..................................................
COLLEGE NEWS
...................................................
COLLEGE CONVOCATION TO BE HELD TUESDAY
The College of Agriculture Convocation will begin with refreshments at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Sun Room, Memorial Union. The program will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will include the presentation of College awards, a recognition of retirees in the last year and remarks by Dean Catherine Woteki.
ISU RESEARCH LOOKS AT ECONOMIC VITALITY IN RURAL IOWA
Research by Iowa State University economists has identified factors that both encourage and discourage growth and economic vitality in Iowa counties. Learn more in "Agriculture in Action."
REIMAN GARDENS SUFFERS SECOND ROUND OF FLOOD DAMAGE
Reiman Gardens sustained damage last week when a water pipe in the ceiling burst, flooding the Mahlstede Horticulture Learning Center. The water damage occurred just two months after a city water main break caused thousands of dollars in damage to the facility's southwest exterior. Some events booked in the Mahlstede Building may be moved to other rooms but Reiman Gardens is open for business as usual. Hazel's Kitchen, the conservatory and Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, gift shop and displays haven't been affected. The Mahlstede Building is named after the late John P. Mahlstede, former associate dean of the College of Agriculture and a professor emeritus in the horticulture department.
FEB. 2 DEADLINE FOR CIAG GRANTS PROGRAM
The deadline for applications is Feb. 2 for the Center for Integrated Animal Genomics (CIAG)'s request for proposals to support scholarship in integrated genomics. Funds are available through three CIAG programs that foster faculty development and collaborative research. Funds will be available from July 1 to Aug. 31, 2005. The first program is the Genomics Scholar Program, which is designed to strengthen collaborative efforts of CIAG faculty with scientists outside ISU. The second program, Seminars in Integrated Genomics, supports symposia and workshops in areas of animal, microbial, and comparative genomics. The third program is the Integrated Genomics Competitive Grants Program, which supports innovative interdisciplinary research and development of nationally competitive research programs. More information on these programs and the application process can be found through the CIAG website.
IOWA BEEF CENTER INTRODUCES NEW RATION SOFTWARE
Beef producers can improve their ration knowledge, feed efficiency and the bottom line through the Iowa Beef Center's latest software package. BRANDS (Beef Ration and Nutrition Decisions Software) is an interactive spreadsheet that assists producers in balancing rations for various classes of cattle, and helps producers optimize the use of on-farm resources such as corn and forages. Details: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2004/jan04/jan0412.html
WORLD FEED GRAIN STOCKS APPROACHING 1995-96 LEVELS
In the last two years, four out of seven major world grain producing regions have experienced adverse weather and sharply reduced grain production, according to Robert Wisner, Iowa State University Extension economist. Wisner said USDA's Jan. 12 semi-final crop estimates provide an updated look at the impact of adverse weather on the world grain sector. Learn more: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2004/jan04/jan0413.html
LEOPOLD CENTER SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2004 SPENCER AWARD
The Leopold Center is seeking nominations for one of Iowa's major awards in sustainable agriculture. The Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture recognizes a farmer, researcher or educator who has made a significant contribution toward the stability of mainstream family farms in Iowa. Contributions can be practical improvements in a family-owned farming operation, research projects or educational activities and other work that have led to the ecological and economic sustainability of Iowa's family farms. Contact: Laura Miller, 4-3711 or lwmiller@iastate.edu. Details: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/spencer_012104.html
HORT CLUB SPRING BULB SALE FEB. 11-13
The Horticulture Club's spring bulb sale will take place in time for Valentine's Day. Tulip, daffodil, azalea and hyacinth bulbs will be on sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day: Feb. 11 in Curtiss Hall, Feb. 12 in Beardshear Hall and Feb. 13 in Horticulture Hall. Contact: Bob Smith, 292-3880, extension 5210.
MEXICO STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITY FOR FOOD SCIENCE MAJORS
The College of Agriculture Study Abroad office is looking for students majoring in food science and human nutrition who are interested in working in food processing industries in central Mexico this summer. Students will be able to earn credits for the program, which runs from June 1 to July 31. Application deadline is Feb. 15. Contact: Eduarda Becerra, 4-3972 or ebecerra@iastate.edu. This is part of a challenge grant program between Iowa State University and Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico.
