College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Oct. 16, 2017
Top Stories
2017 World Food Prize Focuses on Road out of Poverty
The 2017 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue, Oct. 18-20 in Des Moines, will focus on “The Road out of Poverty.” It will honor the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers and the ability of agriculture to provide health, wealth and stability at the personal level and at the international level. More Events related to the World Food Prize taking place on campus or involving CALS or ISU faculty and staff are listed below. An agenda and list of side events are available on the World Food Prize website.
World Food Prize: Iowa Hunger Summit, Oct. 16
The annual Iowa Hunger Summit is being held at the downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel today, Oct. 16. The ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program is part of a panel on donation gardens and increasing access to produce. Participating as exhibitors are CALS Global Resource Systems and KinoSol, a benefit corporation that sells small-scale solar powered dehydrators for fruits, vegetables and grains. KinoSol began as a CALS student start-up. More
World Food Prize: Norman Borlaug Lecture, Oct. 16
The 2017 World Food Prize Laureate will present the Norman Borlaug Lecture today, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Akiniwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, will speak on “Betting on Africa to Feed the World.” Adesina was named the laureate for his work to expand Nigeria’s food production, increase availability of credit for small farmers across Africa and transform the continent’s agriculture. A reception and student poster display will precede the lecture at 7 p.m. in the South Ballroom. More
World Food Prize: Investing in African Farmers and Agripeneurs, Oct. 18
Dean Wendy Wintersteen will participate in a panel discussion on “Making Farming Cool: Investing in Future African Farmers and Agripeneurs” on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7 to 11 a.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The discussion will highlight experiences and the future outlook for empowering African youth to create and take up innovative, new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through the agrifood system on the continent. More
World Food Prize: Global Harvest Initiative, Oct. 18
The Global Harvest Initiative will release its 2017 Global Agricultural Productivity Report at the World Food Prize on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Dean Wendy Wintersteen will take part in a panel discussing the risks, choices and opportunities facing farmers as they seek to improve their productivity and livelihoods, while ensuring the sustainability of their farms for years to come. More
World Food Prize: Governor’s Reception, Oct. 18
Iowa’s leading role in food and agriculture innovation will be highlighted at the Governor’s Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Dean Wendy Wintersteen will emcee the event, which will include a special announcement on a Seed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Partnership between the Seed Science Center and the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at the reception will be young agricultural entrepreneurs, including CALS alums who were active in the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative: Colin Hurd, founder of Smart Ag in the ISU Research Park; Clayton Mooney, co-founder of Nebullam in the ISU Research Park (and now a staff member with the Ag Entrepreneurship Initiative). More
World Food Prize: Breaking Down Silos, Oct. 20
Kendall Lamkey, professor and chair of agronomy, will be part of a panel of speakers on “Breaking Down Silos: Encouraging Transdisciplinary Problem Solving for Global Food and Nutrition Security” on Friday, Oct. 20, at 11:30 a.m. in the Downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel, during day three of the Borlaug Dialogue. More
World Food Prize: Global Youth Institute, Oct. 19-21
The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute is scheduled for Oct. 19-21 in Des Moines. CALS faculty and staff are regularly involved in the Global Youth Institute as distinguished global leaders in science, industry and policy, working with 200 top students from around the country who have an interest in global food security issues. In addition, a number of ISU students volunteer time and serve as interns to help run the annual event. More
Research
Research Shows Fertilizers Adjust Nitrogen Cycle of Prairie Plants
Excess nitrogen can change the composition of tallgrass prairies, granting an advantage to plants that flower earlier in the growing season, according to new research by Lori Biederman, ecology, evolution and organismal biology. The findings have implications for wildlife and pollinating insects that use prairie plants for habitat. More
Lubberstedt Receives Grant to Study Organic Field and Sweet Corn Production
Tom Lubberstedt, agronomy, has been awarded a $1 million grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The goal of the project is to increase the productivity of organic field and sweet corn production within organic crop rotations, and develop a certificate program in organic plant breeding that can be accessed online in the U.S. and internationally. More
Gift to Enhance Study of Midwest Markets and Entrepreneurship
A gift of nearly $1.7 million will support a new program to study Midwest economies in ISU’s Department of Economics. The Charles Koch Foundation will provide $1,685,000 over five years to the department’s Program for the Study of Midwest Markets and Entrepreneurship. More
Teaching and Students
Tuesday’s CALS Career Day to be the Third Largest Ever
The Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Day, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center, has topped last year’s number of recruiters, reaching 265, the third largest ever. The increase counters a downward trend experienced at other universities’ agricultural job fairs, said Mike Gaul, director of CALS’ Career Services. The WHO radio “Big Show” will broadcast from the job fair during the noon hour. The CALS Communication Service will take professional pictures of students who wish to establish LinkedIn profiles.
