Podcasts about Iowa State University

Public research university in Ames, Iowa, United States

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Best podcasts about Iowa State University

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Latest podcast episodes about Iowa State University

AgriTalk PM
AgriTalk-June 22, 2026 PM

AgriTalk PM

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 40:57


Professor Chad Hart, extension economist at Iowa State University, joins us for a look at the markets as the situation with Iran continues to develop. Cary Artac of artacadvisory.com and wickedstocks.com shares a chart update and stock watch. Jack Scoville of The Price Futures Group has price action perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iran iowa state university price futures group agritalk
River to River
Cedar County's Humans for Racial Justice hosts second annual Juneteenth historical tour

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 48:04


On this Newsbuzz episode, IPR's Gavin McGough joins to discuss a new gas power plant that was approved by the Cedar Falls City Council this week, and IPR's Rachel Cramer shares how Iowa's landfills are filling up fast. Cami Koons of Iowa Capital Dispatch reports on a multistate research project that held a panel of rural Iowans Tuesday, and we hear about the U.S. losing ground in the higher education space as Iowa State University and University of Iowa continue to slip in university rankings. Humans for Racial Justice hosts their second annual Juneteenth event which tours local Underground Railroad sites in Cedar County, and IPR Studio One's Nick Brunner grooves us into the weekend.

River to River
3 Libertarians off the ballot, party conventions and a tentative deal with Iran

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 48:01


Three Libertarians who filed to run for governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. House in Iowa won't appear on the ballot. That's after members of the Republican party challenged their paperwork, and the state objection panel voted to remove the names of Nicholas Gluba, Jules Cutler and Marco Battaglia from Iowa ballots. In this episode, host Ben Kieffer recaps that decision as well as the state party conventions with Megan Goldberg of Cornell College and Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University. They also discuss looming changes to Social Security and the tentative peace deal with Iran.

The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
Dr. Meaghan Meyer: Broiler Welfare Beyond Enrichment | Ep. 157

The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 16:13


In this episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Meaghan Meyer, Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University, discusses broiler social dynamics, environmental enrichment, feeding behavior, and welfare assessment. She explains how enrichment strategies influence activity, resource access, feed intake, and flock behavior while highlighting practical considerations for commercial production and student education in poultry science. Listen now on all major platforms!"Enrichment programs increased activity levels while supporting feed intake and maintaining productive performance within broiler populations."Meet the guest: Dr. Meaghan Meyer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. at Iowa State University, focusing on broiler welfare and behavior. Her research examines social dynamics, environmental enrichment, and welfare assessment in broiler production systems. Learn more from Dr. Meaghan Meyer on The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(02:59) Broiler hierarchy(05:14) Enrichment strategies(07:58) Feeding behavior(10:24) Welfare performance(11:56) Poultry education(16:11) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Fortiva- Poultry Science Association- Anitox- DietForge

Iowa Press
Iowa State University President

Iowa Press

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 27:00


Iowa State University President David Cook discusses his first few months leading his alma mater and what he hopes to accomplish in the months and years ahead.

River to River
Lines of attack solidify between Iowa candidates for the general election

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 48:00


The general election battle has begun in Iowa. On this Politics Day episode of River to River, analysis from political scientists Karen Kedrowski of Iowa State University and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College on Rob Sand's pick for a running mate, the growing fight for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat, updates from the war in Iran and more.

Popular Pig
The Founding Story of Iowa Craft Meats | Dwight Mogler

Popular Pig

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 69:04


About the Guest Dwight Mogler is the managing partner of Iowa Craft Meats and a partner in Mogler Farms/Dayspring Farm in Lyon County, Iowa. A graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business, Dwight returned to the family operation after working in the feed and grain industry and helped grow the farm’s farrow-to-finish operation to 200,000 head of annual marketing’s. Today, the family enterprise includes pork production, beef feedlot operations, crop farming, a country grain elevator and Iowa Craft Meats, a business focused on creating value-added pork products and connecting consumers more closely to the people who raise their food. Dwight is passionate about the future of pork demand, product innovation, and helping producers build stronger connections with consumers. Dwight previously served on the National Pork Producers Council board and is currently a producer board member of the National Pork Board.  He has been recognized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association for his contributions to the pork industry. He and his wife, Donna, live in Lester, Iowa, and enjoy spending time with family when not working. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How a multi-generation farm family laid the foundation for Iowa Craft Meats. Why Dwight believes producers can build brands and connect directly with consumers. How Iowa Craft Meats is creating value beyond traditional pork production. What different pork cuts offer and how cultures around the world use pork. Why Dwight sees convenience and fully cooked products as an important opportunity for pork.

