CALS Online and Dean’s Message
June 15, 2026
Dean’s Message
Hello CALS – The beauty of our campus is never more evident than in these early summer months. As we welcome families for orientation, they’re greeted by blooming trees and fragrant pathways that showcase our campus at its finest… At the same time, the gentler pace of summer offers us a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect. Taking time to restore and refresh isn’t a luxury - it’s essential fuel for the year ahead…
Top Stories
Iowa State’s Feed Mill Blends Production, Research and Education
Defining the mission and commitment of a college to its students can sometimes be difficult; other times a 100-foot-tall concrete milling tower paints the picture clearly. The Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex provides a state-of-the-art opportunity for students in CALS and across the university to graduate with experience few peers can match and fill important workforce needs. The facility is in its second year of operation along U.S. Highway 30. In the years ahead, the feed mill will become a hub that integrates the university's crop and livestock operations. Feed -- made from crops grown in Iowa State fields and produced at the mill -- will meet the needs of Iowa State's farms -- swine, poultry, turkey, dairy and beef.
Research
Integrating ‘Citizen Science’ with Experimental Data Helps Uncover How Plants Adapt
A research team led in part by Jianming Yu, agronomy, combined public data with designed experiments to discover how different variants of switchgrass adapt to their environment, causing the plant to flower earlier in northern latitudes.
Dentzman Part of New International Research Partnership
Iowa State University and Nueva Vizcaya State University in the Philippines have formalized a new research collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening international cooperation in agricultural research and extension. The partnership brings together Katherine Dentzman, sociology and criminal justice, and Solo Mercene, College of Agriculture at NVSU, to advance qualitative research and extension skills related to pest management outreach in both countries.
Teaching and Students
New Animal Science Degree to Prepare Students for Industry
The Department of Animal Science will offer a new bachelor’s degree in animal enterprise and innovation beginning in August 2026. This one-of-a-kind program will combine training in the core animal science curriculum with business acumen through classes in economics, data management, entrepreneurship and technology systems to meet the needs of an expanding industry.
AI Tutor Supports Student Learning
Karl Kerns, animal science, has spent the past two years creating and refining an AI tutor with his graduate students. Unlike any other program offered at Iowa State, it provides an educational resource students can use when it’s convenient for them – whether that’s in between classes, late at night or on the weekend.
Farm Progress Show Features Career Crawl
The 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone on Sept. 1-3 will feature a “Career Crawl” presented by AgCareers.com. This experience will allow agriculture students and recent graduates the chance to explore internships and full-time career opportunities while building industry connections, and access professional development resources from AgCareers.com. Students and faculty may register for complimentary admission to be used on any day of the Farm Progress Show.
CALS Student Builds Skills for the Future
Jacob Beenken, a junior in agricultural systems technology, helps bring creative ideas to reality through his work in the student concept center. His primary responsibility is supporting project fabrication using the waterjet, which uses highly pressurized water to cut components from flat sheets of metal.
Soy Squad Shapes Future Ag Leaders
The Iowa Soybean Association’s Soy Squad offers a firsthand look at the agricultural industry beyond the classroom. Fourteen CALS students were a part of this year’s class. The June 2026 issue of the Iowa Soybean Review features Wyatt Anderson, a junior in agricultural and rural policy studies, and Olivia Marti, a senior in agricultural business.
Extension and Outreach
New World Screwworm: What Swine Producers Need to Know
New World Screwworm has not been identified in any commercial U.S. swine herds at the time of this writing, however, the Iowa Pork Industry Center emphasizes that prevention, early detection and rapid response are the best tools to protect livestock. The center has the following information available on its website, as well as key takeaways:
- What is New World Screwworm
- Why Should Swine Producers be Concerned
- Signs of a Possible NWS Infestation
- Prevention: Your Best Defense
- Housing Considerations
- What to Do if you Suspect NWS
- Additional Resources
Program Provides High School Students with Precision Ag Lessons
A program sponsored by the Digital Ag Innovation Lab provides Iowa agriculture teachers training, tools and curriculum to introduce high school students to the basics of precision agriculture. The PATCH (Precision Ag Technology Curriculum for High Schools) program includes carts mounted with a GPS receiver and a light bar for guidance to demonstrate core concepts while providing flexibility for teachers. The program debuted in 22 high school agriculture classrooms in Iowa this year and will expand to another round of schools across the state this fall.
Solar Farm to Hold Open Houses from June to September
Iowa State is holding a series of open house events at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State University south of Ames. Participants will tour the farm and learn about agrivoltaics — the integration of solar energy and agriculture. Nine open houses are scheduled June through September, with the next scheduled for Saturday, June 20. This opportunity is available at no cost to participants, but pre-registration is required online to attend.
Around the College
Schulte Moore to Serve as Interim Associate Vice President for Research
Lisa Schulte Moore, natural resource ecology and management and director of the Bioeconomy Institute, will serve as interim associate vice president for research in the Office of the Vice President for Research, effective this month. She will replace James Reecy, who is taking a new leadership role at Texas Tech University.