Snow Blower Service Days, Oct. 20-21
The Agriculture Systems Technology Club will hold its annual snow blower service days Friday, Oct. 20 (1 to 6 p.m.), and Saturday, Oct. 21 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), at Sukup Hall on the west side of campus. The $25 cost includes oil, spark plug, grease and a tank of gas. Pickup and delivery (Ames only) is available for $15; call (515) 708-8672 or send an email request to astservicedays@gmail.com by 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 to request this service.
Brenton Center Accepting Classroom Reservations
The Brenton Center is accepting classroom reservations for spring 2018. Classrooms 8 and 9 seat 35 each; classroom 13 seats 56. First preference will be given to CALS Online courses that require a live capture for online delivery to distance students or faculty recording their lectures using the new format for distance delivery. Contact Gaylan Scofield, ggs@iastate.edu, with questions or requests by Nov. 1. More
Student Government Member Discusses Ins and Outs of Identity
Kody Olson, senior in global resource systems and senior director of governmental affairs for Student Government, has been deaf since the age of two. He had the same interpreter from kindergarten through eleventh grade and everyone in his class knew basic sign language. The transition to Iowa State wasn’t easy. Olson’s story is featured in the ISU Daily. More
Extension and Outreach
STRIPS Team Assesses Tile Systems under Prairies
The STRIPS team has found that prairies, known for an abundance of deep roots, don’t interfere with tile systems buried underground. Matt Helmers, agricultural and biosystems engineering and a member of the STRIPS team, narrates a video produced to show the results. More
Helmers to Discuss Water Quality at Iowa Public Radio Event
Matt Helmers, agricultural and biosystems engineering, is a panelist at an Iowa Public Radio event on Thursday, Oct. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Iowa Taproom in Des Moines. IPR’s Morning Edition host, Clay Masters, will moderate a conversation on water resources in Iowa and then open the floor to questions. More
Around the College
Agronomist Honored as Global Professor of Biotechnology
Kan Wang, professor of agronomy, was honored with the title of Global Professorship in Biotechnology at a medallion ceremony on Oct. 6. The professorship recognizes Wang’s international contributions. More
Woteki Inducted into NIFA Hall of Fame
Catherine Woteki, food science and human nutrition, is a 2017 inductee to the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Hall of Fame. She served six years as undersecretary for research, education and economics and chief scientist for USDA. Woteki, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, returned to ISU in July as a faculty member in food science and human nutrition.
New AGEDS Hire to Address Growth in Agricultural Communications
Shuyang Qu has joined the department of agricultural education and studies to help address the department’s growth in agricultural communications. She will teach agricultural communication courses and conduct research on media literacy and public opinions in agricultural communications. More
Calendar
Oct. 16: RSVP Deadline for Cultural Competency Lunch and Learn Series
Breaking Bias is the topic of October’s Cultural Competency Lunch and Learn Series, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 1951 Food Sciences, CCUR Theater. The focus of this workshop is to provide a safe space for students, faculty and staff to explore the concept of unconscious bias. Please RSVP to Theressa Cooper (tncooper@iastate.edu) by Oct. 16. Lunch will be provided.
Oct. 17: Registration Deadline for Critical Sensory Evaluation of Wines
The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute is offering a two-evening workshop on Oct. 23-24 aimed at wine consumers who want to take their wine tasting skills to the next level. Registration is $50. Registration deadline is Oct. 17.
Oct. 20: Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation Open House
The Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation has moved and is holding an open house on Friday, Oct. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Stop by to meet the staff, enjoy a refreshment and see their new office in 211 Curtiss Hall.
Oct. 30: Food Evolution – Documentary and Discussion
The documentary “Food Evolution” will be shown on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. The film wrestles with the emotions and the evidence driving the issue of GMOs and food. Alison Van Eenennaam, professor and extension animal genomics and biotechnology specialist at the University of California-Davis, will provide opening remarks and lead a discussion immediately following the 90-minute film. Sponsors include CALS and the departments of animal science, food science and human nutrition, and horticulture.
