The Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) at the University of Minnesota has awarded approximately $2 million from the Rapid Agricultural Response Fund (RARF) to 10 research projects that will help protect Minnesota’s agricultural sector from current and emerging threats.
The newly-awarded RARF projects span issues across the state's agriculture industries, including responding to the crop pest European corn borer and the potato fungal disease verticullium wilt, assessing if fertilizers are contributing to nitrate in groundwater challenges, improving the utilization of high oleic soybeans as livestock feed, and preventing the spread of noxious weeds through manure.
The 10 projects were selected after a competitive proposal process, which included University faculty and industry stakeholders reviewing the proposals and helping guide the selections by participating in the RARF Review Committee. Deans Brian Buhr (CFANS), Beverly Durgan (Extension) and Laura Molgaard (CVM) consider the committee’s feedback when making the final award determinations.
FY26/27 RARF Projects
Are ammoniated phosphate fertilizers contributing to nitrate in groundwater contamination in the southeast region of Minnesota?
Fabian Fernandez, Soil, Water & Climate
In the U.S. Corn-Belt, the phosphorus (P) fertilizer triple-super phosphate has been largely replaced by nitrogen (N)-containing ammoniated phosphate fertilizers. Although they are viewed as P fertilizers, ammoniated phosphates account for 8% of the global agricultural N input. Nonetheless, this N is typically not credited in agroecosystems or in calculations of the N footprint of agriculture. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are frequently applied simultaneously in the fall because of practical and logistical reasons. However, these applications, well ahead of plant uptake, increase the potential for N loss to the environment. While substantial effort has been devoted to evaluating the agronomic performance of fall-applied P from ammoniated phosphates, limited work has been done to understand N loss or recovery from these applications, and agronomists are left to assume how much N to credit. A multi-disciplinary team of researchers, extension specialists, and stakeholder is assembled to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the fate of N from fall applications of ammoniated phosphatase. The objectives are to evaluate over two years in four fields the availability of N in the soil from monoammonium-phosphate and diammonium-phosphate applied in early and late fall and in the spring and determine corn grain yield and N uptake by the crop. Awareness and adoption by end users of the knowledge gained through this project will be promoted through extension education. The need for this work is underscored by the recent EPA formal request to state agencies to reduce groundwater nitrate contamination in southeast Minnesota.
Impacts of inbreeding on performance and economics in dairy youngstock
Isaac Haagen, Animal Science
Inbreeding is a major concern within the dairy industry and results when more closely related individuals are mated. In the US dairy herd, inbreeding levels are rapidly increasing. The Food and Agriculture Organization recommends inbreeding not exceed 5-10%. Recently, the average level of inbreeding for Holsteins was reported between 11.1% and 12.7%. Inbreeding depression, or the reduction in performance due to inbreeding, has not been explored in youngstock. This is a critical gap in knowledge as youngstock are the second largest expense for dairy operations, and dairy heifer inventory is at an all-time low. USDA surveys suggest youngstock disease rates have remained stable across time despite industry improvement. Therefore, it is critical to quickly adopt new breeding practices that support resilient youngstock. This project will utilize calves at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC). Calves are from nearby dairies and at SROC from birth to 6 months of age. Calves are weighed at birth, weaning, and 6 months. This allows us to calculate average daily gains. All disease and treatment events are recorded for calves. Inbreeding levels will be calculated and used to determine the impacts of inbreeding on growth, health, and disease treatment costs.
Continuing Proposal: Risks and benefits of the samurai wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, in Minnesota
George Heimpel, Entomology
The samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) parasitizes eggs of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), a notorious invasive pest of apples and other crops that has been in Minnesota for the past decade. T. japonicus arrived in the United States from Asia in 2014, and was discovered in Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2022 for the first time, and was found in an apple orchard by our research group in 2024. While the establishment of this parasitoid is a potentially positive development for Minnesota apple growers, this parasitoid is also expected to attack Minnesota’s native stink bugs, some of which play important ecological roles. Thus, agricultural professionals are now faced with a dilemma since it is not clear whether the benefits to apple production associated with this wasp will outweigh the risks to native species. The goal of this project is to quantify the risks and benefits associated with the presence of T. japonicus in Minnesota. This information will be used to make informed decisions for BMSB control, such as whether or not to augment T. japonicus populations in the state. Researchers will use field surveys, laboratory studies, and mathematical modeling to conduct an in-depth investigation of T. japonicus, organized into three objectives.