Nettleton Appointed Associate Dean for LAS
Dan Nettleton, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Statistics, has been appointed associate dean for finance and operations in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective July 1.
Horton Receives Dokuchaev Award from International Union of Soil Science
Robert Horton, agronomy, received the 2026 Dokuchaev Award from the International Union of Soil Science at the World Congress of Soil Science, June 7-12, in China. The award is given every four years and recognizes a scientist’s fundamental contributions to soil science throughout their career.
Peters Receives Marvin Pomerantz Award
Nick Peters, plant pathology, entomology and microbiology, received a Marvin A. Pomerantz Award for Faculty Enrichment for 2026-2027. The award supports faculty deemed outstanding in their position responsibilities, which may encompass teaching, research, service, professional practice, and/or outreach and extension.
Nominations Open for 2026 Cohort of CALS Staff Champions
Nominations are open for the 2026 cohort of the CALS Staff Champions program. Staff (P&S or merit) will be selected to participate in a professional development program focusing on the college’s mission, operations and strategic priorities. Sessions will take place the second Friday of each month from July to December from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch provided. Contact Alicia Hauser for a nomination form, ahauser@iastate.edu. Applications are due June 26.
Produce for Sale at the Horticulture Research Station
The Horticulture Research Station’s 2026 season of community produce sales is underway. Orders must be placed by noon on Thursday. Pickup is every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kildee Hall atrium. Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted.
Children Invited to Propose New Ice Cream Flavor
Children 12 years and younger are invited to “color” a new ice cream flavor for the ISU Creamery. Coloring sheets and the contest entry form can be downloaded from the ISU Creamery website. Entries are due at the retail store by 5 p.m. on July 1. The winning entry will be announced on July 10. The winning ice cream flavor will be made at the Creamery and sold for a limited time in the store.
Video: Sneak Peek at 2026 STORIES Magazine
Wes Wierson ('13 microbiology, '18 PhD molecular cellular and developmental biology) is working to cure cancer in dogs with his company, LEAH Labs. Don't miss his story in STORIES magazine, coming August 2026.
Calendar
June 16: Bee-utiful Blooms Art Walk
University Museums in celebrating National Pollinator Week early with a guided walk through the Anderson Sculpture Garden’s New Perennial Movement Garden. Explore the seasonal blooms that attract bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators with Katherine Kral O’Brien, natural resource ecology and management, on Tuesday, June 16, from noon to 1 p.m.
June 18: CALS Chat to Recognize Dean Robison
A special CALS Chat to recognize Dean Daniel Robison is Thursday, June 18, from 1-2:30 p.m. in Harl Commons. Cake and ice cream will be served. RSVPs appreciated.
June 19: Dairy Farm Open House
The annual Dairy Farm Open House is Friday, June 19, from 7:30-11:30 a.m. The day offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern dairy farming, animal care and agricultural innovation at Iowa State. The family-friendly event is offered at no cost. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the facility, speak with sponsors and dairy farmers, and learn how milk is produced.
June 26: Retirement Reception for Susana Goggi
A retirement reception for Susana Goggi, agronomy, is June 26 from 3-5 p.m. at the Seed Science Center. Since joining Iowa State in 1994, Goggi has built a distinguished career focused on improving seed quality for farmers and seed companies in Iowa and around the world.
June 30: Retirement Reception for Don Sakaguchi
A retirement reception for Don Sakaguchi, Morrill Professor in genetics, development and cell biology and director of the Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Programs, is June 30 from 3-5 p.m. (program at 3:30 p.m.) in the Bessey Hall atrium. Please RSVP by Friday, June 19.
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.
Communications Kiosk
Sneaked or Snuck: A Modern English Mystery
Sneak had the past tense form sneaked when it first appeared in the late 1500s, but about 300 years later, in the late 1800s, the form snuck started showing up in the United States. Some people object to the sneaky upstart – especially speakers of British English – but it appears regularly and without commentary in respected publications on both sides of the pond. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Infograzing
Pollinator Fest is June 20 at Reiman Gardens
Celebrate National Pollinator Week -- an annual celebration in support of pollinator health -- with activities and displays at Reiman Gardens and enjoy Pollinator Fest on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garden admission fees apply.
Volunteers Needed for ISU State Fair Exhibit
The university marketing and communications team is recruiting faculty and staff volunteers to roll and hand out posters or hand out bags and waterless tattoos at the university’s main exhibit at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 13-23. Visitors to "Iowa State University, Then.Now.Next," will take a trip down memory lane from the 1960s through today. Volunteers receive free admission for the day of their shift and a themed T-shirt to wear during their shift.
Marginalia
Did You Know: Sliced Bread Ban Has Been Lifted
By the 1940s, sliced bread made up the vast majority of store-bought bread. But World War II meant food rationing and restrictions, and on January 18, 1943, machine-sliced bread was banned. The intention was to help counteract increased flour costs and to conserve resources like wax paper and the metal used to make bread-slicing machines. However, the sliced bread ban was incredibly unpopular, and because the savings were less than anticipated, it was canceled after just two months.
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.