PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (November 17, 2025) — Prairie View A&M University is launching a USDA-funded outreach initiative to help farmers in Texas, Louisiana and Alabama grow and market native grassland seeds that support sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
Therese Pennell, Ph.D.
Therese Pennell, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, will serve as principal investigator for the project, which received nearly $33,000 in funding through Texas A&M AgriLife Research. The effort builds on PVAMU’s ongoing native grass research by connecting scientists, farmers, seed companies and agencies to share best practices and strengthen regional networks.
The project will focus on reaching farmers from diverse backgrounds and the seed companies and agencies that support them. Outreach will include newsletters, local magazines, social media and a new website to share research findings and promote native grass cultivation.
Two undergraduate students from PVAMU’s Languages and Communication Department will lead the media campaign, creating bilingual content in English and Spanish for LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Instagram and Facebook. They will document research progress through photos, videos and interviews, making technical findings accessible to local producers.
By linking research with real-world application, PVAMU aims to expand access to regionally adapted native seeds that improve soil health, support grazing animals and enhance climate resilience. The outreach phase will run from early 2026 through 2028, with field visits, digital updates and regular articles highlighting opportunities for Southern farmers.
The initiative reflects PVAMU’s land-grant mission to combine teaching, research and outreach in service to the public—supporting farmers, strengthening rural communities and promoting environmental stewardship across the region.
By Joe McGinty