certain problems and areas, and has its unique benefits and setbacks. This research paper examines the most effective adaptive management strategies by using a variety of peer-reviewed journals, credible articles, and data that are less than ten years old. The results of this research conclude that assisted migration, the rotation of livestock grazing and planted crops, and sustainable farm design efficiently improve the resiliency of farms, ranches, forests, and rangelands to climate change. Assisted migration is a strategy where qualified people move plants and animals from endangered environments to a new environment that is expected to be less impacted. Rotating crops and livestock grazing involves systematically moving crops and livestock to different areas so soil and nutrients aren’t used up. Sustainable farm design encourages the construction of irrigation systems, natural features like shelterbelts, climate-resistant buildings, and efficient farming structures. Concerns regarding these strategies include the time, energy, and money needed to implement them. There is also uncertainty regarding climate change and how it can be mitigated. By examining these strategies, this review strives to identify adaptive management strategies that efficiently improve climate change resilience within farms, ranches, forests, and rangelands. It is written with a primary focus on biodiversity and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that suggested solutions are tailored to realistically align with environmental and food production needs. What management strategies can humans implement to improve agriculture’s resistance to climate change?
Resilience in the Face of Agricultural Adversity
Jones, Savannah; Nair, Kabir; Randall, Addison; Shutov, Nadia; Voleti, Mritika (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Due to climate unpredictability and market imbalance, crop and animal resilience is an important concern in farming communities globally. Exposure to environmental stresses in the form of rising temperatures, flooding, droughts, and market instability is occurring in greater intensity and frequency for farmers. These stresses jeopardize food access and availability as well as the livelihoods of both small stakeholders and commercial farmers. As risks intensify, it is essential to develop and implement responsive practices. This paper outlines three major approaches through which farmers can reduce these risks and gain long-term stability: insurance-oriented instruments, institutional and financial support systems, and conservation farming practices. We explore how each of these strategies functions in practice, using examples from around the world. Weather index insurance and satellite-activated technologies, which help farmers minimize losses and invest in their farms with greater confidence, are evaluated as components of building agricultural resilience. Broader policy and finance-driven measures, e.g., government relief packages, access to credit, and risk pooling mechanisms like contracts and diversification of enterprise, are also examined. This includes recent United States legislation pertaining to agricultural policy. Lastly, we identify conservation agriculture and agroecology strategies such as farmers’ decisions regarding tillage systems, crop rotation, and silvopasture (deliberate integration of trees and grazing livestock operations on the same land). This last group of strategies builds soil resilience and greater crop stability in extreme weather events. Instead of treating these tools in isolation, we argue that their integration through supportive policy, education, and infrastructure is essential for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Effects of Rotational and Continuous Grazing Methods on Beef Production Efficiency and the Environment
Klopfer, Madeline; Choi, April; Pringle, Ella; Flanigan, Brandon; Stenzel, Lauren (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
As the human population continues to grow, advancements in agricultural practices must be made to support changing dynamics. In particular, shrinking agricultural land puts pressure on the cattle industry to produce more with less. Consequently, the production of beef across the world must adapt to meet not only productivity needs, but also sustainability expectations. This literary analysis compiles 39 sources to explore the effects of continuous and rotational grazing on flora, fauna, soil, and water quality, while also comparing the productivity of each method in order to provide insight into the importance of improvements in the beef industry. Different locations from around the world, including the leading countries in the cattle industry, such as the United States, Brazil, China, Argentina, and Pakistan, were also explored for a global perspective. Additionally, supportive, sustainable solutions have been provided to promote advancements in the cattle industry, which will benefit consumers, ranchers, cattle, and natural ecosystems. The importance of cattle as an economic endeavor as well as a cultural and religious object has also been emphasized, which allows the understanding of various viewpoints on connections to the beef industry. There are extensive concerns about the sustainability of the beef industry, with the principal considerations being methane emissions and eutrophication. Therefore, information on the beef industry and its effects on the environment is provided so readers can form educated opinions and do further research on this important sector in agriculture.
