CALS Online and Dean’s Message
Aug. 31, 2026
Top Stories
Iowa State to Exhibit Resources, Agricultural Research at Farm Progress Show
Iowa State will feature cutting-edge resources and agricultural research at the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone Sept. 1-3. This year’s exhibit covers a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, nitrogen management and various decision-making tools, giving visitors a chance to connect one-on-one with content experts.
N-FACT Can Help Farmers Walk the Nitrogen Tightrope
Nitrogen, the most expensive – and necessary – input for Iowa corn production, requires considering the risks of both overapplying and underapplying. Researchers with the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative at Iowa State have developed a tool to support more informed N application. Visitors to Iowa State’s exhibit at the Farm Progress Show in Boone Sept. 1-3, will have the chance to learn more about the resource and why it’s a go-to for this challenging management decision.
ISRC to Feature Innovative Research at Farm Progress Show
Plant sensors that can detect changes in soybean plants and the two-armed “PhenoAgent” robot that can apply those plant sensors and other precision-related tasks are emerging technologies that will be demonstrated by faculty research affiliates of the Iowa Soybean Research Center at the Farm Progress Show in Boone Sept. 1-3.
How Prairie Strips Can Convert Eyesore Acres into Profitable Ones
Prairie strips, a practice that integrates tallgrass prairie into modern crop fields, help landowners boost sustainability without sacrificing profitability. Visitors to the Farm Progress Show in Boone Sept. 1-3 can learn about the latest research from Iowa State’s STRIPS team and the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium, both focused on restoring natural habitats on less productive acreage.
Farm Progress Show Features Career Crawl
The 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone 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.
Research
Brenner Explores Henbit as a Cover Crop
A recent article in Agricultural and Environmental Letters by David Brenner, an Iowa State seed curator at the North Central National Plant Introduction Center, explores the idea that the weedy winter annual plant henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.) has potential to be an “attainable” cover crop. The article reviews practical advantages that could make the plant attractive to Iowa farmers. It also outlines areas of further research needed to study the plant’s use for this purpose, including its ability to build soil health and improve water quality and its possible role as a host for soybean cyst nematode or other crop pests.
Rainwater Fuels Research and More in Biorenewables Research Complex
As rain pours from the sky, an elaborate water system is quietly set into motion in the Biorenewables Research Complex. Drops drain through the building’s rain collection areas – seeping through grass, roots and dirt on the green roof, permeating the grid of pavers at the front entrance, and trickling down the green spaces above side doors and landscaping that includes native perennials on the north side. The rainwater then travels through a gutter system and collects in a 25,000-gallon cistern beneath the building, which supplies all the building’s restroom facilities and provides water for flume experiments in The Larry Buss Hydrology Lab. The Biorenewables Research Complex, which houses the Biorenewables Research Laboratory and the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in Sukup and Elings Halls, is more than a beautiful space; it is a living laboratory.
Teaching and Students
First Four Graduate from Veterinary Early Acceptance Program
Ashley Carroll, Catie Collison, Ashlyn Hammel and Olivia Stodghill are the first four Iowa State students to complete the Production Animal – Veterinary Early Acceptance Program and enroll in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The PA-VEAP was created by the College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State’s Department of Animal Science to recruit and retain future veterinarians practicing food animal medicine, primarily in underserved areas of the country.
Maxwell Scholarship Makes Service Learning, Internship Opportunities Possible
Seven global resource systems students completed internships this summer, while another will complete one this fall, all thanks to the Robert H. Maxwell International Service Learning Scholarship. The students traveled to Costa Rica, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Kenya and Mississippi to enhance their education and prepare for their future careers.
New Student BBQ Scheduled for Sept. 2
The CALS Student Council is holding its annual New Student BBQ on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 4-7 p.m. in the Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion, Kildee Hall. Attendees can explore student clubs and organizations offered through the college.
Celebrate Student Scholars During CALS Research Day
Celebrate the research of undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars during CALS Research Day on Oct. 27 at the Student Innovation Center. Students are invited to present their research through a poster presentation. The submission portal opens Tuesday, Sept. 1. Submission deadline is Oct. 13.
College Introduces Outstanding Student in Research Awards
The college has introduced Outstanding Student in Research Awards, established to identify, recognize and highlight CALS’ top undergraduate and graduate student researchers. For 2026–2027, CALS may select up to three undergraduate students, three master’s students and five doctoral students for this distinction. Each recipient will receive a $500 award and be recognized at the CALS Research Day on Oct. 27. The application deadline is Sept. 15.
High Impact Practices Support and Promote Deeper Student Learning
High Impact Practices are a strategic initiative and priority of Iowa State. To support this work, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is offering a series on HIPs, particularly focused on classroom incorporation. The kick-off presentation is Sept. 10 from 2-3 p.m., and is available to attend in person or online. Presenters are Ann Marie VanDerZanden, associate provost for academic programs, and Jodi Sterle, animal science and faculty fellow for High Impact Practices.
Extension and Outreach
Northeast Iowa Research Farm Marks 50 Years of Producer-Focused Agricultural Research
The Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an open house on Sept. 10, from 2-7 p.m. Since its inception in 1976, the research farm has translated academic research into practical, field-tested solutions, serving the public, farmers and agribusinesses in northeast Iowa. Guest speakers include USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, Iowa State President David Cook, Vice President for Extension and Outreach Jason Henderson, and Associate Dean for Facilities and Operations Kendall Lamkey.