The Pet Food Science Podcast Show
Dr. Krysten Craft: Microbiome Models In Pet Nutrition | Ep. 157

The Pet Food Science Podcast Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 34:17


In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Krysten Craft, Health and Wellbeing Scientist at Kemin Pet Food & Rendering, explores challenges in pet nutrition research, including immune markers, microbiome models, and ethical study design. She explains how to interpret null results and highlights opportunities using vaccines and alternative models. Practical insights on owner surveys and clinical relevance are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!“Microbiome models enable high-throughput screening of dietary interventions, allowing researchers to evaluate functional outputs and population-level trends without maintaining live animal studies.”Meet the guest: Dr. Krysten Craft earned her PhD in Animal Science from Iowa State University, focusing on nutrition, immunity, and the microbiome across species. With 18 peer-reviewed publications, her work follows a science-first, species-second approach. Now leading Health and Wellbeing R&D at Kemin Pet Food & Rendering, she advances pet nutrition research. Learn more on The Pet Food Science Podcast Show with Dr. Krysten Craft, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Don't miss the chance to be part of the Pet Food Inner Circle!Join now and connect with leading experts in pet nutrition: https://petfoodinnercircle.com/What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:34) Introduction(04:40) Research challenges(10:32) Immune markers(14:53) Vaccine design(17:59) Alternative models(26:03) Null results(31:08) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Rangen Group- Biorigin- DietForge

Garden Variety
Closer I am to vine

Garden Variety

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 12:55


Often called the "queen of climbers," clematis are known for their beautiful blooms and ability to add height to your garden. These vining members of the buttercup family make a beautiful addition to almost any yard and they are in full bloom right now. Cindy Haynes, professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University and Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist join the program to tell us about growing and caring for clematis.

River to River
Iowa voters pick their nominees for the 2026 election

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 47:52


Iowa Republicans rejected a candidate President Donald Trump endorsed for governor. On this politics day episode, we dive into the primary results. Political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University analyze these results and look ahead to the midterms. They also discuss the Senate race and the competition in Iowa Congressional Districts.

The Innovators Podcast
Podcast 75 - Chris Sievers, Talent and Technology Leader at John Deere

The Innovators Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 30:12


On episode 75 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Chris Sievers, University Partnership and Talent & Technology leader at John Deere. In this episode, Chris shares about his time at Iowa State University and his experience working at John Deere. He also shares his relationship to the Research Park. Thank you for listening!

The Fabricator Podcast
Addressing welding safety gaps with Bolu Ojo of SparkDefy

The Fabricator Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 58:37


Bolu Ojo joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss SparkDefy, a startup developing fire-resistant welding head coverings for people with long or thicker hair. She shares how a welding job inspired the idea, the challenges of bringing a new PPE product to market, and her mission to make welding safety more inclusive with more products. Ojo also discusses launching the business, learning how to sew, and honing her welding skills while studying industrial design at Iowa State University. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about SparkDefy and the 2026 FAB 40.

