Message from the Dean - April 21, 2025

Hello, CALS,

Last week, we had the annual Carl and Marjory Hertz Lecture on Emerging Issues in Agriculture with the largest attendance yet! The presentation was given by Mark Stutsman, chief operating officer and third-generation family member of Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. It was a terrific presentation on the emergence and expansion of a terrific Iowa-family company, its values, and the opportunities and challenges they see ahead – trade, technology and more. 

From these kinds of presentations, we learn about the thinking and outlook of decision-makers and thought-leaders in Iowa and beyond. Their comments and insights can help us frame our own personal and professional ideas. While the presentation by Mark Stutsman is not yet posted, you’ll see on the Hertz Lecture website the posted presentations by lecturers in prior years. Each one of these tells a different story and provides unique insights and ideas. In these fast-moving times, I encourage you to scan the list of lectures and perhaps select a couple to view. Same for the list of William K. Deal Endowed Leadership Lectures that are recorded, too.

Have a great week, enjoy the now fast-emerging spring, and encourage all our students to finish the semester strong!

My best - Dan

Scenes from CALS

Statue of President Abraham Lincoln in a seated position in front of a brick wall.
The "Thinkin' Lincoln" between Morrill Hall and The Hub.
Plaque telling ab out the Abraham Lincoln statue.
According to the interpretive sign, a ready to spring into action Lincoln! Take a moment and imagine what Lincoln might think about us today.
Three people standing in front of a wall with a plant off to the side.
The next Rossmann Manatt Faculty Development awardee, agronomy's Arti Singh, left, with Iowa State alums Marty Rossman ('58 home economics education), center, University of Minnesota professor emeritus, and Jack Rossmann ('58 rural sociology, '60 MS), Macalester College professor emeritus.
Snake along a sidewalk next to some grass.
More evidence of spring, a Common Garter Snake out and about on a warming day this weekend. (Picture by Alison Parker in Washington County, Iowa).