College News

IOWA STATE'S AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS MAINTAIN TOP RANKING

Top 4% ranking

For the ninth year in a row, Iowa State’s agricultural programs have been named to the top 4% worldwide among other agriculture and forestry institutions, according to the 2022 QS World University Rankings. Iowa State’s agricultural programs ranked 14 among 410 institutions worldwide in 2022. Nationally, Iowa State ranked 7 out of 62 U.S. higher education institutions with agricultural and forestry programs. More

AgEI TRANSITIONS TO START SOMETHING CALS

Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative has undergone a name change to Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Director Kevin Kimle ('91 MS economics) said the program went from idea to action to organization producing results. While the brand of the program transitions, the work remains the same – to spur the creation of tomorrow’s agriculture by developing agricultural entrepreneurs and change-makers, supporting agricultural business and farm startups, and building a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and transformation. More

KIMLE LAUDED FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL EFFORTS

Kevin Kimle standing, speaking into a microphone while holding an award

Kevin Kimle, Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship and director of Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was presented one of the inaugural Pioneering College Innovation awards April 21. Kimle joined Iowa State’s faculty in 2009 to serve as director of the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative (now called Start Something CALS). He has been helping entrepreneurial-minded students find success ever since through various innovative programs and courses offered. More

BREAKING GROUND ON NEXT-GEN AG MARKETS

Researchers are working to create new markets for Iowa agriculture. Scientists including Alejandro Plastina, economics, and Lisa Schulte Moore and Omar de Kok-Mercado, natural resource ecology and management, are working on innovative ways to grow new value, new markets and new revenue streams from Iowa soils. More

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH LOOKS AT TILE DRAIN INPUTS TO STREAM WATER QUALITY

Research led by Marshall McDaniel, agronomy, and supported by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, offers new insights on how tile drainage water – and the stream’s history of nutrient loading – influences in-stream potential for nutrient enrichment and eutrophicationMore

RESEARCHER ON GAME FISH AIMS TO IMPROVE FUTURE SURVIVAL, ANGLER SUCCESS

Survival of popular game fish is the focus of research by Michael Weber, natural resource ecology and management, who studies a variety of issues that impact fisheries and success for anglers, with help from dedicated graduate students and state biologists. More

HILL PRESENTS HERTZ LECTURE ON EMERGING ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE

Craig Hill standing at the end of an empty field with grain bins in the background

The Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture took place April 12 on Iowa State's campus. Craig Hill, Iowa farmer and former president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, presented “The Future of Agriculture: A Reflection and Discussion on Emerging Trends and Issues.” Watch recorded lecture

STUDY FINDS LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION HAS SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS

A new study examining a range of environmental impacts of vegetable production and distribution found local production offers significant benefits overall when compared to the large-scale methods that represent most of current vegetable sales to supermarkets. An article on the research findings, selected as Editor’s Choice for 2021 in the "Journal of Sustainability," was authored by Tiffanie Stone, graduate student in the environmental science program, and co-authored by several CALS faculty members. More

GRADUATE ASSISTANT PUBLISHES ON HEALTH BENEFITS OF WINE

Drinking beer and spirits is linked to elevated levels of visceral fat – the harmful type of fat associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and other health complications. On the other hand, drinking wine shows no such association with levels of this harmful fat and may be protective against it, depending on the type of wine consumed. In an article for "The Conversation," Brittany Larsen, graduate assistant in genetics, development and cell biology, shared these key takeaways of research she and colleagues recently conducted. More

Billy Beck holding up a green leaf

NEW VIDEO SERIES DEMONSTRATES TREE I.D. TECHNIQUES

Billy Beck, ISU Extension and Outreach forestry specialist, has released a series of five videos on using leaves, twigs, buds, bark and fruit to help identify backyard Iowa trees. He also encourages use of the online Tree Identification Key to help identify various Iowa trees. More

Gold and red flowers blooming

PUBLICATIONS OFFER ADVICE FOR GROWING PERENNIALS AND ANNUALS

Several updated publications from ISU Extension and Outreach horticulture specialist Cynthia Haynes offer advice for optimal success in growing perennials and annuals. Publications are available at the Iowa State University Extension Store. More

ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH RESOURCES, EVENTS

These are just a few of the many new and updated resources and upcoming events from ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources. View more on the ANR website.

 

Alumni News

CALS ALUMNI TO RECEIVE HIGHEST HONORS

Mark Erlander, left, and Robert Walton

Today, the Iowa State University Alumni Association and Iowa State University Foundation will be presenting the university's highest awards during the Distinguished Awards Celebration. Mark Erlander ('84 MS biochemistry and biophysics) and Robert Walton ('61 PhD animal science) will be two of the three recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, bestowed to alumni known for outstanding contributions to their professions or life's work. More

WEBER NAMED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

During the 2022 Iowa FFA State Convention, Micah Weber (‘01 agricultural and life sciences education, ‘09 MS), Rock Valley High School ag instructor, was named Iowa’s Agriculture Educator of the Year by the Iowa FFA Foundation and Nationwide Insurance. Weber was selected out of seven state finalists for his excellence in agriculture education and promotion of the field’s importance. Other finalists included Ashley Wiebe (‘12 agricultural and life sciences education, ‘18 MS), Jamie Christiansen (‘05 agricultural and life sciences education, ‘16 MS), Jon Davis (‘90 agricultural and life sciences education, ‘00 MS), and Kevin Cooper (‘83 agricultural and life sciences education). More

ALUMNUS PENS BOOK ABOUT HISTORY OF NEW FARMERS OF AMERICA

Antoine Alston (’00 PhD agricultural education and studies) recently co-wrote “The Legacy of the New Farmers of America,” a historical narrative about a national organization meant for Black farm boys studying vocational agriculture in high school. Through photos and narratives, the 127-page book looks at the structure and leadership of the NFA, as well as the impacts it had on the community before the organization merged with FFA in 1965. More

Antoine Alston holding a copy of the book, "The Legacy of the New Farmers of America"
 

Young Alum of the Month

Photo of Young alum of the month

Theresa Brehm ('20 global resource systems, environmental science) is studying the effects of natural gas pipeline installation on agricultural soils and crop yields throughout Ohio as she works toward her master's degree at The Ohio State University. She has been able to apply many of the soil science concepts and skills she learned at Iowa State regarding soil compaction, nutrient management and water movement through disturbed soils. More

 
 

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