News

Iowa Environmental Mesonet serves the state for 25 years

Twenty-five years ago, Iowa State University rolled out the Iowa Environmental Mesonet website. Since then, it has become the central hub for all things weather-related in Iowa with a reach far beyond the state. But what is a mesonet?

When Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica in October 2025, the Category 5 hurricane severely damaged agricultural production on the island. Since the crops had been destroyed, access to good vegetable seed became a major concern during Jamaica's recovery.  High Mowing Organic Seeds from Wolcott, Vermont, was willing to donate vegetable seeds to assist organic farmers affected by the hurricane. Yet there were substantial logistical, regulatory and seed-testing difficulties to connect the donated seeds with the farmers who needed them. That is when the Iowa State University Seed Science Center stepped in to help, showing how the specialized laboratory skills available in Ames, Iowa, can have a real effect even though it is thousands of miles away. 

New slate of economics professors hired at Iowa State University

Four new faculty members will join the Department of Economics at Iowa State University later this month, with a fifth arriving in January 2027.

Three emerging ag leaders named as FFAR Fellows from Iowa State University

Three Iowa State University doctoral students were recently selected for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) 2026-2029 Fellows Program, an honor that recognizes emerging leaders poised to shape the future of agriculture.

Smelser selected as next executive director of Iowa Crop Improvement Association

Andrew Smelser has spent more than 20 years working in crop genetics, germplasm licensing, field research and seed-industry partnerships. Now, he has been named the next executive director of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association.

From Iowa Pork Queen to nation’s top Young Pork Advocate

Talking about pork and its importance is something Amanda Ostrem could do all day long, and she recently won an award for it.

Saving Iowa’s heritage horse breed

Maggie Lupkes is on a mission to help save a draft horse breed whose history is rooted in central Iowa.

USDA funds collaboration to study, support rural well-water users

Honeyberries gaining interest as nutritious, resilient fruit for Iowa

Honeyberries are gaining recognition as an up-and-coming “superfood.” The plant, introduced to Iowa over the last decade, is gaining interest from consumers and growers alike as a highly nutritious fruit with other benefits for Iowa growing conditions. The public can learn more about honeyberries and other fruits at a field day event at the Horticulture Research Station, July 29, from noon to 4 p.m.