The Impacts of Biochar Usage and Covercropping Practices on the Composition and Fertility of Soil in the Shenandoah Valley Region of Virginia
Ehmann-Jones, Brooke; Keiser, Christie; Longwater, Reese; Sanchez-Armass, Eva; Shah, Aanya (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
The Shenandoah Valley, Virginia's most fertile natural treasure, is currently facing challenges to its soil fertility and health due to unsustainable farming practices which cause nutrient depletion. This research paper highlights the silty-loam soil, which is the primary soil texture of the valley, and proposes two sustainable soil management practices: cover cropping and biochar application and their ability of soil rejuvenation, enhanced nutrient cycling, and long-term adaptability. Currently, cover cropping (CC) is utilized in 10% of the farms in the Shenandoah Valley. This practice consists of planting crops between cash crops, providing significant improvements to soil composition, increased soil organic matter (SOM), and microbial activity crucial for the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles supporting the ecosystem. CC has also been credited with carbon sequestration, lifting a heavy dependence on fertilizers, and minimizing pollution. The other practice researched in this paper is biochar (BC), a carbon-rich substance created by pyrolysis, which has promoted similar benefits to CC, including enhancing soil structure, nutrient retention, and boosting microbial populations—specifically applicable in the silty-loam soils of the Shenandoah Valley. This paper thoroughly dissects both practices in terms of environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and analyzes their alignment with the following United Nations Sustainability Goals: Life on Land (15), Climate Action (13), and Zero Hunger (2). Despite the challenges that do remain, specifically with initial investment costs, pest risks, mistrust with farms, and the lack of long-term research with newer innovations such as biochar, both practices provide promising results in reversing soil degradation and enhancing nutrient cycling. With increased education and awareness regarding the economic incentives and benefits of these practices, widespread adoption of cover cropping and biochar could significantly restore the soil health, fertility, and the overall crop productivity of the Shenandoah Valley.
Community Dietary and Exercise Strategies to Mitigate Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Barredo, Jasmine C.; Colbert, Sarah G.; Dhaouadi, Ada F.; Kolapalli, Samhitha K.; Wi, Elaina Y. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic disorder characterized by heightened androgens, or hormones associated with male sex characteristics, that circulate in the bloodstream of affected women. This hormonal imbalance contributes to the development of small cysts on the ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to infertility. Other symptoms include hirsutism, insulin resistance (IR), and acne, although not all symptoms must be present for a PCOS diagnosis. Symptoms are often prevalent following menarche, and PCOS is usually diagnosed alongside co-existing conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and endometrial cancer, which increase health risks in individuals with PCOS. Diet and physical activity are proven first-line approaches to managing PCOS symptoms such as IR. Given this, the present literature review evaluates three community strategies that involve diet and exercise to mitigate the symptoms of those diagnosed with PCOS. This paper focuses on how food-access programs connecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) can provide greater access to healthy meals, particularly those belonging to a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and processed sugars; how pricing policies such as taxes on high-sugar beverages and subsidies for healthier foods can promote healthier eating; and how structured community exercise programs, mirroring programs for other chronic diseases, can provide an effective mode of physical activity. Together, these interventions may improve PCOS by alleviating symptoms such as IR and irregular menstruation.
