Hello, CALS,
What a beautiful fall we’re having! Harvesters are rolling, leaves are falling, and the sun is shining! I have heard that some of the corn harvests coming in near Ames are at more than 320 bushels per acre (typical average is closer to 200), and soybeans at more than 80 bushels per acre (typical average is closer to 60). But some places in the state will see lesser yields given weather impacts early in the season.
And this even as communities elsewhere are struggling, such as in the southeastern U.S. in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and the continued cleanup from earlier this season after the devastating floods in Northwest Iowa and tornado outbreaks throughout Iowa, including close to Ames. I spent many years in North Carolina and know well so many of the places now washed away. It is tragic the powerful impact nature can have when it intersects with people and infrastructure in overwhelming ways.
Last week, we were treated to the fantastic annual CALS Week as our CALS Council students and supporters fed and informed members of our campus community from A to Z, and top to bottom (see pictures below). I heard that every day there was so much participation that the food was quickly gone! Thanks to everyone who helped out.
Also last week, we had a CALS Chat in the Student Innovation Center to bring added attention to the new CALS Innovation and Inspiration Artwork there on the fourth floor, and we’ll soon have another CALS Chat to recognize the extraordinary work of CALS advisors as they navigate the introduction of the Workday Student system. Please come out for that, and let's all thank them for that ongoing effort.
This week, the campus will be full of visiting friends, alums and donors as the university celebrates the ISU Foundation's Governor's Week.
Here is a link to an editorial in Science magazine that intrigues me as the first time I have seen a viable means of countering misinformation as it swirls and is amplified around us. Maybe there is hope for using AI to craft a swirl to reverse that trend….
Below is a picture of one of the great Iowa conservationists, Aldo Leopold. And speaking of conservationists, remember to come out for the Deal Lecture next week, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. in 127 Curtiss Hall, which will be presented by Larry Nielsen on “Fowl, Fish and Forest – Leadership Lessons from Great Conservationists.”
My best for a great week. - Dan
Scenes from CALS
