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Fresh faces on USDA science advisory board

By Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced new members of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. This board plays a key role in shaping research priorities for the food and agricultural sectors.

The NAREEE Board welcomes a range of expertise. New appointees include Dr. Jane Schuchardt, an organic farmer, and Mr. Edwin Kitzes, Land Grant Director at the United Tribes Technical College. Reappointed members include Dr. Mario Ferruzzi, a professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Dr. Ellen Harris, a former executive director of Food First.

"These experts offer valuable insights," said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, the USDA's Chief Scientist. Their diverse perspectives will guide research that strengthens our food system and ensures its benefits reach everyone.

NAREE Board committees delve deeper into specific research areas. New committee members include Dr. William Lytle, CEO of Evergreen International Sustainability Solutions, and Dr. Margaret Smith, a professor at Cornell University.

The USDA looks forward to working with these new advisors. Their combined knowledge will be instrumental in setting research directions that promote a more secure and equitable food system for all.


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Do Stress-Resilient Sows Raise Better Piglets? - Dr. Andrea Luttman

Video: Do Stress-Resilient Sows Raise Better Piglets? - Dr. Andrea Luttman?



In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Andrea Luttman from Michigan State University explores how gestational social stress affects sow resilience and piglet development. She explains physiological indicators like cortisol patterns, behavioral differences, and their implications for long-term performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Resilience to stress means animals are either minimally affected or can recover quickly after experiencing a stressor.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Andrea Luttman / andrea-luttman-47ab74171 is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University specializing in swine production systems management. She earned her Ph.D. in Genetics and Genome Sciences and focuses her research on swine physiology and stress resilience. Her work examines social stress in gestating sows, offspring development, breeding herd longevity, and gene-environment interactions to improve production efficiency and sustainability. Hear Dr. Luttman on The Swine it Canada Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.