September 2026

Message from Dr. Tala Awada
Interim Dean and Director of the Agricultural Research Division

Your Monthly ARD Update: September 2026

As we move further into the fall semester, I am reflecting on what has been an exceptionally busy month for the Agricultural Research Division (ARD). Across Nebraska and beyond, our faculty, staff, students, and partners have demonstrated the collaboration, innovation, and commitment that make our work impactful. I am sincerely grateful for all you do to advance our mission.

One of the highlights of the month was Husker Harvest Days, where we showcased the impact of Nebraska research, education, and extension while celebrating IANR’s launch of the Digital Agriculture Hub on September 15, led by Dr. Guillermo Balboa in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. The event drew stakeholders from across the state and beyond. Their enthusiasm highlighted the importance of science and data-driven solutions in addressing agricultural and natural resources challenges and building a more resilient future.

We continue to invest in cutting-edge research that addresses Nebraska's current and emerging opportunities and challenges. For fiscal year 2027, ARD provided approximately $2.9 million in capacity funding through the Hatch Multistate, McIntire-Stennis, and Animal Health programs. Nebraska commodity boards also made a significant commitment to research, investing more than $4.4 million through the Corn, Soybean, Wheat, Dry Bean, and Dry Pea & Lentil Boards. Together, these investments represent more than $7.3 million dedicated to advancing agricultural and natural resources innovation and discovery across the state. Our faculty continue with their efforts to securing highly competitive external funding. In fiscal year 2026, total sponsored research expenditures was $170.8 million and ARD/IANR researchers accounted for $77.6 million or 45.4% of UNL’s total.

We continue to build connections that extend Nebraska’s impact beyond our borders. Recently, Dr. Saleh Taghvaeian from the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) represented ARD and BSE on a State of Nebraska Trade Mission to Central Europe, where he met with university and industry partners to explore opportunities in research, education, and capacity building. These conversations are laying the groundwork for new collaborations and strengthening relationships that can create lasting benefits for Nebraska and beyond. 

Finally, I would like to welcome Caitlyn Buschow to the ARD team. We are excited to have her join our office and look forward to her contributions in support of our mission. 

Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and service. 

The renewable fuels industry in Nebraska is strong — and thanks to our partnership with experts across the Agricultural Research Division of the University of Nebraska, we aim to make it even stronger. 

Already, Nebraska’s ethanol industry produces more than 2 billion gallons of homegrown fuel each year. That generates over $6 billion annually in total economic impact, including through support for 1,800 jobs. 

Just as importantly, renewable fuels save money for drivers around the country and put money in the pockets of farming families across the state. Ethanol alone reduces the cost of gas by 77 cents per gallon. And the demand it drives for corn can be as much as 50 percent to each bushel’s value. 

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Preparing for New World Screwworm: 
UNL Research Supports Nebraska and National Preparedness

Written by: Georgina Bingham

The northward spread of New World screwworm (NWS), followed by renewed U.S. detections in 2026, has heightened concern about a pest capable of causing severe, sometimes fatal injury to livestock, wildlife, pets and other warm-blooded animals. The potential economic consequences are substantial: USDA estimates that an outbreak comparable to the 1976 Texas event could cost livestock producers about $732 million annually and the broader economy $1.8 billion.

For Nebraska, preparedness has particular importance. The state is home to approximately 6.15 million cattle and calves, the second-largest inventory nationally, including 2.8 million cattle on feed, ranking first nationally. Livestock and livestock products generated approximately $20 billion in Nebraska cash receipts in 2024.

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