Evaluating Strategies for Pollinator Conservation
Miryala, Varshita; Muthu, Roshini; Strauss, Soren; Sundarrajan, Amritha (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Pollinator populations are rapidly declining due to habitat fragmentation, climate change, pesticide use, and other environmental pressures. Habitat value refers to how well an environment supports pollinators through access to nesting sites and floral resources. This review evaluates the effectiveness in both urban and rural ecosystems of three strategies: Marketable Habitat Enhancement Plants, the Pollinator Galaxy Framework, and Ultraviolet Fluorescent Tracking. These strategies protect and enhance pollinator habitats, focusing on their effectiveness in both urban and rural ecosystems. The first strategy is a Best Management Practice (BMP) that explores profit-based approaches through Marketable Habitat Enhancement Plants (MHEPs), providing economic incentives to farmers who grow native plants that support pollinators and generate income. This encourages the integration of pollinator-friendly practices into agriculture and supports United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. The second strategy, the Pollinator Galaxy Framework, is a model designed for urban environments that mitigates problems caused by fragmented green spaces. It strengthens pollinator habitats through five pillars: floral resources, nesting sites, artificial supplements (such as sugar-water feeders or scent-enhanced bee hotels), adaptive management, and stakeholder engagement. This model contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The third strategy, Ultraviolet Fluorescent Tracking (UVFT), manipulates floral UV reflectance to attract visually guided pollinators, helping to sustain pollinator activity under changing climate conditions. This strategy is effective in both urban and rural areas, supporting pollination and enhancing ecological value in green spaces and agricultural zones. This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action. Each strategy is evaluated using the Triple Bottom Line framework, which considers environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and stakeholder engagement. By involving farmers, scientists, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), these solutions support biodiversity and contribute to SDG 15: Life on Land. Together, these strategies offer practical ways to protect pollinators while supporting healthy ecosystems, strong communities, and long-term sustainability.
The Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Dalton, Arthur; Demchak, Meredyth; Jenkins, Daisy; Pulluri, Sanvi; Serwaa, Elizabeth (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Minimizing the ecological footprint created by agriculture is crucial, as it enables future generations to thrive in an environment that sustains a food supply, both in quality and quantity. Current agricultural practices are polluting the environment through the use of fertilizers and greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. Both issues contribute to a large ecological footprint, which can be defined as the amount of materials required to support an individual’s lifestyle. However, agricultural practices are advancing, aiming to decrease our ecological footprint and mitigate environmental impacts. Modern, sustainable agricultural practices have a positive impact on the environment by reducing pollution in the air, water, and soil. The goal of this review is to analyze strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture practices that minimize the ecological footprint. Technological innovations promote sustainable agriculture by providing methods to combat the globe's growing ecological footprint. Education about sustainable agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security for future generations, aligning with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of achieving Zero Hunger. Likewise, when education promotes experimental learning, it enables individuals to learn more about the impact of humans on the environment. Without food security, consumers would likely face struggles, including health concerns and higher prices. Policy makers draft laws to ensure the SDG of Responsible Consumption and Production of food for years to come. Economic incentives further encourage the implementation of said laws. The UN’s SDGs of Climate Action, Zero Hunger, and Responsible Consumption and Production are common themes found in the literature. Throughout this review, researchers gained a deeper understanding of the numerous factors that influence agricultural sustainability.
Urban Sprawl: Effects and Mitigation
Eckman, Colin; Konduru, Vibhu; Lee, Amy; Noel, Suana; Ulicny, Sarah (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
This literature review details the negative effects of urban sprawl and strategies to mitigate them. The purpose of this review is to identify the consequences of urban sprawl on agricultural land and to explore possible solutions for improving global health and advancing progress toward meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the topics connected to the USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) priority areas. In the review, the focus was to identify and analyze at least two effects that Urban sprawl has on rural or agricultural land and to analyze the techniques used to help lessen the effects on the land. The literature review included case studies from multiple countries to incorporate a variation of global viewpoints and to incorporate the findings applicable to a larger audience. Multiple scholarly sources and peer-reviewed journals published within the past ten years were used to include reliable and updated information in the review. The effects focused on are food insecurity, the global south, and pollution, an effect that occurs globally. The strategies researched to mitigate urban sprawl effects are the use of conservation easements, notably abundant in the United States (US), and urban development boundaries, common in China. Food insecurity is a pre-existing issue in the global south, and the loss of agricultural land amplifies it. This issue is intertwined with the second Sustainable Development Goal, which is to end hunger. Pollution surges when urban sprawl causes increased runoff and vehicle emissions, closely related to the third Sustainable Development Goal, ensuring healthy lives. The conservation easements and urban development boundaries work to prevent rural, agricultural, and forest land from being developed through the use of economic and legal tactics. These methods are closely linked to the USDA AFRI priority area of Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. This literature review works to provide an overview of the effects and methods, also working to provide connections to global and country efforts to better the communities that suffer from urban sprawl. The main purpose is to inform people about the harm of urban sprawl and suggest methods that policymakers should implement to protect agricultural land.