The Effect of Tarp Type on Forage Quality and Beef Cattle Preference of Round Bale Hay in Outdoor Storage
Eric Mousel, Animal Science
Hay loss during storage can range from 5 to 35% resulting in a 10 to 20% reduction in net income for cow-calf operations. Although storage options exist that reduce hay waste, including hay storage facilities and full plastic wrapping, these options represent major capital expenditures that are financially unattainable for many producers. Therefore, many producers resort to storing hay outside, uncovered. Although the practice of using tarps to cover stored hay outdoors is occasionally observed in livestock operations, the effects of different tarp materials on outdoor hay storage systems has not been documented. The goals of this project are to evaluate the effects of different tarp materials on outside stored hay forage quality characteristics, cattle preference, and economics. This study will be conducted at the UMN NCROC. Three round, grass-hay bales will be stored under three different tarp types with four replicates. The group of three round bales under each tarp type, and controls (hay stored indoors and hay stored outdoors uncovered), will be the experimental unit and tarp-type will be the treatment. Treatments will include breathable hay tarp, recycled billboard tarp, and a standard plastic tarp. Following approximately 1-year in storage, hay will be analyzed for forage quality, mold, and yeast counts at a commercial laboratory and then fed to 25 head of yearling Angus replacement heifers to determine animal preference, body condition score, and weight change. This project has the potential to have an immediate impact on Minnesota producers by providing a low-cost alternative to preserving hay quality.
Combating verticillium wilt of potato: Surveying pathogen population and Developing Resistance Tools
Ashish Ranjan, Plant Pathology
Verticillium wilt, caused predominantly by the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a major threat to Minnesota’s potato industry, valued at $253 million in 2023. This disease can reduce crop yields by up to 50%. The recent discovery of a new, potentially more damaging race (race 3) in Sherburne County, MN, by the Ranjan lab research group at CFANS underscores the urgent need for research. Minnesota's potato farms have not been surveyed for Verticillium wilt in decades, and the variability in pathogen races can significantly impact disease management strategies. This project aims to comprehensively survey Verticillium wilt across Minnesota’s potato-growing regions, assessing pathogen prevalence and identifying regional variations. Understanding the distribution of V. dahliae races will provide crucial insights for disease control strategies. Additionally, the study will develop innovative tools for detecting resistance to races 1, 2, and 3 in wild, commercial, and University of Minnesota (UMN) potato breeding lines. This test will make it easier and faster for farmers and breeders to identify potatoes that can resist the disease. This research has the potential to reduce the need for chemical treatments such as soil-damaging chemical fumigants, support healthier farming practices, and strengthen Minnesota’s potato industry. The project’s two-pronged approach—mapping pathogen diversity and developing rapid resistance screening tools—will accelerate breeding efforts, ensuring long-term control of Verticillium wilt and mitigating its economic impact.
Improving the utilization of high oleic soybeans as a feed source for dairy cows
Isaac Salfer, Animal Science
The high value placed on butterfat has led to increased fat supplementation in dairy cow diets. However, high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in many high-fat commodities, such as conventional soybeans, depress milk fat production, limiting their use in dairy diets. Instead, dairy producers often rely on expensive saturated fatty acid supplements. Recently, genetically modified soybeans with low PUFA and high oleic acid concentrations have been developed. These "high oleic soybeans" hold significant potential for dairy cows, as oleic acid does not negatively affect milk fat synthesis and is more cost-effective than commercial supplements. Additionally, oleic acid has shown positive effects on health and metabolism across various animal species. Research on high oleic soybeans remains limited but promising, with early findings indicating improvements in milk production, feed efficiency, and income over feed costs when included in dairy diets. However, several key questions remain. Optimal inclusion rates, ideal processing methods, and their impact on nutrient digestibility, cow productivity, and efficiency still need to be determined. This project aims to address these gaps and help dairy producers optimize the use of this promising new feed ingredient.
Addressing Acetochlor Contamination in Minnesota Water: Evaluating Alternatives and Mitigation through Cover Crops
Debalin Sarangi, Agronomy & Plant Genetics
Acetochlor is an important active ingredient in several herbicides in alfalfa, corn, soybean, and sugar beet. It is applied preemergence and postemergence to control major weeds like waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, and foxtails. However, recent detections of acetochlor that exceeded water quality references in surface water in southern Minnesota have raised concerns about its continued use in agriculture. Best management practices developed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture encouraged using acetochlor alternatives (non-acetochlor herbicides) for weed management. However, limited information exists on the trade-offs between acetochlor and its alternatives. Farmers, consultants, and agencies must quickly understand these to prevent weed management challenges from potential acetochlor restrictions in Minnesota. This research will evaluate weed control efficacy, soil persistence, and the environmental impacts of acetochlor alternatives. Additionally, it will explore the effectiveness of cover crops and a micro-encapsulated formulation to reduce acetochlor contamination in subsurface drainage water. Cover crops and their residue may act as physical barriers, influencing water infiltration, soil water retention, and temperature regulation. The micro-encapsulated acetochlor formulation (Warrant®) is designed to release the active ingredient slowly, potentially reducing environmental losses. By addressing these critical aspects, this research seeks to safeguard water quality while preserving effective weed management options for farmers.
