CALS Online and Dean’s Message
Nov. 8, 2021
Dean’s Message
Greetings CALS – I hope you had a chance to enjoy this spectacular weekend, from the fall foliage to the great Cyclone football win! Last week I had a great virtual visit to our McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in southern Iowa; attended parts of the “Star Gazing into the Galaxy of Animal Genetics and Genomics” conference led by Max Rothschild and Sue Lamont, and enjoyed the ISU Distinguished Awards Celebration… Finally, this week is Learning Community Coordinator Recognition Week. Dr. Carmen Bain and I would like to extend our great appreciation for all the learning community coordinators within CALS (listed within the message). The work you do to support and guide our students is incredible.
Top Stories
Meat Science Club Taking Orders for Holiday Hams
The Meat Science Club is taking orders for its annual holiday ham fundraiser. Club members trim, inject, cook, smoke and package the holiday hams and ham hocks, providing them with hands-on meat processing experience. The money raised helps members travel and attend academic conferences, funds industry trip tours and supports meat science club activities and events. Pick-up dates are Thursday, Nov. 11, Nov. 18 or Dec. 9, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Meat Lab sales counter in Kildee Hall.
Summer Sausage and Cheese Orders due Nov. 13
The Block and Bridle Club’s annual holiday summer sausage and cheese sale is open through Saturday, Nov. 13. Orders can be placed online with the option of in-person pick-up on Nov. 16-17 or they will be shipped on Nov. 17. The summer sausage is made by students and staff on campus in the Meats Laboratory and the cheese is from Bongards Premium Cheese in Minnesota. New this year is the opportunity to purchase Iowa State Creamery cheese. The fundraiser helps support scholarships, events and activities for the club.
Snow Blower Service Days Scheduled for Nov. 13-14
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snow blower service days Friday, Nov. 12 (1 to 6 p.m.), and Saturday, Nov. 13 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), at Sukup Hall. The $25 cost includes an oil change, a new spark plug and a power wash. Pickup and delivery (Ames zip code only) is available for $25 within a 10-mile radius and for $35 outside of a 10-mile radius; call (515) 708-8672 or send an email request to astservicedays@gmail.com.
FSHN Silent Auction Begins Nov. 15
The Culinary Science Club, Dairy Products Evaluation Club, Food Science Club and Student Dietetics Association Club are organizing the annual FSHN Silent Auction, set for Nov. 15 to Dec. 1. Winners will be notified on Dec. 2 to pick up items in the Culinary Discovery Lab (2379 Food Sciences Building) on Dec. 3 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Watch for the bidding link in next week’s newsletter. All proceeds benefit the four clubs.
Forestry Club’s Christmas Tree Sale Begins Nov. 27
The Forestry Club is holding its annual Christmas tree fundraiser at the Reiman Gardens parking lot. Trees will be for sale Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12. Hours are Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The club will have Korean fir, balsam fir, Canaan fir and white pine, as well as wreaths. Cash or checks only. Proceeds go toward club activities and student development.
Horticulture Club’s Poinsettia Sale Set for Dec. 1-4
The Horticulture Club is holding its annual poinsettia sale Dec. 1-4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations: Curtiss Hall, Beardshear Hall, the Memorial Union and Reiman Gardens. A pre-order form will be available later in November. Six inch poinsettias will be available for $15; 10 inch for $35. The poinsettias are grown by club members in the Horticulture Greenhouses. Funds raised will be used for covering club activities, contest expenses and student enrichment.
Research
Researcher Issued Patent for Poultry Gut Bacteria Health
Melha Mellata, food science and human nutrition, was recently issued a U.S. and international patent for Gut Bacterium-based Treatment to Increase Poultry Gut Health and Food Safety. In conjunction with her graduate student, Graham Redweik, Mellata investigated probiotic compositions and methods, specifically the method of using segmented filamentous bacteria to improve gastrointestinal health, reduce bacterial pathogens and stimulate host immune function in poultry.
Tarté Highlighted as Innovator in National Meat Industry Magazine
Rodrigo Tarté, animal science, was recently featured as an independent thinker and meat industry innovator in the magazine Meating Place.
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds Partners with ISRC
Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, located in Alexander, Iowa, has joined the Iowa Soybean Research Center as an industry partner. In this role, Latham Seeds provides financial support to the center and will have a representative serving on the ISRC’s industry advisory council, which provides guidance on research funding priorities for the center.