The Effects of Rising Global Temperatures on Water Availability and Adaptive Strategies for Water Resource Management
Malik, Asiya; Amundson, Clara; Hosch, Katherine; Klancnik, Sara; Dasgupta, Akira; Dembicki, Roman (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-19)
This literature review aims to explore three major effects of climate change on water availability and investigate possible solutions to mitigate these impacts. Global warming, a byproduct of climate change, is characterized by higher global temperatures and is a phenomenon primarily driven by air pollution, which originates from the burning of fossil fuels. Rising temperatures cause damaging environmental events that both degrade and diminish global water availability, leading to widespread concern for water reserves. Furthermore, concerns regarding water scarcity are justified by the key role that water plays for the environment and for humans. Specifically, humans rely on water for both survival and community development. However, with global warming intensifying drought severity, accelerating glacial melt, and inducing harmful cyanobacterial blooms, water access is threatened across the world. Droughts drastically reduce the amount of water available for use and consumption by depleting groundwater and drying out water sources. Simultaneously, glacial melt decreases water availability by eliminating seasonal water storage historically harvested from glaciers. Alongside this, glacial melt also degrades water quality by contributing to rising sea levels, which can contaminate freshwater sources. Cyanobacterial blooms diminish water quality by releasing harmful toxins into freshwater sources, which have the potential to harm humans in sufficient quantities and must undergo extensive cleaning to be safe for consumption. To effectively purify and restore water sources, greywater recycling can filter contaminated water from households. Additionally, to address subtle water impurities, electrodes used in electrocoagulation can clump pollutants together for removal. Therefore, it is imperative that solutions based on water regeneration, such as greywater recycling and electrocoagulation, be used in tandem with enhanced global collaboration to increase the availability and access to water in both developed and developing countries, even amid regional climate variability and global resource inequity.
Conserving Water in Agricultural and Forestry Industries: Methods for Improving Water Use Efficiency
Thomas, Kaede; Friefeld, Julia; Thesmar, Cooper; Pondugula, Aniketh; Miah, Mohammed (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-19)
This paper aims to explore three common water conservation techniques used to conserve water and increase water use efficiency in the agriculture and forestry industries. Global water scarcity has increased substantially in recent decades, and the agricultural industry is the greatest consumer of freshwater resources throughout the world. In the United States specifically, the agricultural industry, along with forestry, is responsible for roughly 40% of national water stress. Because of this, there have been significant efforts to improve water use efficiency within the industry; improved irrigation methods, exploration of different water collection methods, and the development of water-conserving landscape designs are just some of the different techniques. These practices are being further researched in conjunction with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Six, to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and Goal Twelve, to ensure responsible consumption and production patterns. The specific practices explored in this paper are rainwater harvesting, the creation of riparian buffers, and drip irrigation. Using these techniques, this paper aims to answer the question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of three different techniques of improving water efficiency in agriculture, and how are the techniques best applied? This paper strives to provide background on each practice and discuss the strengths and limitations of each one. This will help provide information on which types of practices should be used in specific situations. The practices vary in a number of ways, from how the systems are designed to where they work best, but there is a significant amount of overlap when it comes to the overarching goals and the problems they face. As such, an overview of each is provided along with the benefits and challenges of their utilization. This is followed by a comparative analysis of all the methods discussed and in what situations each would be best utilized.