BEGINNING SPANISH COURSE
A beginning Spanish language course will be offered for faculty/staff in the College of Agriculture. It will taught every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. from Feb. 17 through April 15 in room 19 Curtiss. To register, send a check or intramural for $50 to GAP 104 Curtiss with your name, department address, email and phone number. Contact: Eduarda Becerra (ebecerra@iastate.edu) at 294-3972
STORM SPOTTER AWARENESS TRAINING
Environmental Health & Safety is sponsoring a Storm Spotter Awareness Training on Feb. 17 from 7-9 p.m. in 2050 Agronomy Hall. Jason Parkin, KCCI NewsChannel 8 meteorologist, will be the featured presenter. The training will include video, slides and basic information on severe weather dangers including lightning and tornadoes. The training is encouraged for departments with staff that work outdoors, but is open to everyone. To register call 294-2193 or email ksgodfr@iastate.edu.
DEADLINES AND REMINDERS
Jan. 29: Issues in Agriculture Lecture, "Career Opportunities in Agriculture," Mike Gaul, career services director, 7 p.m., Hughes Auditorium, Reiman Gardens
Feb. 2: Miller Faculty Fellowship Proposals due in 138 Curtiss
Feb. 3: Presidential University Lecture, "Is Cancer Preventable," Diane Birt, director of the Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements, 8 p.m., Sun Room, Memorial Union
Feb. 6: Deadline for nominations for the University-wide Grant Writers' Workshops, to Elena Polush by Feb. 6 at 133 Curtiss or elenap@iastate.edu
Feb. 11: Deadline to register for the Community of Science database training on Feb. 16, contact Sreeparna Mitra at mitra@iastate.edu or Diane Meyer at meyerd@iastate.edu
Feb. 14-21: National FFA Week
Feb. 28: 33rd Annual Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference, Ottumwa, more: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2004/jan04/jan0406.html
Feb. 27: University Professional & Scientific Award nominations due
March 1-2: Agriculture and The Environment Water Quality Conference, Scheman Building
Feb. 27: Proposal deadline to college for computer projects sought by Computation Advisory Committee
...................................................
COMMUNICATION KIOSK
...................................................
SIMPLE VS. SIMPLISTIC
Simplistic is sometimes confused as a substitute or more imposing form of simple. But the two words are not synonymous. Simple means "not complex" or "easy to do." Simplistic means "oversimplified."
Communication Briefings, Briefings Publishing Group. http://www.briefings.com/cb_articles/cb_headline05.asp
...................................................
INFOGRAZING
...................................................
FAO ON PROTECTING THE FOOD CHAIN
Each year microbe-contaminated food and water kill up to two million children in developing countries. Because food safety is of serious concern to consumers, farmers, processors, retailers and governments, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has proposed a preventive approach and good agricultural practices to increase food safety.
........................................................
EXTERNAL VOICES
........................................................
"The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."
--Eden Phillpotts (1862 -1960) British novelist, poet and dramatist
........................................................
MARGINALIA
........................................................
ART EXHIBIT HONORS IOWA'S FARMERS
Drop by the Memorial Union Gallery before the convocation to view the exhibit "Northwest Iowa Farmer Portrait." Artist Tom Becker of Orange City photographed a cross section of farmers and farm scenes, which will be on display through March 2.
Next issue: Feb. 2
........................................................
AG ONLINE
........................................................
EDITORS
Ed Adcock, edadcock@iastate.edu, and Brian Meyer, bmeyer@iastate.edu
Phone: (515) 294-5616 Web site: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/aginfo/
SUBSCRIBE
Ag Online, the newsletter for faculty and staff in Iowa State University's College of Agriculture, is e-mailed every Monday. To subscribe, send your name, e-mail address and the message "Ag Online subscribe" to edadcock@iastate.edu. To unsubscribe, send "Ag Online unsubscribe."
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 1031 Wallace Road Office Building, Room 101, (515) 294-7612.