Managing a hub of innovation is no small feat, but for Eric Elsner, superintendent of the J. Phil Campbell Research and Education Center, it’s a daily opportunity to make an impact. In this episode, Eric shares how he oversees multidisciplinary research projects designed to tackle real-world challenges Georgia farmers face. From managing collaborative studies to supporting student workers in unique hands-on learning experiences, Eric highlights how the center serves as a bridge between cutting-edge science, practical Extension work and the farming community. Join us as we explore his passion for fostering connections between research, education and community-building and how the center’s efforts are shaping a stronger future for agriculture in Georgia.

Resources:

• CAES Research and Education Centers
• J. Phil Campbell REC
• Finding UGA Cooperative Extension County offices
• Oconee County Extension office

Content from UGA/CAES:

• Photo and video from tour of J. Phil Campbell REC cotton harvest
• Superintendent builds upon mission at research and education center (feature story)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this episode, we’re joined by Bethany Harris, director of the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, to discuss her vision for the center as it works to meet the growing needs of urban agriculture in Georgia. As cities across the state expand, so does the need for innovative agricultural practices that support sustainable growth and resilient communities. Harris shares how the center is driving collaboration and research across various disciplines to tackle these challenges head-on while supporting future academic programming that will open educational and career pathways for students eager to shape the future of urban agriculture. Tune in to learn how the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture is working to redefine agriculture’s role in urban areas, building a foundation for thriving cities and a sustainable future.

Resources:

• Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture
• UGA Food Product Innovation & Commercialization Center (FoodPIC)
• UGA Griffin Campus
• UGA Turf Team
• Controlled Environment Agriculture at UGA

Content from CAES:

• Taking Control of the future of agriculture (immersive story)
• From jellyfish to pomegranates: Revolutionizing food processing in Georgia (podcast)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, Kaitlyn Casulli, assistant professor and UGA Cooperative Extension process specialist in the CAES Department of Food Science and Technology, shares her journey into food science and her fascinating work with food safety, thermal processing and her efforts to support the craft beverage industry in rural Georgia. She also introduces the new Value-addition Institute for Business Expansion (VIBE) initiative, helping Georgia's growers increase profits through value-added products. Plus, don't miss a surprising discussion about edible insects!

Resources:

• CAES Department of Food Science and Technology
• Value-added Institute for Business Expansion (VIBE)
• Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC)
• UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS)

Content from CAES:

• Georgia agricultural innovation center to bring farmers from fresh to value-added markets (news story)
• UGA Extension food scientist hosts new brewing workshop (news story)
• From jellyfish to pomegranates: Revolutionizing food processing in Georgia (podcast)
• Healthy holidays: Food safety tips for gifts and gatherings (podcast)
• Sip, savor, succeed: Inside the Flavor of Georgia food contest (podcast)
• Add a little crunch to your diet with cicadas: How to harvest, store and prepare food from Brood XIX emergence in Georgia (blog post)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates in

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

Do you know where your T-shirt got its start? In this episode, we travel to Tifton, Georgia, to speak with Camp Hand, assistant professor in the CAES Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and a key member of the UGA Cotton Team. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of cotton agronomy, the importance of UGA's experiment stations and the collaborative nature of the cotton industry in Georgia. Camp shares insights into the sustainable practices adopted by cotton growers, the critical role of research and the unique challenges that arise each year. The episode also touches on Camp's dedication to supporting farmers through difficult times, including efforts to address rural and farm stress.

Resources:

• University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Cotton Team
• CAES Research and Education Centers
• Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger website
• Thriving on the Farm interview with Camp Hand
• Talkin' Cotton podcast

Content from CAES:

• UGA Tifton Cotton Micro Gin (TikTok)
• Breaking stigma: Mental health solutions in farming and rural communities (podcast)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this episode, we sit down with Ty Brooks, farm director at UGArden, UGA's student community farm. Join us as Ty shares his journey and insights into the daily operations of UGArden, a unique space dedicated to research, teaching and outreach. Discover how UGArden engages students through internships, volunteer opportunities and hands-on learning experiences while giving back to the community by combating food insecurity. Ty discusses the farm's partnerships with various UGA programs and community organizations, the importance of sustainable agriculture and the innovative projects at UGArden, including their popular herbal tea program.