Agriculture and Water Management: Strategies for Precision On-Farm Water Management
Chee, John Y.; Korunka, Aurora W.; Tagge, Kent W.; Woo, Amy H. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-19)
Water is a foundational component of supporting ecosystems, the climate, and all living organisms. Fresh water drives all global systems, but most specifically agriculture and livestock. Agricultural industries’ consumption of water accounts for 70% of all water that is consumed annually. Of the 2 quadrillion gallons of water that are used, upwards of 40% is lost due to water inefficiency and waste. Such losses contribute to rises in poverty levels, food insecurity, GDP declines by as much as 6%, and water shortages. With the global population expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050, there is a clear need to optimize agricultural production by enhancing water use efficiency. These alarming statistics emphasize the need to transition to more sustainable water management systems. The objective of this review is to identify and evaluate three precision on-farm water management strategies to improve water use efficiency and reduce waste in agriculture. In doing so, this research aims to support sustainable agricultural practices, meet USDA AFRI (Agriculture and Food Research Initiative) priority area “Agriculture Systems and Technology”, and reach UN Sustainability Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). In this paper, the precision irrigation techniques, drip irrigation and variable-rate irrigation (VRI) systems will be discussed. Next, drought-resistant crops (DRCs) and their benefits to farmers when relation to waste prevention will be investigated. Lastly, the study will explore modular floating covers as a form of dam evaporation control. Although these methods of preserving water and increasing water efficiency are extremely beneficial while already having been implemented for on-farm systems, there is room for further technological improvements.
The Effects of Gene Editing and Digital Monitoring Tools on Cattle Health and Productivity
Kaffka, Caroline; Park, Joo Won; Patel, Seher; Samuel, Naomi (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-19)
Gene editing and digital monitoring tools are current advancements that are enhancing cattle health and productivity. Gene editing is a scientific process in which genes are manipulated to alter genetic traits, with the intention of preventing diseases and other harmful factors. CRISPR-Cas9 is the most successful form of modern-day gene editing. The first successful example of its use was on pigs. In this experiment, it was found that CRISPR-Cas9 boosted nutritional quality and increased the rate of production. This justified continuing research and the use of this technology for livestock. However, there is controversy and concerns regarding gene editing, questioning the morality of altering livestock for human benefits. Gene editing leads to improved quality of life and longevity in livestock. Over time, gene editing has become a valuable technique in enhancing cattle health. With the use of modern technology and practices, livestock agriculture continues to develop. Digital monitoring devices used for cattle care and health surveillance are crucial as production in cattle has continued to rise with these tools. An example of these devices is wearable sensors, such as RFID tags, used to monitor cattle behaviors, that ultimately gather data that aligns with visual observations. Another example is the use of automatic feeding and milking systems for cattle to optimize their nutritional health needs daily, which increases overall production and has been implemented on many farms. Gene editing aligns with some of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on global hunger, innovation, and building sustainable food systems. Like gene editing, these digital monitoring tools also address the UN SDG of sustainable consumption and production patterns, since faster production is necessary to keep up with the increase in the human population. These two advancements in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry improve cattle health, which in turn maintains strong production while benefiting humans.
