Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture

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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.
Creating Resilient Agroecosystems Through Exploring Sustainable Farming Techniques and Novel Technologies to Adapt and Combat Soil Degradation in Arid Climates
Hering, Emma; Nguyen, Max; O’Quinn, Lydia; Srinivasan, Athishaya (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Climate change and destructive conventional agriculture techniques aggravate soil degradation in agroecosystems, especially in arid climates. This desertification of arable land has many global consequences including, reduced crop productivity, increased freshwater withdrawals, heightened food insecurity, more land converted to farmland, and greater use of chemicals that accelerate global warming. However, sustainable farming strategies can protect soil, water, and land resources, improving global welfare. This paper proposes three major strategies (conservation agriculture, genetically modified crops, and vertical farming) to implement based on comprehensive literature reviews on their viability and soil restoration potential.Conservation agriculture encompasses three farming sub-techniques: zero tillage (refraining from soil disturbance before seeding), cover cropping (planting crops during the off-season), and crop rotation (diversifying types of crops planted during the growing season). All techniques enrich soil fertility, stabilize crop yields, and prevent soil degradation, with amplified benefits when practiced cooperatively. Genetically modified crops (modifying the genes of a crop) can also boost crop yields and reduce costs along with fertilizer and pesticide usage. Lastly, as a true alternative to conventional soil-based agriculture, vertical farming technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics optimize water usage, fertilizer application, and land usage while increasing crop quality and quantity. Some governments, like the US, encourage farmers to adopt these new techniques and technologies by providing financial aid. Reform in the agriculture industry now is critical to establish human and environmental welfare for generations to come.
Sustainable Bioenergy: The Impact of Food Systems
Radadiya, Mitanshi; Bloom, Chloe; Petersen, Kate; Stemple, Kailey (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
This research paper explores sustainable solutions to improve the cost efficiency and environmental impact of the rice and sugarcane food system, which are critical for food security but also pose significant ecological challenges. Additionally, the solutions researched are aligned with the United Nations goals of responsible consumption and production of rice and sugar, climate action, life on water, and life on land. Traditional practices in these food systems contribute to soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions due to intensive water and land use, as well as high energy demands. Through research, many possible solutions were found, such as soil carbon sequestration, biofuel from non-consumable waste crops or bioengineering, co-culture systems, and dry direct seeding. Although all results have good potential outcomes, it was established that co-culture systems and bioengineering non-edible remains of crops would be the most effective. Co-culture systems, such as integrated rice-fish farming, present a highly effective solution. Fish waste acts as a natural fertilizer for the rice, which, in turn, purifies the water, creating a symbiotic relationship that minimizes the need for chemical inputs. This not only enhances water productivity, but also reduces input costs, thus aligning with responsible consumption and production goals. The financial benefits include lowered costs for fertilizers and pesticides, increased yields, increased water productivity, and diversified income sources from both rice and fish. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the conversion of rice husks, straw, and sugarcane bagasse into biofuels, such as bioethanol and biochar through bioengineering. Bioengineering rice and sugarcane can increase biomass yields and develop waste crops specifically for biofuel, creating a steady and efficient supply of raw materials without additional resource demands. Utilizing these bioengineered wastes reduces environmental pollution and provides a renewable energy source, supporting a circular economy within the rice and sugarcane industries. This approach creates additional revenue streams for farmers and enhances financial stability by lowering energy costs and creating cost-effective energy alternatives for farming activities. Together, these strategies strengthen the sugarcane and rice food system, offering long-term economic benefits while mitigating environmental impacts.
Analyzing the Prevention of Cross-Contamination and Allergen Control in Agriculture Within the United States
Allam, Sahiti A.; Bilchick, Amanda C.; Komar, Larkin J.; Mehta, Rohan C. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Millions of Americans are affected by food-borne allergens, and the number of people with food allergies appears to be increasing from previous years. An allergic reaction occurs when an individual’s immune system mistakes a protein from a food or ingredient as harmful and reacts abnormally. Some allergic reactions are relatively mild, while others can be life-threatening. Since there is no cure for food allergies, consumers and caregivers often rely on food labels to identify and avoid potential allergens. However, cross-contamination, the unwanted incorporation of different allergens, can make avoiding allergens challenging. Cross-contamination occurs due to insufficient cleaning procedures, crossover points during production, improper sequencing on the production line, the reuse of water or oil when cooking foods during processing, and dust and aerosols of allergenic foods. In order to address these issues, potential solutions include more intense and accommodating training programs, regular cleaning of equipment with intentional tools, and strategic separation of foods based on their allergens within vehicles. With research from reliable databases and federal organizations, this review aims to evaluate what factors must be considered when looking at the complex interplay between agricultural practices, food production, and cross-contamination of allergens to ensure food safety. By exploring these components, the United States can further mitigate health risks for individuals with allergies sustainably and equitably.