Teaching and Students
Animal Science Professor Publishes First Children’s Book
Jill Paxton, animal science, recently published her first children’s book, The Adventures of Logan and Bailey: Lost in the Woods. The tale depicts a boy and his dog who venture into a forest and must find their way home, and was inspired by her grandson, Jett. Paxton strives to educate young readers through her book, similar to the support she provides her students in the classroom or horse exhibitors overseas.
Rodeo Club to Host Ranch Rodeo Championship
The Rodeo Club at Iowa State is hosting its first Iowa Ranch Rodeo Championship on Nov. 13 at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. A Buck-A-Roo RoundUp will run from 9 a.m. to noon where children can learn cowboy skills. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring Collegiate Cattlemen at ISU at the grill and the Dairy Science Club providing ice cream. The Ranch Rodeo Championship begins at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.).
Extension and Outreach
Integrated Crop Management Conference Set for December
The Integrated Crop Management Conference returns Dec. 1-2 to provide agribusiness and producers information and research updates on the past growing season and tools to prepare for 2022. Now in its 32nd year, the annual event is hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach and CALS. Registration includes a subscription to season two of CropsTV.
Local Food Procurement Coaches Available
The ISU Extension and Outreach Community Food Systems Team recently trained and certified nine people as local food procurement coaches for schools and childcare centers. The coaches are local food experts in their communities. They have knowledge of the local food system and are connected to farms, farmers markets and food hubs.
Ensuring Farm Building Strength is Key to Longevity
A new publication from ISU Extension and Outreach helps farm operators know how to inspect and repair agricultural buildings. Ensuring Farm Building Strength at Critical Connections is available through the Extension Store.
ANR Extension Spotlight: Jason Ross
Jason Ross is a professor of animal physiology in the animal science department, Lloyd Anderson Endowed Professor in Physiology and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center. He works with swine field specialists, pork industry associations, and independent and integrated swine producers across Iowa.
Around the College
University Assists with Temporary Care for Rescue Dogs
Iowa State Veterinary Medicine and animal science students are volunteering their time to help dogs that were part of a rescue effort that began Oct. 14 in southern Iowa. More than 500 dogs and puppies were removed from a licensed breeder in Seymour and surrounding areas at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice because of horrific living conditions. Iowa State received 115 dogs that were brought to the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center.
Iowa State and Alliant Energy Collaborate on Solar Farm
The Iowa Board of Regents has approved a request from Iowa State to proceed with the development of a solar farm and to enter into a lease agreement with Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy will design, construct, own, operate and maintain the solar farm. The solar farm will be located on land that is part of animal science teaching and research farms managed by CALS and its Department of Animal Science. The farms are devoted to beef, sheep, swine, poultry and dairy, and also include the Ag450 Farm.
Dickson Re-appointed to National Advisory Committee
Jim Dickson, animal science, was recently re-appointed to serve another three-year term on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criterial for Foods.
Boury Named AgOnline Teacher of the Year
Nancy Boury, plant pathology and microbiology, received the 2021 AgOnline Teacher of the Year award presented by the Brenton Center for Agricultural Instruction and Technology Transfer. The selection is based on student comments and feedback. “This instructor provided so many resources on Canvas that made learning about pandemics practical,” said a MICRO 265X student. “This is the only course I’ve taken that has had interactive lectures and this helped keep my focus when it comes to online lectures. This instructor also required critical thinking discussion posts that aided in my learning for this course.” Nov. 8-12 is National Distance Learning Week.
Schulte Moore Featured as Change Agent
Lisa Schulte Moore took some career risks while pursuing her vision of more sustainable agricultural systems, but the risks are paying off. Prairie strips, a conservation practice she and her colleagues have championed for more than a decade, have been adopted in more than a dozen states. And in September, she received a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.
Video: Top Rankings Showcase CALS Advantage
Iowa State’s agricultural programs are among the top 4% worldwide among other agricultural and forestry institutions. Learn more about the college’s rankings and how they contribute to the CALS Advantage in a video just released by the college.
WorkFlex Q&A Recording Available Online
CALS held a WorkFlex question and answer webinar on Nov. 5 with Ruth MacDonald, associate dean for personnel and finance, and Rob Stevenson, human resources partner. A recording of the webinar is available online.