Agrivoltaics: Producing Sustainable, Renewable Energy and Improving Socio-Economic Conditions in Rural Communities
Asefa, Feven M.; Banks, Rebecca C.; Brown, Riley E.; Penati, Adhya G. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Renewable energy has taken the modern world by storm, especially energy generated from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which accounts for a considerable amount of the annual renewable energy produced. The demand for solar panels has become ever-increasing, with the percentage of individuals having or wanting panels seeming to climb each year. That being said, the conversion of land into solar panel farms may be a seemingly easy solution to satisfy this demand, especially because of the growing interest in slowing the effects of climate change. However, this solution is controversial, as the land on which the solar panels would be placed is the same land belonging to the hard-working farmers in America. Doing this would destroy the socio-economic status of these rural communities in the United States (U.S.) due to agriculture being a large sector of the economy. This paper reviews case studies and implementation of agrivoltaics, the idea of dual-use land between solar panels and agriculture. Agrivoltaics has the ability to provide many benefits in areas where it is implemented: more food produced, reduced water demand, more energy produced, lower carbon emission, and numerous advantages to rural communities. Agrivoltaics is a practice that has been implemented and studied across the globe, especially in France and China. Additionally, smaller studies are also being conducted throughout the U.S. Research was collected through meta-analysis research, in which past studies and findings were utilized to support proposed solutions. Through this collection of research, the solution of agrivoltaics is described. Additionally, it is explained how this practice could bring additional revenue and jobs to rural communities. Through agrivoltaics, landowners will be able to generate energy via solar panels while also growing crops, grazing their livestock, or creating pollinator environments on the same land, making this land “dual-use”. It is concluded that the practice of agrivoltaics is practical to be implemented internationally, while helping to achieve multiple of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Starvation Amidst Strife: The Rise of Food Insecurity in Conflict Zones
Jain, Sambhav; Koak, Jecy Y.; Stevens, Eja C.; Yi, Jenny S. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
The Geneva Academy monitors 110 ongoing armed conflicts, most lasting over 50 years. Disputes take many forms in international conflicts; however, this literature review will primarily focus on the food insecurity crisis in international armed conflicts, namely the Russo-Ukrainian and Israel-Hamas Wars. International armed conflicts affect food insecurity in various ways, from economic restrictions to farmer displacement and soil pollution. This literature review analyzes the history of the aforementioned international conflicts and the role of food insecurity in them. It also identifies countermeasures currently being implemented to combat food insecurity and potential solutions to mitigate the stress it causes. Several themes in the food insecurity crisis of our international conflict target regions were identified through research, which concludes that global conflicts contribute to food insecurity in various ways. Many policies are currently being implemented to increase food access and production in the targeted areas, some more effective than others. Of all the policies being implemented, foreign aid designated for agricultural organizations and cultivating programs has shown to be the most practical and efficient solution. In addition to foreign aid, agricultural strategies of bio-engineering, including breeding biodiversity, incorporating seed banks, and utilizing aquaponics in households, along with protective economic policies, were solutions that could have promising results in the struggle against food insecurity.
Improving the School Lunch System to Reduce Childhood Obesity
Das, Sunita S.; South, Caroline A.; Gallo Suarez, Tatiana; You, Evelyne L. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Childhood obesity critically affects a child’s health, both physically and mentally. It is one of the leading causes of severe health issues and low self-esteem. One in five children suffer from obesity in the United States, deeming it a critical national concern (CDC, n.d.). The purpose of this research paper is to focus on childhood obesity, a severe health condition and a form of malnutrition that occurs when children are not getting the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. This growing concern connects to the second United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of hunger and malnutrition, the third SDG of good health and well-being, the fourth SDG of quality education, and the tenth SDG of reduced inequalities, all of which our solutions will target. Our research focuses on trends that connect childhood obesity to the school lunch system, such as resource availability, socioeconomic status, and eating disorders. To address these issues, we will promote the implementation of quality farm-to-school (F2S) initiatives to foster partnerships between local farmers, schools, government agencies, and stakeholders to create sustainable programs. The hypothesis is if educational programs and partnerships are implemented, the likelihood of childhood obesity affecting children will decrease, as well as its physical and mental effects. To investigate our research problem, we utilized the database Google Scholar. We searched for specific keywords that would produce the most relevant results, such as “low-income families'', “school lunches and obesity,” and “farm-to-table programs.” This method allowed us to collect a variety of primary and secondary sources, which helped justify our proposed solutions to improve inefficient farm-to-school programs. It is vital to prioritize low-income communities, health education, and government incentives to form long-lasting partnerships between local farms and schools. Through government funding initiatives to provide balanced meals, reimburse underprivileged communities, and implement nutrition lessons, mutually beneficial partnerships through farm-to-school programs can be formed. By considering these factors, childhood obesity will be significantly reduced in the United States, thus improving the country's overall health.

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