Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Hey all…social media person here with bad news. I MAYBE lost Curtiss again. He does this every summer!

I swear he’s around here somewhere, he keeps sending me selfies from around campus. Wait, I have an idea! If I post his selfies, could you help me find him?

I’ll post them on Instagram stories on Wednesdays, and if we can figure it out, I’ll post my findings on Fridays. We can bring him back together!

How much of an impact does a GPS make when farming? Up to 17 feet of a difference, in the experience of students participating in Iowa State University’s Precision Ag Technology Curriculum for High Schools (PATCH) program.

As part of the hands-on program, students work directly with GPS guidance systems, data tools and equipment that mirror today’s farm technology. Developed by the Digital Ag Innovation Lab, one of the nation’s leading ag-tech research groups, PATCH is expanding access to precision agriculture education and helping build a tech-ready workforce for a rapidly evolving industry.

Read more about the program ⬇️
https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/hands-precision-ag-lessons-yield-aha-moments-iowa-high-school-students

We love welcoming our summer campus visitors, whether you’re stepping onto campus for the very first time or coming back to relive your ISU memories!

Larry Boeck (‘70 farm operations) and his wife Annette (‘73 home economics education) recently spent the day exploring campus and, of course, enjoyed a stop at the ISU Creamery for some ice cream.

Visiting campus this summer? We’d love to see it—share your photos with us below ⬇️

Iowa State University Iowa State University Creamery

What does it take to build real connections between conservation and agriculture? Iowa State’s Land Stewardship Leadership Academy is helping bridge that gap, equipping early- to mid-career natural resource professionals with the skills, confidence and networks needed to work more effectively with farmers and landowners.

Through hands-on learning, conversations with producers and mentorship from ISU experts, participants gain a deeper understanding of Iowa agriculture while strengthening leadership and communication abilities.

The result? Stronger partnerships, greater empathy and real-world impact across the state.

Read more ⬇️

https://stories.cals.iastate.edu/2025/05/fostering-connections-farmers-conservation-colleagues

New this August, check out the animal enterprise and innovation major in the department of animal science!

Designed in response to industry need, this new major will help to shape experts in growing areas across food agriculture, renewable resources and environmental fields.

Check it out ⬇️

New animal enterprise and innovation degree to prepare students for industry The Department of Animal Science will offer a new bachelor’s degree in animal enterprise and innovation beginning in August 2026. This one-of-a-kind program will combine training in the core animal science curriculum with business acumen through classes in economics, data management, entrepreneurs...

Why does switchgrass bloom earlier in northern regions? While the question was an unwelcome surprise for the research team, the journey to find the answer demonstrated the power of citizen scientists.

The research team, led in part by Iowa State University's Jianming Yu, professor of agronomy, analyzed thousands of publicly shared plant photos alongside field trials and genetic data, combining observations of the plant's real-world behavior with carefully controlled experimental behavior.

“With this study, we have connected our quantitative genetic and genomic research with ecology, evolution and adaptation over a large-scale landscape. The beauty is we’re bridging them together so we can see the whole picture,” said Yu.

Read more about the study ⬇️

https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/integrating-citizen-science-experimental-data-helps-uncover-how-plants-adapt

Iowa State University Department of Agronomy

At Iowa State University, an AI tutor developed by Karl Kerns, assistant professor of animal science, and his graduate students is doing just that. Designed to complement hands-on instruction in a high-enrollment animal science lab, the tool provides flexible, on-demand support through guided practice, flashcards and interactive feedback.

The impact is measurable: students who engaged with the tutor earned higher final grades, with frequent users improving by the equivalent of a full letter grade.

“We are always looking for ways to innovate in the classroom and to give students another useful tool,” Kerns said. “It’s all about setting students up for success.”

Read more about the tool ⬇️

Iowa State University-Animal Science Iowa State University

AI tutor supports student learning “It’s like having a Zoom session with a real-life human mentor.” That’s how Karl Kerns describes the AI tutor he’s spent the past two years creating and refining with his graduate students.

Ruth MacDonald will serve as acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from June 1-July 31, and interim dean beginning August 1.

"Ruth has long been a leader in the college, and will work with students, faculty, staff and stakeholders to steward the college during our leadership transition," said Jason Keith, senior vice president and provost.

MacDonald has served the college in a variety of roles, including associate dean and chair of the department of food science and human nutrition.

Read more about the transition ⬇️

https://www.inside.iastate.edu/article/2026/05/12/leadership-transition-announced-agriculture-and-life-sciences

Each year, more than 17,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables are produced at the ISU Horticulture Research Station. Where does all that food go? Right back into campus dining, local food systems and community partners, with thousands of additional pounds donated to expand access to local, fresh food.

“We produce so much here, and it all has somewhere to go,” said Chloe Henscheid, farm superintendent. “Whether it’s our local dining centers, local farms or direct sales, it stays in the community. I think there’s something special about that.”

Through collaboration across disciplines, the station also advances agricultural practices that benefit growers and ecosystems alike.

Learn more about the impact ⬇️

Iowa State University Department of Horticulture

Planting knowledge, harvesting impact at Horticulture Research Station The Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station provides students with hands-on experience producing fruits, vegetables and honey on 235 acres of land north of Ames. Students work year-round planting, harvesting, maintaining equipment and supporting marketing efforts, with nearly all tasks c...

Iowa State University researchers are exploring how computer vision, sensors and data science can transform swine production, from automated weight estimation to early detection of health issues. The long-term goal: continuous identification and tracking of individual pigs, a breakthrough that could redefine precision management, animal welfare and genetic improvement.

With U.S. Department of Agriculture support, the team is now testing these technologies in commercial-like settings to better understand their reliability, return on investment and scalability for producers.

Read more ⬇️

Iowa State University-Animal Science

https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/cameras-and-sensors-bringing-digital-farm-transformation-hog-barns