Rapid Response to Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Contamination in Oat
Kevin Smith, Agronomy & Plant Genetics
Fusarium head blight and associated contamination of wheat and barley grain with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) has been devastating across the U.S. small grains regions. Recently, we have observed substantially higher DON concentrations in our oat research trials, anecdotal reports of FHB in commercial oat fields, and DON contaminated oats delivered to elevators. To proactively address this substantial new threat, we will 1) determine the prevalence of FHB and DON and assess the diversity of Fusarium species associated with oat in yield trials and commercial fields in Minnesota; 2) assess current varieties, regional advanced breeding lines, and University of Minnesota breeding germplasm for response to FHB and DON concentration; 3) determine the relative concentrations of DON in the hull and groat to inform the risk to animal feed and human food end-uses; 4) evaluate fungicides and timing of application to manage FHB and DON; and 5) initiate a genetic characterization of FHB resistance in MN breeding oat germplasm in relation to other important breeding traits. Screening of germplasm and evaluation of fungicides will be conducted in our FHB nurseries in St. Paul and Crookston. This research will quickly provide essential information about the current status of this disease threat, enable deployment of immediate management strategies, and set the stage for future research. Research results will be disseminated to growers through field days, winter meetings, and extension publications. Researchers will also share information with industry stakeholders and other researchers through reports, presentations, and informal communications to facilitate their responses.
Stop the spread! Getting noxious weed seeds out of liquid manure
Melissa Wilson, Soil, Water & Climate
Inevitably with livestock and crop production, weed seeds end up in feed and then in manure. Though manure is a great nutrient source for crops, the risk of spreading weeds is a serious consideration for crop farmers due to the potential for economic damage. Recently, Palmer amaranth found its way into Minnesota through this pathway - cattle were fed contaminated feed and the invasive weed was found in fields where this manure was spread. Waterhemp, though native to Minnesota, is another problematic weed that can travel this same pathway. For livestock systems that store their manure as a solid, composting the material can reduce the viability of the seed. Liquid or slurry manure, however, does not have many treatment options for removing weed seeds. We propose to optimize the use of liquid-solid separation equipment, already used on many dairy farms in Minnesota, for separation of weed seeds from the liquid portion of manure so that it can be safely land applied. Then we will evaluate methods for composting the solids to reduce weed seed viability. Our overall goal is to help Minnesota farmers with liquid manure storages reduce the chance of spreading invasive weed seeds to their fields.
Rapid response to Bt resistance in a billion-dollar bug, European corn borer in Minnesota: Evaluating the magnitude of the threat
Fei Yang, Entomology
The European corn borer (ECB) is a significant pest of corn, causing over $1 billion in annual economic losses before the introduction of Bt technology. Since 1996, the widespread adoption of Bt corn has significantly suppressed ECB populations. However, after > 28 years, the benefits of Bt corn for managing ECB are under serious threat due to the evolution of resistance, with resistant ECB populations now documented across Canada and in Connecticut. Our preliminary data indicate that ECB populations collected from Wisconsin and Minnesota during 2023-2024 carried high frequencies of Cry2Ab2 resistance alleles, suggesting that Cry2Ab2 resistance in ECB is becoming imminent, threatening the continued benefits of Bt corn in Minnesota. Currently, two key insect resistance management (IRM) strategies, high dose/refuge and gene-pyramiding, are used to delay insect resistance. For these strategies to remain effective, it is crucial to understand the inheritance, fitness costs, and plant injury associated with different resistant insect strains on Bt corn. The availability of several Cry2Ab2-resistant ECB strains in our lab presents a unique opportunity to study Bt resistance issues in ECB. The specific objectives include: 1) characterizing the inheritance of Cry2Ab2 resistance in Minnesota ECB populations; 2) assessing the fitness costs associated with the Cry2Ab2 resistance in Minnesota ECB populations; 3) evaluating plant injury and the development of various genotypes of Cry2Ab2 resistant ECB populations on different Bt corn hybrids. Data for this research will be foundational to IRM and pest control, supporting the sustainable use of Bt technology for ECB control.
RARF Background
The Rapid Agricultural Response Fund dates back to 1998 when the Minnesota State Legislature authorized a program and created a fund to enable rapid responses to urgent issues and challenges that have arisen and face Minnesota's agriculture and natural resource-based industries. MAES holds some RARF funds in reserve to respond to issues that arise after the formal RFP process.
In more recent years, the RARF fund has been increased in support of the University’s Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Technology Transfer program (AGREETT). Annual funding is provided to MAES via the State Legislature with projects being awarded on a two-year cycle.