College News

STORIES OF DISCOVERY:

FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN AG RESEARCH

A new effort to boost federal investment in agricultural research launched in Washington, D.C., bringing together Iowa State with 15 other public and private universities. The initiative, FedByScience, timed with the release of the 2018 House Farm Bill, focuses on demonstrating to the public and policymakers the many ways that USDA-funded universities and researchers are creating a safer, healthier and more productive food system. More

 

FOCUSING ON FEMALE FERTILITY

For Aileen Keating, the scientific process is a mystery waiting to be unraveled. Keating, associate professor of animal science, studies human and animal reproduction. Her research takes on questions regarding how factors such as environmental stress, obesity and chemical exposure affect female fertility, and her work has important implications for both animals and people. More

 

NEW TOOLS FOR ANALYZING THE VALUE OF COVER CROPS
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, has launched a new Ag Decision Maker tool on its website to help crop and livestock farmers assess the economics of cover crops in their operations. The Economics of Cover Crops tool consists of three in-depth budgeting worksheets designed to help farmers analyze the costs and benefits of cover crops in their row crop operations with or without the integration of livestock. More 

 

RENEWING FIGHT VS. SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODES

Farmers preparing for spring planting would do well to renew their commitment to managing soybean cyst nematodes, according to plant pathologist Greg Tylka. “I’m doing everything I can to convince farmers that we are on a slow-moving train heading towards a cliff,” Tylka said of the push to revive a program called the SCN Coalition. More

 

CEDAR RAPIDS’ PROCESSING INDUSTRIES SHOW PROMISE

Iowa State, in cooperation with the City of Cedar Rapids, has released a report identifying new, emerging technologies that could be a starting point for increased economic activity, jobs and start-up companies in the city’s agricultural and bioprocessing industries. The report is an outcome of a partnership begun in 2015 between Iowa State and Cedar Rapids to explore opportunities for expanding the success of the region’s industries. More

 

KEEPING TABS ON RURAL IOWA

As the farm crisis of the 1980s intensified, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach was looking for a way to better understand the situation farmers found themselves in. From that search for information the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll was born in 1982. The longest running survey of its kind, the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll provided a collective voice for Iowa farmers when they needed it most. Understanding the thoughts and opinions of farmers can help shape future research and education. View results. Video

 

ASMUS ON ADVANCING AGRICULTURE: HERTZ LECTURE 2018

Amy Asmus, vice president of Asmus Farm Supply, presented the 2018 Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture on April 4 at Iowa State. Asmus’ presentation, “What Is Possible: Advancing Agriculture Through AGvocacy, Partnerships and Collaboration,” is available online. Video

 

CALS STUDENT SUCCESSES

  • The Iowa State Dairy Products Evaluation Team earned second place in cottage cheese judging at the national Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest, April 18 in Milwaukee.
  • The Department of Horticulture’s Turf Club placed first in the national Sports Turf Managers Association Student Challenge.
  • Kelli Roush, junior in agronomy and member of the Iowa State Soils Team, took first place individual at the National Soils Contest held March 18-23, hosted by the University of Tennessee at Martin. Roush is headed to Brazil in August for the International Soils Contest. The team took sixth place overall.

CALS EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING, RESEARCH, EXTENSION
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences honored more than 20 faculty and staff at the college’s annual awards for excellence in teaching, research and extension on March 10. More

 

MORE COLLEGE NEWS

 

Social Media Spotlight

EXTENSION CROPS TEAM

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Crops Team focuses on integrated management for sustainable agriculture with three priorities: crops, soils and pests. Specialists at the Iowa State campus and around the state help clients understand the importance of food security and environmental stewardship. In this YouTube video they each sum up their work in just six words. Video

 

Alumni News

ROSMANNS NAMED 2018 ORGANIC FARMERS OF THE YEAR

The Rosmanns of Rosmann Family Farms near Harlan, Iowa, were honored Feb. 22 as the 2018 Organic Farmers of the Year at the annual Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The award recognizes Midwest farmers for outstanding land management, innovative farming practices and outreach. Ron (’73 biology) and Maria Rosmann run Rosmann Family Farms along with their sons, David (’04 public service and administration in ag) and Daniel (’05 agronomy), and Daniel’s wife, Ellen (’09 public service and administration in ag, international ag). Their third son, Mark (’08 agronomy, history, ’15 MA professional ag), stays involved, but works in Washington D.C. for the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. More 

