Iowa program tracks mosquito trends over 50 years: 2024 a big year

Despite a slow start following several dry years, mosquito populations in Iowa have ramped up this season due to regular rains and flooding in some areas of the state, according to Ryan Smith, associate professor of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology at Iowa State University. 

Smith leads the Iowa Mosquito Surveillance Program, which has been running since the 1960s. It is one of the country’s most active, long-running programs, and one of the few led by an academic institution.

BioConnect Iowa Joins Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University welcomes BioConnect Iowa as its newest partner. BioConnect Iowa will serve as a representative on the center’s industry advisory council, which provides guidance on research needs and funding priorities for the center.

Iowa Soybean Research Center welcomes Indigo Ag as industry partner

Research suggests zinc supplementation prior to transport can benefit cattle welfare, performance

AMES, IA – Beef cattle are likely to be transported at least once during their lives and are often moved several times at different stages of production. During each transition, they may travel for hours, standing in moving, vibrating trailers. Not surprisingly, during the hours and days post-transit, fatigued, stressed animals tend to eat and drink less and are more susceptible to disease.  

Research led by Stephanie Hansen, professor of animal science at Iowa State University, is investigating the potential of boosting zinc levels before transport as a low-cost, easy way to ease animals’ muscle fatigue during transit, improve their health and increase their long-term growth. 

Feed the Future Innovation Lab reports progress to improve poultry health in Africa

Iowa State University researchers have been part of an international effort to improve the health of small poultry flocks of indigenous types of chickens that provide meat, eggs and income-producing opportunities important for food security in Africa. Project leaders include Susan Lamont and Jack Dekkers, both distinguished professors in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State.