Many know Dan Andersen (’08 MS ag engineering, ’12 PhD) as Dr. Manure, a “brand” he created for himself. He wanted the nickname to suggest his goal of bringing a “science-based perspective with some humor in it” to the serious topic of getting the most value from livestock poop.
From predicting crop losses due to defoliation of corn plants after a hailstorm to estimating soybean grain yield, the Remote Sensing and Imaging Lab at Iowa State University is strengthening researchers’ ability to use the latest innovations in precision agriculture.
Wes Wierson is working to cure cancer in dogs. The founder and CEO of LEAH Labs, Wierson (‘13 microbiology, ‘18 PhD molecular cellular and developmental biology) and his team are the first to successfully put pet dogs with lymphoma into remission with a pioneering cell therapy.
Michelle (Euken) Myers (‘09 ag business, economics) describes herself as a “scent storyteller,” using fragrance to evoke feelings and memories. What began as a hobby in Myers’ spare time has grown into Dirt Road Candle Co., a brand rooted in rural Lewis, Iowa, built on storytelling and named for the dirt road she and her husband, Steven (’10 ag business), call home.
A child screams in delight as they rocket down the volcano slide, just one of many thrilling activities at the sprawling Cox Farms agri-tainment venue outside Centreville, Virginia. Creating those moments of joy (or terror) is what Lucas Cox-Galhotra (’05 horticulture) enjoys most about his role as co-farmer-in-chief.
Natalie (Eick) Paino (‘20 agricultural business) knew she’d have to get creative if she wanted to return to her family’s dairy farm after college. Her dream was to take the farm’s milk and make it into bottled milk, cheese and ice cream. With help from Start Something CALS, that dream became a reality.
See what keepsakes CALS alums have been holding onto since their time at Iowa State University. Do any of these items elicit memories of your time on campus?
Armed with real-world experience and practical knowledge, plus teaching at an alma mater of four generations of her family, Kate Gilbert (’07 food science) is on a mission to grow students’ networks and set them up for success.
Ed Zaworski (’14 MS plant pathology), plant extension specialist, hosts “I See Dead Plants,” a podcast on integrated pest management (IPM). He welcomes expert guests to discuss research-based topics like fungicide, disease modeling and historical plant pests. “I See Dead Plants” episodes are posted Wednesdays at 7 a.m. CST. Find other ISU Extension and Outreach Agriculture and Natural Resources podcasts online.
Sterling (Schnepf) Meyer (’14 animal science) and her husband, Tyler (’14 ag studies), have a passion for connecting younger generations to agriculture. From farm tours to bringing lambs for show-and-tell at school, they see the value in opening northwest Iowa youngsters’ eyes to ag opportunities.
Elycia (Ahl) VanVacter (‘17 animal science) didn’t envision herself working in the poultry industry, but after being recommended for a hatchery position at Hy-Line International, she was hooked. Today, VanVacter works as the director of health and education at the North Central Poultry Association, helping Iowa State students find their way into the poultry industry.
Mike Taylor (‘03 agricultural studies), co-founder and partner with Midwest Growth Partners in West Des Moines, Iowa, was the spring 2003 CALS Convocation speaker and featured in the spring 2011 STORIES magazine.
As an Iowa State student, C.Y. Stephens (1925 dairy industry) formed many connections and friendships with fellow students who would later become his business partners. Learn about this alum who, along with his wife, pledged $1 million in 1961 to go toward the construction of the Iowa State Center.
The Ag 450 Farm and class look different today than when they were established in the 1940s. Dale Weber (’52 farm operation, ’70 MS animal science, ’74 PhD) is capturing memories from those early days into the present through a new display.
The late Milton Weller had a way of bringing students together. That legacy has continued inspiring professional relationships – and gatherings – over decades.
You’ve heard of robotic vacuums, but have you heard of robotic mowers? Adam Thoms (’06 horticulture), associate professor of horticulture and turfgrass management specialist, is researching robotic mowers, focusing on how they affect the quality and performance of turfgrass.
On a hot, humid day in the middle of an Iowa summer, ensuring conditions are nice and cool inside a hog barn is essential to keeping those pigs happy and healthy. But how can the barn’s conditions be monitored if you’re not in or near it?
Whether it's a tractor tour, a harvest ride-along or a demonstration of an instrument panel, the Mann Family Farms YouTube channel gives viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of a family farm in central Iowa.
Jamie Pudenz’s passion and background in agriculture has led him to a career focused on preparing the next generation of agriculturalists who will find answers to the fuel, fiber and food demands of our planet.
“Growing up on my family farm was my first introduction to agriculture.