Nov. 7: Staniforth Memorial Lecture
The 2017 David W. Staniforth Memorial Lecture will be held Nov. 7 at 4:10 p.m. in 2432 Food Sciences. Paul Neve, weed biologist and smart crop protection leader with Rothamsted Research in England, will present “Weed Science: Running to Stand Still?” More
Research Development Announcements and Funding Opportunities
National Pork Board 2018 Research Proposals Due Nov. 14
The National Pork Board has released its 2018 General Call for research proposals. Topics include feed efficiency, animal welfare, pork quality and safety, antibiotic use and resistance, public health topics and several others. Proposals are due Nov. 14. More
FDA Public Meetings for Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold two public meetings regarding its Agricultural Biotechnology Education and Outreach Initiative. Congress appropriated $3 million to fund this initiative, which calls upon the FDA to work with USDA to provide education and outreach to the public on agricultural biotechnology and food and animal feed ingredients derived from biotechnology. The purpose of the meetings is to accept information, experiences and suggestions from the public to help inform the development of this initiative. The first meeting will be held in Charlotte, NC, on Nov. 7; the second will be held in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 14. A webcast will be available for each meeting. More
Changes to NSF Agency Specific Requirements for Research Terms and Conditions
The National Science Foundation has released an update to its Research Terms & Conditions
Agency Specific Requirements. The revised requirements apply to all new NSF grants and funding amendments to existing NSF grants, awarded on or after Oct. 11. More
Funding Information, Opportunities and Deadline Reminders
Dates listed are application deadlines. Contact: Roxanne Clemens, rclemens@iastate.edu. Additional information is posted at CALS Pre-Award Resources.
Oct. 31: ISU Office of Biotechnology Grants to Support Biotechnology Events. More
Nov. 5: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service 2018 Borlaug Fellowship Program. More
Nov. 20 (pre-application): DOD CDMRP Toward a Next-Generation Trauma Care Capability: Foundational Research for Autonomous, Unmanned and Robotics Development of Medical Technologies (FORwARD).
Dec. 4: U.S. Poultry and Egg Association. More
Dec. 15: North Pacific Research Board – Core Program. More
Continuous until Sept. 30, 2020: FY2018 to FY2020 NOAA Broad Agency Announcement; applications for special projects and programs associated with NOAA's strategic plan and mission goals. More
Continuous until Sept. 30, 2020: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's Broad Agency Announcement for Extramural Medical Research. More
Communications Kiosk
Comma Splice One of Five Common Grammatical Errors
Comma splice is one of five common grammatical errors discussed in a recent MacMillan Dictionary blog post. A comma splice is when you use a comma to join two independent clauses, as in “It’s a sunny day, we’re off to the beach.” Critics insist that such clauses be separated by a stronger mark than a comma or by a coordinating conjunction, such as “and” or “so.” More
Infograzing
Events Scheduled to Support Public Access to Scholarship
The Office of the Vice President for Research and the University Library are sponsoring a lecture and a workshop on supporting public access to scholarship. Jeff Spies, co-founder and chief technology officer of the Center for Open Science, will present a lecture on an open workflow approach to increasing research efficiency, reproducibility and diversity on Oct. 23, 4:10 to 5 p.m. in 198 Parks Library. Spies will hold a workshop on Open Science Framework, a research workflow tool to support transparency and rigor in scholarship on Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon in 134 Parks Library. Registration is available online.
EPA Appoints Gulliford as Region 7 Administrator
Jim Gulliford, CALS alum, has been appointed to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator for Region 7. He will oversee environmental protection efforts in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. “He leads with science to guide and ground his work, and that is a common foundation we share in how progress is made,” said Dean Wendy Wintersteen in an EPA news release.
Marginalia
Flying the “W” and Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Jacqueline Comito, program director for the Iowa Learning Farms, connected the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy in an Oct. 13 blog post. In order for the Cubs to have a chance at a national championship, she listed three things that needed to happen. To have greater success in implementing Iowa’s NRS, she indicated the lessons we can take from the Cubs’ success. More
A Sign of the Harvest Season at Agronomy Hall
Agronomy Hall may be the only building on campus with a boot scraper at most entrances – as many faculty, staff and students are doing field work. In a recent Facebook post, the agronomy department gave a shout out to their “awesome custodial crew!” More
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Online
Julie Stewart, Editor
jstewart@iastate.edu, (515) 294-5616
https://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 Friday.
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