CALS Award Nomination Deadline Nov. 16
Nominations for annual awards presented to faculty and staff by CALS are due Nov. 16. The list of college awards and nominating guidelines are available online. Nominations will be reviewed by the college faculty and staff award committees in December and presented during the annual CALS Awards Program, scheduled for March 10, 2022. Nominations for most awards presented by ISU need to be submitted to the college first. The college deadline for university award nominations is Nov. 16. The college award committees will review and forward the best two to three nominations for each award. The list of university awards and nominating guidelines are available online. University awards are presented at the ISU Fall Convocation in September. The award page on the CALS website provides a complete list of awards available, frequently asked questions and a list of past recipients. Contact your departmental awards committee for additional information.
FundISU Campaign Launched for ISU-Uganda Program
The ISU-Uganda Program, administered by the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, has launched a FundISU campaign to target early childhood development in Uganda. Currently, the CSRL program provides a mid-morning meal for children and improves some school infrastructure through classroom, kitchen and latrine construction. With funds from the campaign, the goal is to provide age-appropriate learning materials, improve nutrition through adequate meals throughout the day, increase the number of teachers’ aides/assistants, and continue improving infrastructure at schools in the district. The campaign runs through Nov. 30.
In Memoriam: Neil Harl, Economics
Neil Harl, emeritus Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of economics, passed away Nov. 4. He was 88. Harl (’55 ag and life sciences education, ’65 PhD economics) was a faculty member at Iowa State for more than 50 years. His many areas of expertise included organization of the farm firm, taxation, estate planning, and legal and economic aspects of farm finance. In appreciation for the profound impact Iowa State had on his life as a student, he and his wife, Darlene, provided financial support for the Neil and Darlene Harl Commons in Curtiss Hall. Just before his death, he also created the Dr. Neil Harl Opportunity Award scholarship fund. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 13, at noon. Burial will be in the Iowa State University Cemetery.
Calendar
Nov. 8: Gold Star Hall Ceremony
Three former Iowa State students, two of whom were enrolled in CALS, will be recognized for their military service, and their ultimate sacrifice, at the annual Gold Star Hall ceremony today, Nov. 8, at 3:15 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Donald Griswold Jr., from Clarinda, graduated from Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1941. In June 1942, Griswold was killed on a mission during the Battle of Midway. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. William Ostlund, from Webster City, studied agricultural business at Iowa State in 1936. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942 and was one of 81 men on board the USS Gudgeon submarine that mysteriously disappeared in 1944.
Nov. 10: INRC Water Quality Research Seminar
The next Iowa Nutrient Research Center Water Quality Research Seminar will be held Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. Antonio Arenas, civil, construction and environmental engineering, will discuss linking an agroecosystems model with a hydrologic model to explore the effects of cover crops, small grains and reduced fertilizer rates on flooding and nitrogen export in the Boone River Watershed.
Nov. 11: Dean Robison to Host CALS Chat
Dean Robison will be hosting a CALS Chat on Thursday, Nov. 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in 1330 ATRB. The informal, drop-in event will be an opportunity for casual conversation. ISU Creamery ice cream will be available.
Nov. 18: Pierre Lecture in Soil Science
The William H. Pierre Memorial Lecture in Soil Science will be held Nov. 18 at 2:10 to 3:10 p.m. virtually. Asmeret Berhe, University of California-Merced and President Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, will present “Soil Erosion in Biochemical Cycling of Essential Elements.”
Infograzing
Celebrate First-generation College Students at Nov. 9 Reception
Faculty and staff are invited to meet and chat with first-generation college students at Iowa State during a mixer on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 3 to 5 p.m. in the Memorial Union South Ballroom. The student affairs division, its campus life unit and the dean of students office are sponsoring the event.
Marginalia
Using Icebergs as a Freshwater Resource
One of the most interesting solutions to global water shortages is to tow icebergs from Antarctica and melt them in water stressed areas for freshwater. In a Nov. 4 blog post for Cardinal Tales, published by Special Collections and University Archives at Iowa State, Rachel Nelson states that this idea has been around since the 1800s and in 1977, Iowa State University hosted the First International Conference on Iceberg Utilization. Nelson, a junior in agriculture and society, is a student worker with SCUA and serves as a social media assistant.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/agonline
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online, the newsletter for faculty and staff in Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is published by email every Monday. The deadline for submitting content is 12 p.m. on Thursday.