CALS Online and Dean’s Message
January 9, 2023
Dean’s Message
Hello CALS Colleagues – I hope this finds all of you and yours very well after a wonderful holiday break and start of the new year… As our students begin returning to Ames and campus ahead of next week's start of the semester, please remember to use caution when driving. Slow down when approaching crosswalks, especially if you see students in the area… We have a busy semester ahead of us… More
Top Stories
From Forest to Farm – Using Woodchips for Water Quality
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management are studying the process behind weeding out certain species of trees in forests to help other trees grow, and using those weeded-out trees for water quality practices. The trees are chopped into woodchips, a common media for water quality improvements. Those woodchips move from the forest to farmlands around the Midwest in the form of bioreactors, woodchip-filled trenches that filter nitrate from field drainage, keeping water clean. “It’s like weeding your garden,” said Billy Beck, NREM. “But instead of throwing the weeds into the yard, you are chopping them up and using them to clean water.” The investigating team includes Beck, and Michelle Soupir, Ji Yeow Law and Andy Craig, ABE. More
Inaugural George Washington Carver Day of Recognition, Feb. 1
Last year, the Iowa Legislature unanimously voted to establish Feb. 1 as an annual Official Day of Recognition in honor of George Washington Carver. Iowa State is holding a program on Feb. 1 from 5-7 p.m. in person at the Memorial Union Great Hall, or online. Those planning to attend in person are asked to RSVP by Jan. 25. February 1 also is the beginning of Black History Month, adding significance to this first-ever event at Professor Carver’s alma mater — where he was Iowa State’s first Black student and graduate, and first Black faculty member. More
Research
Schulte Moore Establishes Funds to Support Transdisciplinary Research
Lisa Schulte Moore, natural resource ecology and management, has established two funds in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that support transdisciplinary research. Both funds were established using resources from her 2021 MacArthur Fellowship. She credits the collaborative atmosphere at Iowa State as an essential element of her success. More
Teaching and Students
Sheiss Has an Eye for Judging Livestock
Growing up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Larwill, Indiana, Dillon Sheiss, junior in animal science, cultivated his passion for livestock judging. He has garnered several top livestock judging awards since first becoming involved in the competitions in sixth grade. His success and skills resulted in him being recruited to join Iowa State’s Livestock Judging Team. More
Extension and Outreach
Henderson to Lead ISU Extension and Outreach Programs
Jason Henderson has been appointed vice president of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach programs. Henderson, who currently serves as director of extension and senior associate dean for faculty development in the Purdue University College of Agriculture, as well as assistant vice provost for engagement, will join Iowa State on April 3. He succeeds John Lawrence, who announced his plans to retire in spring 2023. More
Extension Releases Horse Stocking Guide
“Stocking Rates: Calculating How Many Horses a Pasture Can Maintain,” is a five-page publication by ISU Extension and Outreach that details how many acres are required per horse, based on horse and pasture condition. More
Farm Succession Professionals to Share Expertise at Annual Conference
Iowa State’s annual Farm Transitions Conference is Feb. 9-10 in Ames. ISU Extension and Outreach professionals and experienced landowners will provide information for those looking to enter, expand or exit agriculture. More
ANR Extension Spotlight: Catherine DeLong
Catherine DeLong is a water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. She connects researchers to practitioners and the general public to help translate water quality science to a broad audience, and works statewide to bring people together to share resources, ideas and perspectives about water quality. More
Around the College
Newly Commissioned Artwork Honors Jack Trice
University Museums commissioned artist and ISU alumnus King Au to create three works of art depicting campus sculptures honoring Jack Trice for the 100th Year Commemoration Celebration. The exhibition, “Through the Photographic Lens of King Au: Honoring Jack Trice,” opens on Jan. 17. A reception with the artist will be held Jan. 21 from 2-4 p.m. in the Christian Petersen Art Museum. More
Lawrence Inducted into Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame
John Lawrence received the 2022 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame Award at the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit in December. He was nominated for this honor by a group of producer and allied leaders for his service and engagement through many Iowa beef industry evolutions throughout his career. Lawrence, vice president of ISU Extension and Outreach, will retire in March. More
Interview Set for CALS Associate Dean for Facilities and Operations
The college will be interviewing one candidate on Feb. 2-3 for the position of CALS Associate Dean for Facilities and Operations. The candidate’s name will be released by Feb. 1. The candidate will provide a public, live-streamed seminar on “How Facilities and Operations Support the College’s Missions – Opportunities and Prospects” on Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in 0008 Curtiss Hall, followed by a livestreamed open forum. The position replaces the associate dean of operation, held by Mark Honeyman. The search committee consists of Jay Harmon (chair), Jason Ross, Erika Woolfolk, Dan Anderson, Chad Hart, Arti Singh, Alison Robertson, Suzanne Slack, Jennifer Schieltz, Cody Schneider, Tim Goode, Will Cornelius, Mike Witt and Brandi Latterell.
Calendar
Jan. 13: Dean Robison to Host CALS Chat
Dean Robison will host a CALS Chat on Friday, Jan. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Ensminger Room, Kildee Hall. The informal, drop-in event will be an opportunity for casual conversation.
Jan. 25: CALS Staff Ice Cream Social
The CALS Staff Council is hosting a welcome back ice cream social on Jan. 25 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Iowa Farm Bureau Pavilion in Kildee Hall.
Communications Kiosk
The Basics of Reporting Impacts
For researchers, extension educators and project administrators, the beginning of a new year is a good time to think about how to track and report impacts. The Multistate Research Fund Impacts Program, administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, offers a guide to help with the basics. More
Marginalia
Severe Weather 101 – Winter
A winter storm is a combination of heavy snow, blowing snow and/or dangerous wind chills. There are four types of winter storms: blizzards, ice storms, lake effect storms and snow squalls. Most precipitation that forms in wintertime clouds starts out as snow because the top layer of the storm is usually cold enough to create snowflakes. Other types of winter precipitation include sleet and freezing rain. Learn more about winter storms and winter precipitation through Severe Weather 101, offered by the National Severe Storms Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. More
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
http://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/agonline
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.