Food Waste Reduction: Understanding Global Mitigation Strategies
Jung, Isabel K.; Mason, Andrea N.; Ngo, Katherine M.; Haidari, Mohammad A. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
The central aim of this review is to address the critical issue of food waste and evaluate the effectiveness of food recovery programs in providing viable solutions. Despite global concerns regarding malnutrition and hunger, significant amounts of food go unconsumed, leading to economic and environmental complications worldwide. We seek to advance ongoing discussions of scientists and policymakers and contribute to food waste reduction efforts through an objective analysis of current food waste reduction programs and the examination of potential mitigation strategies. In turn, this would aid in alleviating the adverse impacts of food waste and combat food insecurity. This review explicitly examines two key food waste reduction policies: the Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Challenge and the European Union Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste. Both programs aim to reduce food waste and encourage collaboration to enhance food security. Additional solutions discussed in this review include extending the shelf life of food, encouraging the consumption of imperfect produce, and donating surplus food. Sources were found from various reliable databases with specific search terms to investigate mitigation strategies and better understand the issue at hand. By highlighting the detrimental effects of food waste, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of strategies to reduce food waste effectively, emphasizing the necessity of global action.
The Global Impact of Transferable Diseases Within Poultry Slaughterhouses
Henriquez, Gabriella C.; Moothedan, Sapna S.; Raad, Hannah S.; Gotkis, Emery D. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2025-07-20)
Resilient Agroecosystems in a Changing Climate: Localized Agriculture & Carbon Emissions
Desai, Sanvi M.; Kim, Lauren J.; Lee, Stella; Pena Palma, Zoe D. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
The world has grown to rely on large-scale, industrialized farming methods. The industrialized farming style of production is characterized as having higher crop yield than other forms of farming, making it more favorable than alternative farming methods. Meanwhile, localized agriculture has been overlooked in the public eye. This literature review defines local agriculture, explains economic developments, and lists the benefits of increased reliance on local farming. Throughout this paper, we explore and endorse the integration of localized agriculture within large-scale urban markets. A proposed conceptual framework was developed within the writing to promote the symbiotic relationship between local markets and vendors. Overall, this review suggests the potential of localized agriculture to alleviate various social, economic, and environmental problems. Benefits include public health, improved local economy, and sustainable local farming. Given the misconceptions about localized agriculture, we aim to educate consumers on the implications and effects of their purchasing choices.
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Government Policy, Prebiotics, and Education in School Lunch Programs
Justice, Gabrielle; Reed, Opal; Desai, Rohan; Jung, Suin (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Rates of childhood obesity have been rising for almost half a century. Causes, although varied, can be summed up into genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Schools play a large role in impacting students’ dietary and lifestyle choices, so our proposed solutions stem from the school-level. Various research papers were reviewed and analyzed in order to come to a solution that satisfies the complexity of childhood obesity from the care of schools. These covered a large spectrum of topics, from different perspectives such as the scientific and political sides. Through analysis of these research papers on topics like prebiotics and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA), solutions were developed. Among the solutions developed were changes to education programs, meal options, and government regulations. These have been shown to be effective in reducing obesity rates, across various studies and reviews. Research has been compiled from various sources to provide comprehensive evidence to these solutions. Our solution is multifaceted, with suggestions across categories such as food choices and health curriculums. Prebiotics were shown to have a positive effect in reducing the risk of contracting childhood obesity. Programs like the HHFKA were shown to be effective in their goals. Additionally, further health education classes demonstrated a positive effect. The solution was formed based around these findings. The proposed solution connects with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with an overall goal of reducing childhood obesity all over the world. This solution is compiled into a proposed government policy that would ensure support for student health through the various mentioned programs, and should be considered in countries across the globe.
