News & Featured Stories Archive

New publication shares insights into AI for crop improvement from Iowa State researchers

For crop improvement, artifical intelligence provides a new lens to bridge science and practice, according to Jianming Yu, one of the world’s top-ranked scientists in the fields of quantitative genetics and plant breeding.

“People have a lot of questions about how to actively start using AI in crop improvement. However, it is not easy to know how its tools can best be used,” said Yu, the Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding and director of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding in Iowa State University’s Department of Agronomy. 

To help his peers, students and the public become more knowledgeable about the rapidly evolving field of AI, Yu and other co-authors, including Karlene Negus, a genetics doctoral student working with him, have published an overview on the role of AI in crop improvement in a scholarly compilation, Advances in Agronomy.

In the driver’s seat: Multidisciplinary option lets students customize their education

The new multidisciplinary option for agricultural studies majors puts students in the driver’s seat, offering a way to navigate those many topics. Within this option, students pick two areas of emphasis within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and another emphasis area that can also be within CALS or from another academic program at Iowa State University.

Christie talks importance of including women in agricultural research

In celebration of International Women in Agriculture Day, Maria Elisa Christie, director of Women and Gender in International Development at the Center for International Research, Education and Development at Virginia Tech, presented “Integrating gender equity in international agricultural research for development.”

Three CALS students named 2024 Barron Award recipients

Bettering the people and the world around them is something Ian Johnson, Caroline Lang and Emily Shatek have in common. As three of this year’s six Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award recipients, all have displayed outstanding achievements and leadership in and out of the classroom.

Hertz Farm Management leaders to present Hertz Lecture at Iowa State April 9

Leaders from Hertz Farm Management, Inc. will present “An Evening with Hertz Farm Management – Emerging Issues in Agriculture,” a Q&A-style discussion for the 2024 Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture. The lecture will take place on April 9, at 7 p.m. in 127 Curtiss Hall on Iowa State University’s campus.

AMES, Iowa- The Iowa Nutrient Research Center is accepting new proposals for research projects designed to reduce nitrate and phosphorus in Iowa’s water. The center invites proposals for water quality projects that will benefit farmers, landowners, agribusinesses, policy makers and communities. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the full 2024 request for proposals (PDF) for complete details about the priority topics and application instructions. Proposals are due by May 3, 2024, and ward decisions will be made in July.

Exploring the world of organic agriculture at Iowa State

Organic agriculture can provide many benefits to humans and the environment. Teaching Iowa State students and the community about those benefits is one of the Organic Agriculture program’s goals.

Sign up! CALS Open Academy for Team Science

Join us for a day of connecting! Engage in vibrant discussions, share your groundbreaking research, and forge connections with other scholars across CALS and beyond. Delve into the art of effective communication and discover innovative strategies for fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.

Semester abroad sparks interest in public health

A bit of courage and a passion for the French language led Eden Grimes to embark on a semester-long student exchange program in Canada.

Corn cobs may perform better than woodchips to reduce nitrates in water quality bioreactors -- and for a lower cost -- say Iowa State University researchers. The challenge is getting an adequate supply of corn cobs.

Monarch conservation efforts essential after low winter count

Adult monarch butterflies covered approximately 2.2 acres of forest canopy in Mexico, an area about three acres smaller than last year, according to the 2023-2024 overwintering monarch population report released by the World Wildlife Fund-Telcel Foundation Alliance and others involved with monarch tracking. The winter surveys provide critical data to assess status and trends of the North American eastern monarch population and inform conservation practices in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The goal to maintain a long-term average of 15 acres of occupied forest canopy during the winter shapes objectives for establishing breeding habitat in the Midwestern states, including Iowa through the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium.

New organic farming study tackles questions of soil health, economics and more, with input from farmers

A new, two-year project led by Iowa State University builds on decades of work at two organic research sites in Iowa. It will also add a third on-farm research site that brings a new layer of engagement with interested stakeholders. The research is funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and The Organic Center.

Macias ready to help Iowa State faculty, students organize research data

Elizabeth Macias, newly hired data analyst, will work with faculty and staff researchers, as well as students to collect, organize, analyze and share their data in standardized formats so it is easy to understand, replicate and reuse in future studies. Her primary focus will be collaborating with CALS researchers, but her services are available to any Iowa State faculty member.

Organic Pioneer John Reganold presents 2024 Shivvers Memorial Lecture, March 18

Award-winning researcher, educator and author John Reganold, Regents Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology at the Washington State University, will present the 2024 Shivvers Lecture on March 18, at 7:30 p.m., in Room 2226 Bessey Hall, 2200 Osborn Drive, on the Iowa State University campus. 

Into the woods: Ethics class immerses students in conservation

Shawn Dorius' Study USA course SOC 234: Conservation Ethics & Values lets students learn about the history of American conservation in the heart of the Mountain West. 

Study explores long-term crop, soil and water influences to help farmers adapt Corn Belt cropping systems

“Everything starts with an idea,” according to Sotirios Archontoulis, professor of agronomy at Iowa State University, who will co-lead a five-year, $16 million project to explore some big, interconnected questions impacting agriculture in the Corn Belt and Great Plains. 

Ramirez named interim director of Egg Industry Center at Iowa State

Brett Ramirez has been appointed interim director of the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University. He has served as the center’s assistant director since April 2023, leading alongside former EIC director Richard Gates, who passed away in November 2023.

New Vine and Wine Club looking to grow membership

Last fall, the Vine and Wine Club officially became an Iowa State University-recognized student organization. Open to any student 21 years of age or older, the club meets monthly to discuss viticulture (the science of growing grapes), taste different wines and learn about the winemaking process.

Nettleton reappointed as Department of Statistics chair at Iowa State

With a demonstrated record of building community within the department and effectively managing resources, Dan Nettleton has been approved to continue leading Iowa State University’s Department of Statistics.

Iowa State, Cedar Rapids partnership continues to benefit bioprocessing industries

Increased job opportunities and higher median pay are among the highlights included in a newly released report on the economic impacts of the bioprocessing industry in Cedar Rapids. The report is the result of a unique public-private partnership between Iowa State University and Cedar Rapids, established in 2015 to understand and support further development of the bioprocessing and manufacturing industries in the eastern Iowa town.