 

EBBERS HONORED FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Larry Ebbers (’62 ag and life sciences education, ’68 MS), Iowa State University Professor Emeritus, was honored with the John T. Blackburn Distinguished Pillar Award by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. It is the associations highest honor. More

 

HOIBERG, ANCAR TO BE HONORED AT FACULTY/STAFF INSPIRATION AWARDS

        

Eric Hoiberg and Lequetia Ancar ('99 industrial tech, MS '04, PhD '08 industrial and ag tech), will be among faculty and staff receiving awards at the ISU Alumni Association Inspiration Awards and Annual Recognition May 18.  Hoiberg is an emeritus professor of sociology, former CALS associate dean and adviser of public service and administration in agriculture. Ancar is the assistant director of student services and multicultural liaison officer for the Iowa State College of Engineering. Awardees are nominated by former students in recognition of the significant influence they made in their lives. Tickets for the event may be purchased online.  

 

GAMMA SIGMA DELTA HONORS CALS ALUMNI

Gamma Sigma Delta, the Iowa Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture, presented awards to College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumni, faculty and students on April 13. Three CALS alumni were among the association’s 2018 award recipients. Tom Bass (’72 animal science, ’89 MS, ’90 PhD), animal science professor emeritus, received the Teaching Mission Award. Jason Ross (’00 animal science), animal science associate professor, received the Extension Mission Award. The Alumni Award of Merit was presented to Mike Fowler (’64 ag and life sciences education, ‘68 MS animal science). Fowler worked for 35 years in research and development for Land O’ Lakes. More

 

SWANSONS HONORED BY IOWA 4-H FOUNDATION

Ron Swanson (’61 farm operation), a farmer near Galt, and his wife Florine ('64 home economics), retired executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, were honored with the 2018 Individual Supporter Award from the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the Iowa 4-H Legacy Awards Gala in February. More 

 

OLSON, ROEPKE NAMED ISU AA STATEMENT MAKERS

        

Iowa 'STATEment Makers' is an honor that recognizes the early personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to society of Iowa State's young alumni (graduates 34 years of age and under). Two CALS alumni are among the 2018 recipients. William Olson (’09 microbiology), left, is a student at the Medical University of Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria, where he works on a cell receptor known as Nr2f6 and its role in antibody responses to infection, immunization, and the development of autoimmune disease. Kevin Roepke (’06 public service and administration in ag), is currently the U.S. Soybean Export Council’s regional director for the Americas and is stationed in Mexico. Through his former work with the U.S. Grains Council he lived and worked in Washington, D.C.; Beijing, China; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More

 

Young Alum of the Month

Malcolm Smith

 

Title: Account Representative, Union Pacific

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Degree: '16 global resource systems, public service and administration in ag

Major responsibilities: Managing small to medium customer accounts, identifying customer needs, developing creative business development solutions and negotiating price.

 

JOIN US AT STARS OVER SUNRISE ACRES

CALS alum Lynn Henderson ('74 ag journalism) and his wife Patricia Tice ('75 child development '83 MS education) are hosting an evening of music and Cyclone spirit under the stars at Sunrise Acres – their home near Adel, Iowa. Food and beverage service, as well as live music, will begin at 6 p.m. The event features horse and carriage rides and a program with Endowed ISU Alumni Association President and CEO Jeff Johnson. Tickets are available online for $20/per person. 

 

Class Notes

 

Did you land a new job? Receive an honor or award? Reach a milestone? We’d like to know! Submit your class note via e-mail to stories@iastate.edu.

 

2010s

D’Airius Salibi (’17 food science and human nutrition), product developer for dairy and beverage at US Foods was featured in a company video.

 

Annette Payne (’16 ag and life sciences education) has accepted a sales position at Agri Drain Corporation in Adair. 

