With their omnivorous appetites and modest housing needs, pigs are an important part of food security in the Islands, and CTAHR Extension is getting swine producers the help they need to keep local pork production safe and sustainable. Livestock Extension agent Savannah Katulski hosted a Kaua‘i Swine Day this month at the Kaua‘i Agricultural Research Station.

According to biologist JBS Haldane, this is what the Creator must have, since there are so many different varieties. In celebration of an even more eminent British scientist, the UH Insect Museum will hold an open house to introduce visitors to the wonderful world of insects—including beetles!—in honor of Darwin’s 210th birthday. 

Women are still underrepresented in science fields, but here’s an event that’s working to change that. Sacred Hearts Academy is offering a great opportunity for girls in high school and college to network with STEM professionals in an interactive format! Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual STEM Symposium 4 GIRLS, which aims to inspire students to embrace science, technology, engineering, and math! 

The CTAHR Annual Blood Drive is coming up, so if you’ve got some spare blood, this is a fabulous thing to do with it! The blood bank needs 200 donors a day to mee demand, and helping them out with that is a great way to give back to the community and those in need. Donors will be able to vote for the CTAHR department of their choice, and the winning department will receive $1000 for instructional use.

Every office needs someone to keep it running smoothly, which is why the Kamuela Cooperative Extension office is so glad that Raquel Stephenson has joined as the new office assistant IV. Raquel is originally from O‘ahu, but she and her family moved to agricultural land in Waimea on Hawai‘i Island several years ago. She is excited about learning more about the Big Island as well as agriculture on the island.