CALS Online and Dean’s Message
Oct. 21, 2024
Dean’s Message
Hello CALS Colleagues – A few reflections this week on the evolution of higher education. As we work here at Iowa State to consider new degrees, certificates and micro-credentials, accelerated undergrad and BS-to-MS linkages, new types of master's degrees, online in every dimension, what makes meaningful general education, more and more advanced placement credit, etc., etc. - it’s worth thinking back to how we got where we are now. We are sometimes squeezed between traditions and innovations, between established notions of academic authenticity and new approaches, between disciplinary identity and core competencies and trans-disciplinary approaches, and more…
Top Stories
CALS Co-Hosts Annual Food Insecurity Challenge
In a challenge hosted by the Ivy College of Business, CALS and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, students from across disciplines are invited to participate in a team-based challenge to generate new and innovative solutions to food insecurity. Event kickoff, including a hunger banquet, is Nov. 6 from 5-8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Pitch competition is Nov. 19 from 5-8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall.
Research
Water Quality Research is ‘Team Sport’
Water quality researchers usually get the credit for their ideas and the grants they secure to study the ideas’ potential. Less likely to be acknowledged are those who help take the ideas from paper to practice. “So much of our research depends on working closely not only with state and federal agencies, but also with private sector engineers and contractors to help get ideas on the ground,” says Bill Crumpton, ecology, evolution and organismal biology.
Teaching and Students
Block and Bridle Summer Sausage and Cheese Sale Now Open
The Block and Bridle Club’s annual summer sausage and cheese sale is now open. Orders close on Nov. 1. Orders will be available for pick-up during the weeks of Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 (orders will also ship these two weeks). The summer sausage is made in the Meats Laboratory. Cheese curds and cheese blocks are sourced from Homestead Dairy in Waukon, Iowa. Profits from the fundraiser help fund events put on by the club and interest group industry tours.
Landscape Club to Hold Design Session Oct. 26
The Landscape Club is holding a design session on Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 9 a.m. Sessions include a basic site overview, plant recommendations and a landscape perspective drawing. Each one-hour session is $125. The event is a fundraiser to support their participation in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
Uganda Alliance Holds Pop-Up Craft Sales
The Uganda Alliance is a student-run organization that sells crafts, including hand woven raffia baskets, made by a mothers group in Uganda, with 100% of the profits returning to the women in the craft group. There are two sales left this fall – Thursday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside Parks Library. The last sale will take place Nov. 1, same time and place.
Snow Blower Service Days Scheduled for Nov. 8-9
The Agricultural Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snow blower service days Nov. 8 (1-6 p.m.), and Nov. 9 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), at Sukup Hall. The $30 cost includes an oil change, a new spark plug and a power wash. Pickup and delivery (Ames zip code only) is available for an additional $25; send an email request to astservicedays@gmail.com.
Extension and Outreach
High Tunnel Short Course Features Innovative Production Techniques
Registration is open for the 2024 High Tunnel Short Course on Nov. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Iowa Arboretum near Madrid. The short course is free, but online registration is required by Oct. 31.
Soil Compaction Field Day Scheduled for Nov. 15
Soil compaction resulting from farm machinery and field traffic, ways to minimize compaction and strategies to mitigate soil compaction that may have already occurred will be demonstrated and discussed at a Nov. 15 field day at Iowa State’s Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Research Farm near Boone.
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in All 99 Counties
Emerald ash borer, an ash tree-killing insect, now has been confirmed in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Landowners with ash trees on their property should begin to consider a course of action for at-risk trees, which are generally those within a 15-mile radius of a known infestation. ISU Extension and Outreach has produced a publication about EAB treatments.
Around the College
CSRL to Host Borlaug Dialogue Side Event
The Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods is holding a side event at the World Food Prize International Borlaug Dialogue on Oct. 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The evening will consist of a 15-minute video commemorating the center’s 20th anniversary and a panel discussion with the CSRL team moderated by Dean Robison. Author Roger Thurow will share an excerpt from his book “Against the Grain” along with photos taken by Anne Thurow. The program will be followed with a networking reception. Registration to the World Food Prize International Borlaug Dialogue is not required to attend this event. RSVPs are appreciated.
United Way of Story County Campaign Continues
The 2024 United Way of Story County campaign continues, and CALS is now only $22,417 short of reaching its fundraising goal of $65,000. Donations can be made through payroll deduction, credit card, check or Venmo (#CALS).
Calendar
Oct. 23: CALS Town Hall
Join Dean Robison for a Town Hall meeting on Oct. 23, at 12:15 p.m. in 2432 Food Sciences Building.
Oct. 25: Animal Nutrition Showcase
The Department of Animal Science is hosting the second annual ISU Animal Nutrition Showcase on Friday, Oct. 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Reiman Gardens.
Oct. 29: Fall Into CALS
The CALS Staff Council is hosting a social on Oct. 29 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Harl Commons, Curtiss Hall. Enjoy apple cider donuts and beverages and visiting with co-workers.
Dec. 5: Save the Date
A ribbon cutting and open house for the Digital Ag Innovation Center in the Iowa State University Research Park is Dec. 5 from 3-6 p.m.
Infograzing
Understanding How Plants Balance Growth and Survival
Hongqing Guo, genetics, development and cell biology, received a $1.8 million federal grant to study a gene that affects both how plants grow and how they respond to environmental threats. Unraveling the balancing act between fortifying and flourishing could help scientists develop crops that are more resilient in challenging conditions.
Grow and Give Program Surpasses 15,000 Pounds of Produce Donated
Reiman Gardens’ newly rebranded Grow and Give program, formerly known as Plant a Row, is helping feed Central Iowans by the truckload. Heading into the last week of its donation season, the Gardens have collected and distributed more than 15,000 pounds of produce that has been given back to local food pantries across Story County and surrounding areas in 2024. Local organizations contribute to the program’s success. Iowa State’s Horticulture Research Station gave Grow and Give a large boost in late September with the donation of 1,200 pounds of peppers. The Ames Main Street Farmers Market has been instrumental in donating produce as well. Each Saturday, many of the vendors donate what they haven’t sold to the Reiman Gardens booth.
Marginalia
Farm-to-Table Dinner Series Highlights Iowa Agriculture and Culinary Talent
The Iowa Tourism Office and Choose Iowa have partnered with the Iowa Restaurant Association to launch a seasonal farm-to-table dinner series, celebrating the connection between Iowa’s agricultural diversity and its culinary talent. The first dinner will take place on Oct. 29 at Wilson’s Orchard and Farm in Iowa City, where Chef Benjamin Smart of Big Grove Brewery will showcase ingredients from local farms in a five-course menu.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/cals-online
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.