College News

 

LAWRENCE NAMED VP FOR ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
After a nationwide search, John Lawrence (’84 animal science, MS ’86 economics) has been appointed vice president for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Lawrence, who has been serving as interim vice president since March 2017, previously served as associate dean in CALS and director of agriculture and natural resources extension and outreach. He joined Iowa State as an assistant professor of economics in 1991, serving as an extension livestock economist.  He has served as assistant director of the Agriculture Experiment Station, and director of the Iowa Beef Center. Lawrence also led the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, established in 2013 to develop science-based approaches for reducing the level of nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico.
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CALS DEAN SEARCH UPDATE, LISTENING SESSION MARCH 30

The position announcement for the CALS endowed dean was posted early in March. Nominations for the position may be submitted at any time to Guru Rao, associate vice president for research, at gururao@iastate.edu; and David Spalding, dean of the Ivy College of Business, at spalding@iastate.edu. Alumni and friends are invited to participate in a listening session Friday, March 30 at 4 p.m. to share thoughts on qualities desired in the next dean, as well as opportunities and challenges for the college. The session will be held in 1951 Food Sciences Building, CCUR Auditorium, on the Iowa State University campus. Participants also can join online (https://zoom.us/j/298365885) or by phone: (669) 900-6833 (ID# 298365885). More

 

ABE EARNS TOP RANKINGS IN U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
Iowa State University’s undergraduate program in agricultural and biosystems engineering (ABE) tied for top honors with Purdue and Texas A&M University in recent rankings released by U.S. News and World Report. The department’s graduate program is one of the country’s best ranked at number two. Other high marks went to the College of Veterinary Medicine, statistics and engineering. More

 

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS:

MONARCH CONSORTIUM HONORED, SETS STATE GOALS


The Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium was one of four recipients of an Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Leader Award presented at the Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner March 6. The consortium is a community-led organization whose mission is to enhance monarch butterfly reproduction and survival in Iowa through collaborative and coordinated efforts of farmers, private citizens and their organizations. The consortium recently set a goal of acres devoted to monarch butterfly habitat in the state by 2038 – 480,000 to 830,000 acres. The strategy guides the implementation and documentation of a voluntary, statewide conservation effort based on the best available science. More

 

UNDERSTANDING HURDLES TO COVER CROP ADOPTION
Despite farmers’ positive perceptions about cover crops and the availability of cost-share programs to incentivize their use, Iowa State economists say the return on investment may be the biggest stumbling block to overcome for widespread adoption of the practice. More

According to the Iowa Learning Farms 2017 Field Day Evaluation Report, Iowa cover crop acres grew last year by approximately 22 percent to 760,000 acres. While the positive growth during a time of shrinking profit margins is notable, the rate of growth is 10 percent less than the growth measured in 2016, and still well below the goal of 12.5 million acres of cover crops called for in Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. More

 

HUNGER FIGHTERS:

REDUCING FOOD WASTE, GROWING TO GIVE

An Iowa State research team is testing a new online tool to connect those with food donations to food pantries for pickup and distribution. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s new publication, “Top 13 Vegetables to Donate to Food Pantries,” details the type of vegetables food pantries need the most. Gardeners can review the list and plan ahead to donate veggies in top demand.  

 

SOYBEANS DRIVING IOWA EXPORTS TO CHINA
One in every four rows of soybeans grown in the U.S. is exported to China. With trade valued at $21.4 billion in 2016, China is the second-largest agricultural trading partner with the United States, after Canada. Read more from Iowa State economists about the growing partnership between Iowa farmers and China. More

 

ASMUS TO PRESENT HERTZ LECTURE APRIL 4
Amy Asmus, vice president of the chemical supply company Asmus Farm Supply, will present the 2018 Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture April 4 at Iowa State. Asmus will present, “What Is Possible: Advancing Agriculture Through AGvocacy, Partnerships and Collaboration,” at 7 p.m. in the Dolezal Auditorium, 127 Curtiss Hall, on the Iowa State campus. The event is free and open to the public. Asmus is a native of Walcott and an Iowa State alumna with a degree in graphic design. She joined her husband, Harlan, in running the Asmus family business based in Rake, Iowa, which they purchased from his father in 2004. Asmus Farm Supply was honored with the National Retailer of the Year award November in 2017.  More

 

A PIECE OF HISTORY INSTALLED AT BORLAUG LEARNING CENTER


An oak desk used in the dean’s office by Henry Herbert Kildee, the fourth dean of agriculture at Iowa State, has been donated to the college. Retired extension crop specialist Kay Connelly (’56 farm operation, MS ’68 education), had the desk restored and placed on display in the Borlaug Learning Center at the Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Nashua. More

 

MORE COLLEGE NEWS

 

Alumni News

 

