News & Featured Stories Archive

New pasteurizer increases production capacity at Iowa State Creamery

The new combo batch pasteurizer/cheese vat is up and running at the Iowa State University Creamery, just in time for peak ice cream season.

Beirman named inaugural Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science

Known for her creativity, energy and commitment to students, Erica Beirman has been named the inaugural Nancy and Rich Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science.

CALS student club spotlight: The Wildlife Society Chapter

Question and response with Trevor Longnecker, The Wildlife Society chapter president at Iowa State University 

The lasting impact of Stupka Symposium

The Stupka Symposium, an event that has touched the lives of many, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on April 9-10.The Stupka Symposium, an event that has touched the lives of many, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on April 9-10. Over the years, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to present their research, assist in planning and continue keeping the legacy of Stupka Symposium alive.  

Iowa State nitrogen specialist engaged in answering farmers’ questions

Traditional approaches, like applying a fixed amount of fertilizer early in the season, do not account for how crop needs change over time, according to Richard Roth, an assistant professor of agronomy at Iowa State University. Too much fertilizer or poorly timed applications often lead to wasted input costs, along with water pollution and increased greenhouse gas emissions. As the state’s new nitrogen science specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach, Roth provides leadership to help answer farmers’ questions about growing crops profitably and responsibly. 

Monarch overwintering numbers show encouraging continued increase in population size

The recent announcement of monarch overwintering numbers for the 2025-26 season shows a population increase for the second year in a row. While the continued population increase is encouraging news for monarchs, the current population still falls well below the levels scientists estimate will be sustainable.

Corteva panelists to present Hertz Lecture at Iowa State April 14

Three Corteva Agriscience senior leaders will reflect on the historic role Pioneer has played in shaping the seed industry during the 2026 Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture.

Unexpected discovery leads to potential pollination control mechanism for baby corn

Baby corn, essentially unfertilized young ears of corn, is a specialty food with a global market. Its quality and taste are greatly reduced by pollination. To prevent pollination, farmers depend on labor- and cost-intensive detasseling to remove the male flowers from the plant early in its growth, before they shed pollen to fertilize the ears. A promising alternative to the bottleneck of detasseling has been discovered by Iowa State University researchers who study corn breeding. 

A hidden campus gem

Imagine if you could escape the Iowa winter weather and enjoy warmer temperatures, sunlight, and beautiful plant growth without leaving campus. Thousands of students don’t know this possibility is right above them.

Iowa CARET representatives visit Capitol Hill on behalf of land-grant university system

Iowa representatives of the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching joined like-minded citizens from across the country in Washington, D.C.,  recently to advocate for Iowa State University and the land-grant university system. 

Schmitz transitions to interim director of Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Leadership of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association will change on March 16, when Doan Schmitz becomes the organization’s interim director during a search for a new director.

Iowa State pursues partnership to establish academic programs in Greece

Harris reappointed as chair of Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology

After an impactful first five years at Iowa State University, Steven Harris has been reappointed for another five-year term with the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, effective April 1.

Iowa Valley Community College and Iowa State University announce nursing articulation agreement

Iowa Valley Community College District and Iowa State University have established a new articulation agreement that aligns the nursing curriculum at IVCCD’s Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College with Iowa State’s RN-to-BSN program.

Iowa State University and Freshpet collaborate on at-home study of dogs and their bonds with owners

In-depth new synthesis confirms prairie strips’ value for pollinators

Pollinator declines are a global concern, and agriculture sits at the center of the challenge. As farms grow more efficient and landscapes become increasingly simplified, bees, butterflies and other pollinators are losing the varied habitats they depend on. One widely promoted solution is planting native vegetation, but an important question remains: Does pollinator habitat embedded within conventional farming systems provide overall benefits if pesticides remain in the surrounding landscape?

Inaugural Wentz-Griswold Scholars cohort announced

Twelve students will enhance their research skills this semester thanks to a newly funded scholarship, the Wentz-Griswold Agricultural Undergraduate Research Scholars Award.

Iowa State expands nursing education with two new programs

The Iowa Board of Regents has approved the addition of two new nursing programs at Iowa State University. The online Master of Science in nursing will launch in fall 2026, and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing will launch in summer 2027.

Long-time horticulture educator, advisor Barb Clawson named Golden Owl awardee

Coincidentally wearing a gray FFA quarter-zip, Barb Clawson was dressed appropriately for a surprise announcement that she is one of this year’s Golden Owl awardees.

Four CALS students named 2026 Wallace E. Barron Award recipients

Four College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students are recipients of the 2026 Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award. This prestigious award, established in 1968, recognizes six graduating seniors each spring who exemplify excellence in character, high academic achievement and remarkable involvement on and off campus.