Resources:

• UGArden website
• UGArden video
• Opportunities to volunteer at UGArden
• CAES Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication
• UGA Office of Sustainability

Content from CAES:

• Profile on Ty Brooks 
• UGArden herbal tea program launches sales in campus dining halls (news story)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this quick episode, co-host Jordan Powers pops in ahead of the holiday weekend to share a Cultivating Curiosity hosting update. It's a tale of two Emilys listeners won't want to miss!

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we explore the long, illustrious career of Larry Beuchat, professor emeritus at UGA's Center for Food Safety. Larry shares his journey from Penn State to Quaker Oats, where he worked on iconic projects like candies for the film "Willy Wonka," and then to UGA, where he spent over 50 years in food safety research. Larry discusses the evolution of research funding, his passion for mentoring students and emerging food safety challenges. He emphasizes the role of prevention and consumer awareness in tackling foodborne illnesses.

Resources:

• The University of Georgia Center for Food Safety (CFS)
• The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP)
• The International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene

Content from CAES:

• Serving up the facts: Food science and safety (podcast)
• Healthy holidays: Food safety tips for gifts and gatherings (podcast)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Davenport
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

Join us as we delve into the world of urban entomology with two of the field's leading experts: Dan Suiter, Orkin Professor of Urban Entomology and UGA Cooperative Extension entomologist, and Glen Ramsey, director of Rollins Entomology Department Technical Services. Discover the nuances of urban entomology and its impact on our daily lives, from homes to hospitals. Learn about the unique partnership between CAES and Orkin, exploring how it enhances research, benefits the pest control industry and ultimately serves the public. Dan and Glen also discuss the future of urban entomology and the cutting-edge research emerging from this collaboration.

Resources:

• UGA Cooperative Extension Structural Pest Management website
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
• Insect and Arthropod Pests of Southeastern Neighborhoods: A Guide to Identification and Management

Content from CAES:

• Orkin establishes urban entomology professorship (news story)
• Exploring entomology - the secret lives of insects (podcast)
• Is that a roach or a palmetto bug? (news story)

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this episode, we sit down with Angelos Deltsidis, assistant professor and postharvest Extension specialist at the University of Georgia Tifton campus, to explore the important role postharvest physiology has in preserving the quality and safety of our food supply and its broader implications for agriculture and global food security. From the moment fruits and vegetables are harvested to the time they reach our tables, a complex journey unfolds. Tune in to hear how Angelos is developing both innovative technologies and low-tech solutions to tackle postharvest challenges, from controlled atmosphere storage to using natural coatings on fruits and vegetables.

Resources:

• U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Easy steps to reduce food waste from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Content from CAES:

• Serving up the facts: Food science and safety (podcast)
• Healthy holidays: Food safety tips for gifts and gatherings (podcast)
• Assistant professor uses ag tech to increase accessibility, reduce waste (news story)
• CAES researchers find simple solution to keep produce fresh, fight food waste (news story)

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Produced by Jordan Powers, Emily Davenport and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

In this episode, we dive into the world of peach production with Dario Chavez, associate professor in the CAES Department of Horticulture. Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between science, agriculture and climate change, uncovering how chill hours impact peach production and discuss the future of peach breeding in the face of shifting climate trends. From innovative breeding techniques to evolving production management strategies, discover how researchers like Chavez collaborate with growers to develop resilient peach varieties and sustainable farming practices. Tune in for a juicy conversation about the peach industry's journey toward a fruitful future.

Resources:

• UGA Weather Network
• Attapulgus Research and Education Center

Stories from CAES:

• Weathering Change
• UGA Extension experts celebrated among 2023 Fruit and Vegetable 40 under 40
• Doctoral student at the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics uses 3D scanning technology to inform peaches of the future

Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Davenport
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller who creates innovative soul-pop music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Hailing from small-town Southeast Georgia, Mason's influences range from the purest pop to the most powerful gospel. Mason is a former Georgia 4-H'er and University of Georgia graduate! Listen to his music on Spotify. 

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.