Like many folk traditions of saying “Rabbit, rabbit” to your colleagues on the first day of the month has an unclear origin and has several variations and interpretations. We use it a reason to explore university research into food sources; the proper business of education communities everywhere. In one version of the tradition, saying “Rabbit, rabbit” or “White rabbit” as the first words upon waking on the first day of the month is believed to bring good luck for the rest of that month. It is thought to ensure good fortune, happiness, and general positivity throughout the coming weeks.
The specific origins and reasons behind this tradition are difficult to trace, as superstitions often evolve and are passed down through generations. It’s worth noting that this practice is not universally known or followed, and its popularity may vary among different regions and communities. Ultimately, the saying “Rabbit, rabbit” on the first day of the month is an example of a charming and whimsical superstition that some individuals enjoy participating in as a fun way to start the month on a positive note.
Officer goes viral after response to ‘Mrs. Anonymous’ complaint over lemonade stand
“Thank you to “Mrs. Anonymous” for calling to complain about a kids’ lemonade stand. We responded and enjoyed a refreshing cup while making some new friends!” pic.twitter.com/WnkLgkyHZM
The Ploughman’s lunch belongs to the English foodway of simple cold meals built around bread, cheese and preserved foods. Its ingredients reflect the farmhouse, dairy, bakery and kitchen garden: a substantial piece of cheese, crusty bread, butter, pickled onions or chutney, often accompanied by apple, ham, boiled egg or salad.
Requiring little preparation and no cooking at the table, it evokes food carried into the fields or served at an inn during the working day.
Though the modern name and standardized pub presentation are comparatively recent, its components are much older: local produce, preservation, seasonality and refreshment arranged as an ordinary meal.
Ophelia Lovibond studied English at the University of Sussex, graduating in 2008.
How are our researchers transforming lives? From protecting children to preventing exploitation, our researchers are putting people at the heart of their research. Hear from our Centres of Excellence.
“…A land-grant university (also called land-grant college or land-grant institution) is an institution of higher education in the United States designated by a state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890.
The Morrill Acts funded educational institutions by granting federally controlled land to the states for them to sell, to raise funds, to establish and endow “land-grant” colleges. The mission of these institutions as set forth in the 1862 Act is to focus on the teaching of practical agriculture, science, military science, and engineering (though “without excluding… classical studies”), as a response to the industrial revolution and changing social class. This mission was in contrast to the historic practice of higher education to focus on a liberal arts curriculum. A 1994 expansion gave land grant status to several tribal colleges and universities….”
The Morrill Land-Grant Act has not undergone significant changes in its core structure within the past decade. However, there have been important developments and discussions surrounding its implementation, particularly regarding the use of land originally designated under the Act.
One key area of focus has been the ongoing management of trust lands associated with land-grant universities. Investigations have revealed that many of these lands continue to generate substantial revenue, often through activities such as fossil fuel production, mining, timber sales, and agriculture.
For instance, between 2018 and 2022, trust lands associated with land-grant universities generated over $6.7 billion in revenue. These investigations have also highlighted the historical context of how these lands were acquired, often from Indigenous nations, sparking ongoing debates about equity and restitution.
📢 REMINDER
If you are seeking eligibility for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, ensure your 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 PM ET on Dec. 19, 2025. Qualifying FBA payments are scheduled to be released by Feb. 28, 2026. https://t.co/ABBRK1b9xhpic.twitter.com/cLHZI2zeLq
Several universities associated with the Morrill Land-Grant Act continue to generate significant revenue from fossil fuels, timber, and agricultural activities. Here are some examples:
Washington State University (WSU): WSU benefits from timber sales on its trust lands, which have generated over $1.1 billion in revenue from 1889 to 2022. These lands are used for timber production, grazing, and other activities (Grist).
University of Arizona: The university’s trust lands are involved in grazing, timber, and fossil fuel production. These lands generate revenue through leases for activities such as mining and oil extraction (Grist).
University of Texas: The Permanent University Fund, which includes land-grant lands, generates revenue primarily through oil and gas production. The University of Texas system benefits significantly from these fossil fuel activities (Grist).
University of Wyoming: Like other land-grant institutions, the University of Wyoming manages trust lands that produce revenue through activities like coal mining and grazing (Grist).
These activities raise important questions about the environmental and ethical implications of continuing to use land-grant trust lands in this manner, especially given the historical context of how these lands were acquired.
The University of Wyoming Extension service provides research and education to farmers and ranchers; funded by federal, state, and local sources:
Agricultural production and management: The Extension service provides information and resources on topics such as crop production, livestock management, and farm business management.
Soil and water management: The Extension service offers expertise on soil fertility, irrigation, water quality, and conservation practices.
Pest management: The Extension service provides resources and support for integrated pest management, including information on insect and disease control, weed management, and pesticide safety.
Youth education: The Extension service offers educational programs and activities for youth interested in agriculture, including 4-H clubs and competitions.
Community development: The Extension service works with local communities to support economic development, tourism, and natural resource conservation.
The Extension service also offers consultations, workshops, field days, and other events to help farmers and ranchers stay up-to-date on the latest research and technologies in agriculture.
Soybeans play a critical role in the food chain as a source of protein and oil for human consumption, animal feed, food processing, industrial applications, and sustainable agricultural practices. They are a versatile and widely used crop that contributes to various aspects of the global food system.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
