In alignment with the USDA-nifa's top research and extension priority areas, lincoln university's cooperative extension and research program conducts research and extension activities in animal…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Lincoln University $10,268,408 on October 1, 2025, under the Extension Services at 1890 Colleges and Tuskegee University, West Virginia State College, and Central State University program (CFDA 10.512), a formula grant supporting agricultural and forestry extension activities at 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

Lincoln University's Cooperative Extension and Research Program conducts research and extension activities in animal science, plant science, food safety, natural resources, social economics, human health, and youth development, with particular emphasis on supporting small-scale producers, first-generation students, and rural families in Missouri. The program addresses five critical issues: sustainable agriculture, health and rural well-being, community development, natural resources stewardship, and agricultural education. Six initiatives deliver practical solutions: organic farming, urban agriculture, industrial hemp, food safety training, forest ecosystem management, and small ruminants production. The research program focuses on animal production, crop and vegetable production, food safety, natural resource management, and social economics, with emphasis on small ruminants, aquaculture, soil health, and specialty crops. The program participates in multi-institutional collaborations addressing soil health, adaptive agricultural practices, water resource management, and policy analysis relevant to Missouri producers.

The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. Work is performed in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In alignment with the USDA-nifa's top research and extension priority areas, lincoln university's cooperative extension and research program conducts research and extension activities in animal science, plant science, food safety, natural resources, social economics, human health, and youth development. The program is designed to strengthen missouri's farms and agricultural communities, with particular emphasis on supporting small-scale producers, first-generation students, and rural families the extension and research program is currently focused on five (5) identified critical issues of sustainable agriculture, health and rural well-being, community development, natural resources stewardship, and agricultural education in missouri through an integrative, innovative approach for research and extension programming. The program launches six initiatives: organic farming, urban agriculture, industrial hemp, food safety training, forest ecosystem, and small ruminants, in an effort to meet the critical, growing needs of the state and stakeholders. These initiatives are structured to deliver practical solutions that improve farm productivity, enhance food safety, and support long-term agricultural resilience. The program also participates in multi-institutional collaborations to address soil health, adaptive agricultural practices, water resource management, and policy analysis relevant to missouri's producers. These programs seek to effectively address urgent, emergent issues and develop sustainable solutions to the problems facing missouri's agriculture industry and rural communities, as well as to strengthen the university's capacity to provide better service for the needs of missouri's small farmers. The research program has five research focuses: 1) animal production; 2) crop and vegetable production, 3) food safety, 4) natural resource management, and 5) social economics, with an emphasis of small ruminants, aquaculture, soil health, specialty crops, organic production, food safety detection, water quality, forest health, and community development. The faculty members in the program actively pursue extramural funding to support current research and leverage resources provided by federal and state partners. The LU extension efforts aim to improve the education and economic opportunities in kansas city, ST. Louis, and central, southeast, and southwest missouri. Outreach activities includes: 1) 4-H and youth development, 2) family development, 3) community development, 4) health and aging, 5) food and nutrition, and 6) urban gardening. The paula J. Carter center on health and aging provides programs that promote health literacy and chronic disease prevention for older adults, ensuring that missouri's agricultural and rural communities remain strong, healthy, and productive.