askACES

Stress is a part of life – but it doesn’t have to rule your life! Recent research into how we react to stressful situations has allowed experts to develop and prescribe strategies to increase resilience in the face of stressors. ACES experts Dr. Erica Thieman, Assistant Professor in Agricultural Education, and Chelsey Byers Gerstenecker of University of Illinois Extension chat about stress and recovery with us on #askACES.

Once used as toys, unmanned robotic vehicles are quickly becoming a valuable tool for agriculturalists. Both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones, and unmanned ground vehicles, or small agricultural robots, are capturing the attention of hobbyists and agribusinesses alike. How are these tools used and why? Join ACES experts Dr. Girish Chowdhary of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Dennis Bowman of University of Illinois Extension to learn about the roles of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles in the future of agriculture.

Milk has long been called “nature’s most nearly perfect food,” but in recent years there has been growing uncertainty among consumers about milk and dairy products for humans. What are the facts about milk, and what claims are based on faulty information or misunderstanding? ACES expert Dr. Jim Drackley of the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois helps us discern truth from myth.

Food insecurity is a leading healthcare crisis in the United States. Central to our efforts to reduce food insecurity is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). ACES expert Dr. Craig Gundersen of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of ACES at the University of Illinois shares his thoughts on food insecurity, the benefits of SNAP, and the threats that are currently being posed to this program.

Invasive species are found throughout Illinois, but are these exotic invaders actually damaging? What can be done about them? Chris Evans, forestry extension and research specialist, and Dr. Eric Larson, assistant professor, both of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, discuss if invasive species are cause for concern or just hype!

Nutrition labels are designed to help consumers make the best food choices for their dietary needs, yet many consumers find these labels confusing and difficult to use. Experts Brenna Ellison, assistant professor in agricultural and consumer economics; Anna Arthur, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition; and Jennifer McCaffrey, Assistant Dean of Family and Consumer Science with U of I Extension, discover how to make nutrition labels work for you on the #askACES podcast!

Dr. Brian Ogolsky from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois College of ACES discusses the science behind why romantic relationships improve or deteriorate.

Department of Crop Sciences researchers Dr. Patrick Tranel and Dr. Aaron Hager discuss the science behind herbicide-resistant weeds and the challenges they pose to food production. They answer questions about why this problem arises and what farmers and the agriculture industry are doing about it.

Dr. Carena J. van Riper, an assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, discusses the psychology of behavior change in park and protected areas during a one-hour chat on Twitter. She answers questions about why people do or do not engage in environmentally responsible behaviors, how resource management agencies can encourage stewardship activities, and more!

The University of Illinois College of ACES Water Team – Dr. Laura Christianson, Department of Crop Sciences; Jonathan Coppess, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics; and Dr. Paul Davidson, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering – discuss your questions about the impacts farming has on water quality and the efforts to reduce this impact by reducing nutrient losses from fields. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy provides guidance for achieving a 45% reduction in both nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus by 2035. Contribution from all stakeholders involved is required to achieve this goal. No one practice will work on every acre, but every acre needs at least one new practice.