New Guide Shows How Home Gardeners Can Boost Soil Health with Cover Crops
ISU Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists have shared a new publication designed to help gardeners improve soil fertility, structure and the overall garden microbiome. “Cover Crops for Home Vegetable Gardens” is available on the ISU Extension Store at no cost.
Around the College
CALS Career Services Team Ready to Help Students Prepare for What's Next
Eric Anderson, associate director, and Katy Griner, assistant director of CALS Career Services, are looking forward to helping students explore career options, gain professional experience and build confidence for life after graduation. For students wondering when they should first visit the CALS Career Services office, Anderson and Griner offer the same advice: don't wait until senior year.
CALS Staff Champions Program Empowers Leaders
The CALS Staff Champions Program is a cohort-based professional development initiative designed to cultivate informed, engaged and forward-thinking staff leaders within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Launched in 2023, the program brings together a select group of staff participants each year to deepen their understanding of the college’s mission, operations and strategic priorities while strengthening their individual leadership capabilities.
U.S. Farm Report College Roadshow Returns to Ames
The U.S. Farm Report College Roadshow returns to campus for a live taping on the south Campanile lawn on Sept. 9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.
ISRC Hosts Sixth Annual Meals from the Heartland Event
The Iowa Soybean Research Center hosted its sixth annual Meals from the Heartland food-packaging event on Aug. 6. More than 70 volunteers from Iowa State, Corteva and John Deere packaged more than 42,000 meals. The ISRC hosts the event each August to celebrate Soybean Month in Iowa.
Help CALS Students Dress for Success
CALS Student Services is seeking new or gently used professional and industry-appropriate attire in all sizes and styles as CALS students prepare for internships, career fairs, interviews, conferences and networking events. There will be a donation drop-off location outside of CALS Student Services (20 Curtiss Hall) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Sept 1-4. All donations need to be clean and in good condition. Contact Katy Griner (kgriner@iastate.edu) with questions.
CALS Online: Next Issue Sept. 14
CALS Online will not be published on Sept. 7. The newsletter will resume Monday, Sept. 14.
Calendar
Aug. 31: CALS Ice Cream Social
CALS faculty and staff are invited to an ice cream social and chat with interim dean Ruth MacDonald today, Monday, Aug. 31, from noon to 1 p.m. on the Harl Commons patio.
Sept. 1: Pathways Kickoff Open House
The Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program is holding an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Curtiss Hall Harl Commons. Faculty and staff are encouraged to invite students to celebrate the start of the semester and explore their future with the Pathways program.
Sept. 3: Feeding the World Seminar Series
The Feeding the World seminar series begins Thursday, Sept. 3, from 3:40-4:55 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. Alaina Gebel, senior in agricultural and life sciences education and member of the ISU Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership Program that allows students to collaborate with Food and Agriculture Organization experts in Rome, will present “Issues on Global Food Security and Agriculture.”
Sept. 3: EXCITE! Open House
Stop by the Student Innovation Center EXCITE! Open House on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 4-7 p.m. in the CALS Collaboration Labs, SICTR 4227 and 4229. Learn about the Pathways program, Start Something CALS, Culinary Medicine, the Culinary Science Club and Agrivoltaics, and sample a root beer float from the ISU Brew Lab and the ISU Creamery.
Sept. 8: PPEM Seminar Series
The first event in the plant pathology, entomology and microbiology fall seminar series is Sept. 8 at 3:10 p.m. in 2020 Science II. Christina Grozinger, Pennsylvania State University, will present “Leveraging Technology to Conserve Pollinator Biodiversity.”
Sept. 8: Don Beitz Retirement Celebration
A retirement celebration for Don Beitz is Sept. 8 from 4-6 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Beitz, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences in animal science and biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, has had a 60-year career at Iowa State. RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Sept. 8: Flushing Out the Facts
Daniel Andersen, agricultural and biosystems engineering, will present “Flushing Out the Facts: Farm Manure and the Environment” on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in 2630 Memorial Union. He’ll confront the misconceptions surrounding livestock manure in Iowa, examining what really happens when manure meets soil, water and weather.
Sept. 10: Feeding the World Seminar Series
The Feeding the World seminar series continues Thursday, Sept. 10, from 3:40-4:55 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, 1204 Kildee Hall. Curtis Youngs, animal science, will present “Global Food Security.”
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
Iowa State Among Top Employers in the State
Forbes magazine recently released its 2026 list of "Best Employers by State" and ranked Iowa State No. 5, making the university the top Iowa-based employer on the list. The annual rankings consider everything from wages and benefits to company reputation to career advancement opportunities.
Learn About Study Abroad Opportunities this Thursday
The fall 2026 Study Abroad Fair is Thursday, Sept. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Learn about interning, studying and volunteering abroad in experiences ranging from one week to one year. Students can enter their names for a chance to win study abroad scholarships.
ClubFest Provides Students an Opportunity to Get Involved
ClubFest is Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union. Each semester, students can browse through the many clubs and organizations at Iowa State and discover how to get involved on campus.
Marginalia
Discover a New Favorite or Revisit a Classic on ‘We Love Memoirs Day’
We Love Memoirs Day arrives every Aug. 31, inviting readers and writers to celebrate the impact of personal storytelling. Memoirs continue to be a thriving genre in the publishing world. While both memoirs and autobiographies are true stories of a person’s life, a memoir typically focuses on a specific period, theme or relationship within the author’s life, exploring its emotional truth and impact. An autobiography aims to cover the entire span of a life from birth to the present.
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.