A seven-year national research project led by University of Nebraska scientists was recently recognized for its efforts to reduce food-borne illness caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

The Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) on E. coli has been selected for a Partnership Award from USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The award, in the mission integration category, honors the E. coli project for integrating research, education and Extension for the benefit of agriculture, the environment, communities or people.

It is the second time in three years that a Nebraska-led project has been recognized through the NIFA Partnership Award program. The Agriculture Water Management Network received the honor for Innovative Program and Projects in 2014.

Launched in 2012 with a $25 million grant from USDA, the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) project involves 51 collaborators from 18 institutions across the nation. The goal is to reduce the occurrence and public health risks of E. coli strains that can contaminate beef and cause life-threatening illnesses.

Former ag secretary Johanns joins Water for Food board

Mike Johanns, a former U.S. agriculture secretary and U.S. senator from Nebraska, has joined the board of directors of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska.

Johanns will join a team of advisers on the board, including NU President Hank Bounds; Mogens Bay, Robert B. Daugherty Foundation chair; philanthropist and lecturer Howard W. Buffett; and James B. Milliken, chancellor of the City University of New York.

Congressman receives Golden Triangle Award

Nebraska Farmers Union presented U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry with the Golden Triangle Award, National Farmers Union's highest legislative honor. The award was presented recently as part of the annual NFU fall Fly-In, which brought 275 Farmers Union members from across the country to Washington, D.C., to share their views and concerns with their elected officials. Fortenberry was one of 44 House and Senate members honored this year.

The Golden Triangle is an annual award presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and support policies that benefit America's family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and rural communities.

NSB names its communications coordinator

The Nebraska Soybean Board hired Aryel Smith as its communications coordinator. In her position, Smith will handle various roles for NSB, such as public relations, web hosting, multichannel advertising and promotional campaigns. She will also manage the NSB quarterly magazine, SoybeanNebraska, as well as other ag-related communications and marketing projects to promote the Nebraska soybean industry.

Smith grew up on a hobby farm outside of Buffalo Lake, Minn., and graduated from North Dakota State University in 2016 with a bachelor’s in agriculture communications. She comes from the North Dakota Farm Bureau where she served as the Southwest Field Representative.

With the hiring of Smith, NSB also moves previous communications coordinator, Cale Buhr, to market development coordinator.