Sustainable Energy: Assessing Biodiesel as a Viable Replacement for Petroleum Fuel
Chon, Ashley H.; Faulk, Delaney G.; Mewa, Saron M.; Poling, Nara D. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Sustainability goals have been at the forefront of political, economic, social, and agricultural discussions since 2015. The fuel industry and its impact on the environment, economy, and society is often the headline within most discussions. The modern century has hosted petroleum fuel as its leader, but with concerning environmental impacts, renewable and sustainable forms of fuel have been proposed. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel extracted from oil in crops. This paper compares and contrasts the potential for biodiesel as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuel through various factors of consideration such as environmental impact, economic impact, yield, feasibility of societal implementation, and the time and labor of extraction and processing. To make biodiesel more competitive within the energy industry, genetically modified crops have been considered leverage for biofuel improvement. After researching and discussing both advantages and disadvantages, the ideas of algae-fueled biodiesel and mixed fuel were proposed to address many of the current drawbacks of biofuel. The possibilities of this new form of production are discussed as a viable solution to the growing fuel issue. This research paper aims to evaluate information on biofuel and petroleum fuel solutions through a comparative analysis to propose a potential solution to help reach UN Sustainability Goal 7, Sustainable Energy.
Evaluating Technologies to Reduce the Environmental Impact and Cost-Effective Food Packaging
Gaddam, Siri; Nasar, Haiqa; Proano, Ommar; Yang, Luke (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
The packaging industry is currently the third largest industry in the world with ⅔ being food packaging. Currently, plastic makes up over ⅔ of the materials used in food packaging which is harmful to the environment and human health due to the carcinogenic chemicals, Phthalates and Bisphenols, contained in high-density polyethylene plastic. Active packaging composed of antimicrobial materials is a promising alternative for food safety and stability that is cost-efficient, sustainable, and scalable. Antimicrobial materials can combat microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which pose a serious threat to food safety and packaging due to contamination that diminishes the food's shelf life and quality. In this research paper, we aim to obtain the best options for antimicrobial materials that fulfill the food packaging and safety needs of a rising world population. We will analyze multiple scholarly articles to discuss several alternatives to high-density polyethylene plastic. Nanotube technology is promising due to its absorption of ethylene excreted from fruit cells, oxidizing meat packages, and ultimately deterring microorganism proliferation through naturally occurring essential oils and metals that line the nanotubes. Nanotube technology will enhance food safety and food packaging, expand the food industry to be able to support the world’s growing population and ensure that world hunger is heavily reduced. Bamboo is another potential solution due to its natural antimicrobial agents, biodegradability, aesthetic appeal, and high strength-to-weight ratio. With growing environmental pressures and an increasing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives, these antimicrobial materials have the potential to enhance food safety and reduce climate change.
Resilient Agroecosystems: Heat Stress Mitigation Strategies on U.S. Cattle Populations
Adams, Hannah M.; Dadisetty, Venkata Sri Abhishek; Ho, Jason T.; Tong, Nicolas K. (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Heat stress is critical in cattle management, negatively affecting livestock welfare, health, and productivity. This literature review identifies various strategies employed to mitigate heat stress in cattle. The investigation consists of a non-systematic review of scholarly articles from academic databases such as Google Scholar, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and more. Keywords such as “heat stress” and “cattle” were used to locate credible and valuable articles. Heat stress causes farmers to lose billions of dollars annually; these cattle experience decreased milk and beef production, decreased reproductive rates, and reduced disease immunity. At extreme levels of heat stress, cattle have higher mortality rates. The investigation into these issues requires findings and solutions to mitigate heat stress. Technologies such as milking, comfort, and cooling, as well as management practices such as feed, scheduling, and water, are mitigation strategies addressed in this review. These mitigation methods help reduce heat stress and its symptoms in cattle. Advancements in the field highlight the importance of close monitoring and integrating technologies and management practices to alleviate heat stress. This review connects to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), precisely, goals eight, decent work and economic growth; nine, industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and twelve, responsible consumption and production. The investigation connects to promoting sustainable economic growth, a resilient cattle industry, and sustainable production patterns. Additionally, the investigation advocates for sustainable agroecosystems and could be an addition to Best Management Practices (BMPs) for cattle welfare and inspire future research.