NORTHEY SWORN IN AS UNDER SECRETARY FOR USDA

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue administered the oath of office to Bill Northey (’81 ag business) at the Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner March 6 in Des Moines. Northey had served as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture for more than 11 years. Northey will serve as the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service (FFAS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Northey is a former president of the National Corn Growers Association, served in state and local roles for the Iowa Farm Bureau and is a fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer. More

 

BAAS HONORED FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE


The National Pork Board honored Tom Baas (’72 animal science, ’89 MS, ’90 PhD) with its Distinguished Service Award during the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City on March 1. The award recognizes Baas as an outstanding leader and recognizes his lifelong contribution to the pork industry. A video is available online that provides an overview of Baas’ career. More

 

SCHLEISMAN NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR CONSERVATION

Mark Schleisman (’86 ag business), a farmer near Lake City, was honored with the Conservation Legacy Award from the American Soybean Association for his commitment to improving soil health and water quality. The award was presented during the annual Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California. Schleisman uses in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices to reduce sediment and nutrients in the water leaving his fields. He worked for ConAgra in their popcorn division before returning home to farm in 2011. Mark and his wife, Melissa, run M&M Farms with their son, Matthew, and son-in-law, Colby Winter. The operation includes 4,500 acres of row crops (including 2,500 acres of popcorn), hay and pasture, a 360-head cow-calf herd, 450-head feedlot and finishing about 30,000 pigs annually. More

 

PLAGGES NAMED NATIONAL OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS

Ian Plagge (’07 ag business) and Valerie Plagge (’06 ag and life sciences education), farmers near Latimer, were among four national winners selected during the 62nd National Outstanding Young Farmers Awards Congress. The award program selects recipients based on their agricultural career, practices to conserve soil and water and contributions to community, state and national wellbeing. The Plagges own and manage hog finishing barns and farm corn and soybeans. Ian assists with the management of his family’s seed business, and Valerie participates in the Common Ground online community and writes a blog, Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids. More

 

LASCO NAMED PIG FARMER OF TOMORROW

Emma Lasco (’16 animal science) was named a 2018 Pig Farmer of Tomorrow by the National Pork Board during the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. Lasco, territory manager for Smithfield Foods Midwest Production in Roland, assists growers with implementing Smithfield’s animal care standards. The award recognizes farm leaders, ages 18 to 20, who intend to work in the swine industry in future years and are committed to raising pigs using the pork industry’s ethical principles. More

 

BERGSTROM HONORED FOR EARLY CAREER ACHIEVEMENT

Jon Bergstrom (’92 ag studies), senior technical support manager and market development manager for DSM Nutritional products in Marshall, Missouri, was honored with the Outstanding Early Career Agribusiness Award by the American Society of Animal Science. Bergstrom specializes in swine nutrition, working with the company’s staff and customers to improve animal nutrition, health and welfare. The award recognizes an individual who has made significant positive impacts on products and services offered by their employer. More

 

CARLSON EARNS IOWA AGRICULTURE LEADER AWARD

Sarah Carlson (MS '08 crop production and physiology, sustainable agriculture), was one of four recipients of an Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Leader Award presented by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig at the Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner March 6. Carlson is the strategic initiatives director for Practical Farmers of Iowa. She helps farmers share practical advice and knowledge about cover crops and small grains, and she builds partnerships to grow markets and support research for small grains and cover crops in Iowa and the Midwest. More

 

HANNA HONORED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Mark Hanna (’73 ag engineering, MS ’75, PhD ‘91), a retired agricultural and biosystems engineering specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, received the 2018 Iowa Master Farmer Exceptional Service Award at the 2018 Iowa Master Farmer Awards Day on March 22 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. Hanna retired last October after 42 years at Iowa State. His first job with ISU Extension was as a soil, water and waste management specialist in 1975. Hanna’s research and extension efforts were related to tillage, planting and nutrient management. 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.
 

 

Young Alum of the Month

Kayla Stalder

 

 

 

Title: Naturalist, Decatur County Conservation Board

Hometown: Greenfield, Iowa

Degree: '16 forestry

Major responsibilities: Manage wildlife areas and parks in Decatur County. Present environmental education programs for classrooms and summer camps.

 

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

John Beckman (’17 ag systems technology, industrial technology), ag specialist at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm, was featured by KMA Land radio.

 

Lindsay Calvert (’16 MS ag and life sciences education), director of learning and development for the American Farm Bureau Federation, was featured on the Kirby O. Green Sharpen podcast.

 

Jenna Lansing ('16 ag business) is a new project manager for KG MarketSense in Des Moines.

 

Adelai Swanson (’16 ag business) has been promoted to political action committee manager for the Corteva Agriscience Division of DowDuPont.

 

Ben Shivers (’13 ag studies), a farmer near Bondurant, was featured in the Des Moines Register.

 

Aaron Williams (’13 ag business), a farmer near Villisca, was featured by the blog, Food Tank.

 

Andrew Lauver (’12 ag studies), student at Drake Law School, was featured in Farm News.