 

Kevin Anderson (’15 ag and life sciences education), ag educator at Des Moines Public Schools Central Campus was featured by The Des Moines Register.

 

Lauren Houska (’15 ag and life sciences education) is a new communications specialist at the Iowa Soybean Association.

 

Tara Leytham (’15 ag and life sciences education), ag educator at Beaman-Conrad-Liscomb-Union-Whitten Community Schools, was featured by Ag Daily.

 

Lisa Kubik (’14 ag business) accepted a position as a field manager for the National Corn Growers Association’s Soil Health Partnership.

 

David Mlostek (’14 dairy science, agronomy), was hired as a dairy nutrition consultant for Nutriad, a global feed-additives producer.

 

Kellie Lasack (’12 ag and life sciences education) has started a communications consulting business, Roan Marketing and Communications.

 

Brian Pfeiffer (’12 agronomy) has been hired as a sorghum breeder for Seed Solutions, LLC in Corpus Christi, Texas.

 

Andrew Stammer (’11 agronomy, ’15 MS soil science) has been hired as the director of the University of Wisconsin Soil and Forage Analysis Lab in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

 

2000s

Rusty Gibbs (’07 ag and life sciences education) is the new director of industry relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

 

Amy Grantz (’07 ag and life sciences education, ’09 MS), ag educator at Central DeWitt Community Schools, was featured by The DeWitt Observer.

 

Ben Wallace (’07 animal ecology), fisheries biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, was featured by Storm Lake Radio.

 

Ashley Wolfe (’06 MS ag and life sciences education), ag educator at Grinnell Community Schools was honored with the Golden Apple Award from Who-TV 13.  

 

Wes Rodgers (’05 ag business), has accepted a new position as an assistant vice president of commercial and ag lending at Peoples Bank in Indianola.

 

Jamee Eggers (’02 animal science), has accepted a position as producer education director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

 

Chad Johnson (’00 agronomy, ’04 MS crop production and physiology), vice president and general counsel for Stine Seed Company, has been named to the NewLink Genetics Corporation board of directors.

 

1990s

C. Scanlon Daniels (’97 animal science, ’98 DVM), veterinarian with Circle H Headquarters in Dalhart, Texas, was elected president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

 

Angela Tedesco (’95 MS horticulture) was featured in The Practical Farmer, a newsletter from Practical Farmers of Iowa.

 

Bill Hendrix (’90 entomology) has been hired as vice president of technology for Valent U.S.A., LLC.

 

1980s

Erik Ervin ('89 horticulture), chair of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

 

Mark Schleisman (’86 ag business), farmer near Lake City, was featured in The Practical Farmer, a newsletter from Practical Farmers of Iowa.

 

Tom Oswald (’81 farm operation, ’95 MS professional agriculture), farmer near Cleghorn, was featured by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

 

1970s

David Lubben (’78 farm operation), farmer near Monticello, was featured by the Iowa Soybean Association.

 

1960s

Bruce Johnson (’65 MS ag economics) received the 2018 Don Paton Award from Missouri State University Athletics.

 

In Memoriam

View alumni memoriams

 

Events

 

May 4, 10 a.m. – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Convocation, Hilton Coliseum. More

 

May 5, 10 a.m. - Iowa State University Commencement for CALS students, Hilton Coliseum. More

 

May 31, 6 p.m. - Stars Over Sunrise Acres, Adel, Iowa, ISU Alumni Association, Tickets required. More

 

Save the date:

Sept. 1 – CALS BBQ, Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Open to alumni and friends.

 

Sept. 21-22 – Ag 450 Farm 75th Celebration, Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center and Ag 450 Farm. More

 

 

 

About STORIES Online

STORIES Online is a supplement to STORIES magazine. The e-newsletter delivers college and alumni news, class notes and relevant links each month. If you have news or story suggestions or would like to subscribe please contact editor Melea Reicks Licht at mreicks@iastate.edu.
 

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Iowa State University 

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(515) 294-5616

stories@iastate.edu

http://www.cals.iastate.edu