The Effectiveness of Educational Tools on Finding Solutions to Childhood Obesity
Qin, Alexis; Kroeger, Madisyn; Cung, Amy; Boike, Piper (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate across the globe, causing negative psychological and somatic comorbidities including diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and self esteem issues. Several tools aimed at elementary school (kindergarten through sixth grade) students attempt to decrease childhood obesity through education on making healthy diet decisions. For example, some schools have implemented nutrition classes into their curriculum; those that participated found improvements in their students’ nutritional knowledge compared to those that did not. However, researchers disagree on how effective nutrition classes are for all the students, as a “kitchen-sink” method is commonly used. Additionally, social marketing techniques, such as MyPlate and children’s books, are commonly utilized by a child’s teacher or parent. This is not the most effective technique as social marketing campaigns often do not encourage engagement with the material. Parent communication is another influential tool that is important in a child’s life. Young children often base their actions on adult role models, meaning that parents can make a bigger difference in preventing and mitigating childhood obesity through their actions and habits. After evaluating these three tools, our group found a different technique that proves to be the most effective on children’s health: hands-on learning through gardening and cooking. Although not utilized often, a few schools have added these activities to their campus; they have seen significant positive changes among student’s dietary habits by encouraging them to garden or cook using school resources. Children who participate in gardening or cooking programs are more likely to make healthier and nutritious eating choices. Despite school education, social marketing campaigns, and parent communication being somewhat effective tools to educate students, hands-on learning tools are shown to be the most effective and impactful in educating students on nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Our group strongly advocates for the implementation of gardening and cooking programs into children’s weekly routines in order to combat rising childhood obesity rates.
Fueling the Fields: A Comparative Study of Ethanol and Methane in Agricultural Biosystems
Teres, Nathaniel; O'Brien, Maeve; Kedrowitsch, Alexis; Pham, Andy (Virginia Governor’s School for Agriculture,, 2024-07-20)
Ethanol and methane biogas are two options to supply energy to rural communities. Both ethanol and methane are created by converting agricultural biomass into usable and sustainable bioenergy. Ethanol is made from the fermentation of corn and sugarcane. Alternatively, methane biogas is created from the anaerobic digestion of cow manure. Because ethanol and methane are both renewable energy sources, they can fuel rural communities. Using sustainable energy sources brings positive advantages, such as economic stability to rural communities, decreased air pollution, and increased energy security. Although implementing ethanol and methane benefits rural communities, these energy sources also have adverse effects. This literature review will culminate in the benefits and consequences of each fuel. Although these side effects may be unfavorable, the utility of both biogasses is irreplaceable. This connects to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which aim to protect the planet. These ambitious global goals claim that climate change and other impending environmental problems will be solved by 2030. These biogasses mitigate the harmful effects of climate change and protect agroecosystems globally.
Comparing the Use and Success of Microloans to SNAP Benefits to Alleviate Hunger Inequality and Relieve the Effects of Food Deserts
Farouk Mirghani, Sarya; Nestor, Matthew; Ngo, Caitlyn; Soeun, Sophea (Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture, 2024-07-20)
Food insecurity is a wicked problem experienced across the world. In America, 44 million people lack access to adequate food or healthy options (Feeding America, n.d.). The highest population of those who suffer from food insecurity live in food-deserted communities – where it is difficult to purchase affordable, quality food due to factors such as distance or availability. However, systems such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and micro-loans have been created to provide hunger relief to those in need. This study evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the SNAP benefits program and micro-loans, to ultimately suggest the most efficient system to solve food insecurity. We reviewed scholarly articles from EBSCOhost, Google Scholar and Gale. We have based our solution on how well it accomplishes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being. We have found the most effective system currently to be SNAP. SNAP is a governmental aid program that operates at the state level; the purpose is to distribute funds to eligible users for use in grocery stores. SNAP is a method of direct relief to the consumer. Microloans are given to eligible applicants to start farm operations to provide produce and other resources in their communities and households. However, micro loans are not a direct method of relief for the participant and are associated with many risks such as the availability of market structures to support new businesses in the area. Overall, the most practical method of support to those vulnerable is an immediate and tangible option, one that is void of risk to the user and lacks a high payment of their time.

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