 

 

2000s

Catherine Swoboda (’08 agronomy, ’10 MS crop production and physiology), lecturer for the ISU global resource systems program, was featured by Our Sunday Visitor.

 

Nathan Katzer ('07 public service and administration in ag, agronomy), has accepted a position as an investment manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

 

Tyson Allchin (’06 horticulture), mushroom farmer near Columbus Junction and lead grower at Tenco Industries in Ottumwa, was featured in the Quad-City Times.

 

Sherry Olsen (’06 MS meat science, food science and technology, ’12 PhD), ISU animal science lecturer, received the college’s 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award.

 

Tom Thompson (’05 animal science), a farmer near Thompson, was featured in the Globe Gazette

 

Angela Shaw (’03 animal science, ’06 MS meat science, food science and technology), associate professor of food science and human nutrition, received the college’s 2018 Faculty Award for Diversity Enhancement.

 

Betty Gabriel (’02 animal science), played the role of Georgina in the Oscar award-winning film, “Get Out.”

 

Amber Harrison (’02 public service and administration in ag) has accepted a position as vice president of business development and marketing for FieldReveal in Humboldt.

 

Amy Brandau (’00 ag business, ’08 MBA), ISU economics academic adviser, received the college’s 2018 Outstanding Adviser Award.

 

1990s

John Latham ('92 ag business), president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, was presented with the 2017 Ag Business Outstanding Alumni Award by the ISU Ag Business Club.

 

Julianne Johnston (’91 ag journalism) has been hired as a counselor at MorganMyers in Waterloo.

 

1980s

Ken Pecinovsky (’88 agronomy, ’94 MS crop production and physiology), superintendent for the ISU Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, received the college’s 2018 Professional and Scientific Excellence Award.

 

Tad Sonstegard (’87 ag biochemistry), chief scientific officer of Acceligen, the agriculture division of Recombinetics in St. Paul, Minnesota, was featured by Successful Farming.

 

Darren Jarboe (’85 ag business, ’86 agronomy, ’12 PhD industrial and agricultural technology) has been named assistant director and program leader for the agriculture program at University of Maryland Extension and Outreach.

 

David Ertl (’82 MS agronomy, ’84 PhD), technology commercialization manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, has been elected to the North American Plant Phenotyping Network board of directors.

 

1970s

Richard Stribe (’73 animal science, ’74 DVM), veterinarian at Webster City Veterinary Clinic, is retiring after 39 years in the industry.

 

Ted Thompson (’73 animal science), a farmer near Thompson, was featured in the Globe Gazette.

 

1960s

Vic Madsen (’69 animal science), a farmer near Audubon, was re-elected to serve a third term as an at-large director on the Practical Farmers of Iowa board of directors.

 

Dale Green (’67 animal science), owner of Spring Valley Farms near Castalia, was featured by Iowa Farmer Today.

 

William Collins, Sr. ('63 PhD agronomy), co-director of the North Carolina Agricultural Leadership Development Program, was honored with the Watauga Medal from North Carolina State University.

 

In Memoriam

View alumni memoriams

 

Faculty In Memoriam

Kenneth Larson(’54 ag and life sciences education), 86, emeritus professor in agronomy, died February 21. Larson joined the faculty in 1984 and served as associate dean for academic programs from 1984 to 1989. A memorial service was held for Larson on March 17. To honor his memory and service, alumni and friends may contribute to the Department of Agronomy’s Kenneth L. and Ruth M. Larson Agronomy Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students. Give online.

 

 

 

Events

 

April 4, 7 p.m.Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture, presented by Amy Asmus, vice president of Asmus Farm Supply, “What Is Possible: Advancing Agriculture Through AGvocacy, Partnerships and Collaboration,” Dolezal Auditorium, 127 Curtiss Hall. Free and open to the public. More

 

April 7, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Experience Agronomy Day, Agronomy Hall. Hosted by ISU Agronomy Club: technology and sustainability activities, meal packaging, t-shirts provided to participants. Open to middle school youth. Registration requested and available at the door - $5/person, $10/groups of five of more. More

 

April 7, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Animal Learning Day, Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Hosted by ISU Block and Bridle: educational activities, live animal displays, food samples and lunch. Free and open to the public. More

 

April 7, 9:30 a.m. – Sigma Alpha Reunion, ISU Alumni Center. Lunch provided. RSVP requested to kohaire@iastate.edu.

 

April 14, 8 a.m. - Noon – Maple Syrup Days, Iowa Arboretum. Hosted by the forestry honor society Xi Sigma Pi: timber sports demonstrations, nature walks and all-you-can-eat pancakes. Admission is $8/person collected at the door. Open to the public.

 

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

 

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

 

 

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Iowa State University 

303 Curtiss Hall

Ames, Iowa 50011

(515) 294-5616

stories@iastate.edu

http://www.cals.iastate.edu