CALS Online and Dean’s Message
June 23, 2025
Dean’s Message
Hello CALS – Summer solstice and hot days this weekend! Hope you stayed hydrated! Please always do when out in the heat and the sun… Last week we hosted the 12-state regional Mini Land-Grant Conference, where college leadership and private citizens supporting land-grant colleges of agriculture from across the region gathered as they do each year in a different place to talk about what makes the land-grant system of support for agriculture and related sciences so important, and to encourage continued and enhanced federal support. The meeting this summer was especially important in these regards…
Top Stories
Animal Ecology Major Renamed to Include ‘Wildlife’ and ‘Fisheries’
To clarify what students will study, the animal ecology major has been renamed the wildlife and fisheries conservation and ecology major at Iowa State University. Aside from the new name, no other changes were made – the degree requirements, classes and emphasis areas remain the same. Stephen Dinsmore, chair of the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, where the major is housed, said there were two reasons for the name change: the new name aligns more closely with what the major is called at other institutions – many of which include “wildlife” or “fisheries” in the major’s name; and it prevents confusion with the animal science major. Students currently enrolled as an animal ecology major can either remain in this major or switch to the new name. Fall 2025 incoming students will be classified under the major’s new name.
Extension and Outreach
Weed Science Field Day is July 2 at Curtiss Farm
A Weed Science Field Day is July 2 at Iowa State’s Curtiss Farm in Ames from 8:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a complimentary lunch. The event will feature field plot tours, presentations and demonstrations on weed management practices and herbicide programs. The ISU Extension and Outreach Weed Science program, led by Wesley Everman, extension weed specialist, has approximately 60-70 herbicide evaluations and weed control trials planned this year, evaluating new and existing herbicides for weed control in corn and soybeans. This event is available at no cost, but participants must RSVP by June 25.
Building a Culture of Conservation: 20 Years of Inspiring Iowans
Founded upon and committed to a focus on directly reaching and engaging with farmers, Iowa Learning Farms has grown and succeeded over its 20 years by developing and honing a diverse suite of both in-person and virtual outreach events designed to connect directly with participants in a variety of ways. Takeaways from 20 years of outreach are featured in a blog post by Mitch Harting, water outreach specialist.
Around the College
AGEDS Faculty and Staff Receive Awards at AAAE Conference
Scott Smalley, agricultural education and studies, was one of four co-authors awarded the Journal of Agricultural Education Article of the Year award by the American Association for Agricultural Education at its annual conference in Lubbock, Texas. Smalley and doctoral student Joe Ramstad presented a research poster with Natasha Mortenson, Minnesota FFA Association. “School-Based Agricultural Education Students’ Affinity Toward and Perceptions of Welding Skills” received a Top 10 Research Poster award.
USASBE Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium in Ames, July 8-11
The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s 2025 Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium is being hosted by Iowa State July 8-11 in Ames. This year’s event, “Transforming the Heartland: Rural Retail, Manufacturing and Tourism Innovation in the Midwest,” will focus on rural retail, entrepreneurship, small business, manufacturing, agriculture and technology. Registration is still open, and CALS faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
Calendar
June 26: Robert Horton Retirement Reception
A retirement reception for Robert Horton, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in agronomy, is Thursday, June 26, at 3 p.m. in the Agronomy Commons (program at 3:30 p.m.). Well wishes may also be posted to Horton’s kudo board.
More Events Listed on CALS Website
Find more events on the CALS Events webpage. Submit events for inclusion on this list to madelyno@iastate.edu or jstewart@iastate.edu.
Infograzing
Butterfly Wing Docent Training Scheduled for July 11
The Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing at Reiman Gardens is open daily to visitors and relies heavily on the time and dedication of its trained butterfly wing docent volunteers. Butterfly Wing Docent Training takes 1.5 hours. The next session is scheduled for July 11 at 11:30 a.m.
Then and Now: The Power of Agriculture
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. They began their celebration by posting a blog and an interactive timeline about NRCS history and a video about how they’ve helped farmers over the years. They’ve also been sharing historical photos on social media that show how the NRCS mission has both changed and stayed the same.
Marginalia
Iowa Adventure Pass Returns
The Iowa Adventure Pass is a collaborative program that gives Iowa library cardholders free or discounted access to a variety of cultural and educational attractions, including museums, zoos, gardens and more. Established in 2017, the program began with 11 libraries in the Des Moines metro area and a partnership with Blank Park Zoo. Since then, it has expanded statewide, with more than 70 participating libraries and 17 destination attractions. After a brief pause, the Iowa Adventure Pass program has relaunched. Each pass offers free entry for two adults and two children (unless otherwise specified) and is one more way the library connects users to new experiences.
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.