Popular Pig
Taste What Pork Can Do®: Connecting Campaign Results to Producer Value | Lee Schulz, Kiersten Hafer, Jesse Heimer

Popular Pig

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 40:16


About the Guests Lee Schulz joined Ever.Ag as their chief economist in 2024. In this role, he speaks on various industry topics, develops and delivers economic data and analyses, and provides clients with critical economic perspectives for informed decision-making. He also serves as the consulting economist for the National Pork Board. Lee grew up on a crop and livestock farm in central Wisconsin. From 2012 to 2024 he was on the economics faculty at Iowa State University where he served as a professor and as the statewide extension specialist on livestock economics and markets. Lee has a bachelor's degree in agricultural business from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a master's in agricultural economics from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in economics from Kansas State University. Kiersten Hafer, vice president of business intelligence and innovation for the National Pork Board, provides strategy, insights and guidance to the pork industry and supply chain on where to play and how to win with pork. She has leveraged her 30 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations to uncover and unlock potential, facilitate change and measure expansion. As a lifelong connector and change agent, she has strategized business growth with retailers, marketing agencies, food brokers, foodservice operators, market research firms and consumer goods manufacturers. Before her role with the National Pork Board, she served as vice president of marketing for Clemens Food Group, where she was responsible for marketing, innovation and business insights across its retail and foodservice businesses. Hafer is a graduate of Saint Joseph's University with a Master of Science degree in Food Marketing from the Haub School of Business. She resides in the Greater Philadelphia region with her husband, two children and two golden retrievers. Jesse Heimer owns Heimer Hampshires, a 500-sow show pig enterprise, where he leads a team of eight raising competitive pigs for junior livestock enthusiasts nationwide and sells progressive genetics via semen and breeding stock to other breeders. Heimer is a founding member and past board member of the Missouri Youth Show Pig Circuit (2009-2023) and a current Missouri Pork Association board member. At the national level, he is a Pork Leadership Institute graduate (2021); hosted dialogue with industry leaders to foster harmony between show pigs and commercial sectors; sits on the NPPC Traceability task force; participates in the AgView working group and represents exhibition swine on the General Conference Committee of the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why growing pork demand starts with understanding the consumer not just the product How data is being used to target the right people with the right message at the right time Why demand growth is a long game and what realistic expectations should look like How marketing efforts actually connect back to producer profitability and value

The Squeal
The Squeal_0255: Biosecurity Through Truck Wash Sanitation

The Squeal

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 31:46


On this episode of The Squeal, we're taking a closer look at one of the most critical, but often overlooked, components of swine health management: truck wash biosecurity.  Our host, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian is joined by Dr. Kate Dion, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Iowa State University, and Emiliano Hidalgo, PIC Technical Operations Manager to discuss the importance of a truck wash and its procedures.  Transportation plays a major role in protecting herd health, and even small gaps in cleaning and disinfection protocols can create significant disease risk across production systems. From trailer sanitation and drying time to employee compliance and facility design, maintaining strong truck wash biosecurity requires attention to detail at every step. Whether you're managing transportation logistics, overseeing site health, or working directly in the wash bay, this episode offers actionable insights to help strengthen one of the industry's most important lines of defense.

Future of Agriculture
Low-Cost Software and High-Value Humans with Shay Foulk

Future of Agriculture

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 34:11


Ag View Solutions: https://www.agviewsolutions.com/Farm Profit Manager: https://www.farmprofitmanager.com/Today's guest is Shay Foulk of Ag View Solutions and the Farm Profit Manager app. I've known of Shay for years as a podcaster and farm management consultant, and his presence on social media. Shay and I both have been a part of webinars for Fractal Ag in the past, and shout out to Ben at Fractal for helping to make today's episode happen. Some background on Shay: Shay Foulk is a farm business consultant with Ag View Solutions who works with operations to improve profitability and efficiency, manage risk, and grow. They offer this to farmers in the form of consulting, coaching, Peer Group facilitation and the Profit Manager app that we'll talk a lot about today. He grew up in NE Iowa working on a row crop and livestock operation with his father, uncles, and grandfathers. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Agronomy. After graduating, Shay enlisted in the United States Army, and served 5 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He continues to serve with the Illinois National Guard out of Peoria. He also farms and runs Monier Seed with his father-in-law and wife, Hannah, near Sparland, IL.Shay's step dad, Chris Barron, started Ag View Solutions clear back in the mid 90s. He developed the foundation of what became what they called Profit Manager. He noticed that he knew his numbers a lot better on the hog production side of his farm, and wanted to apply the same business analysis to the crops side. So with his college roommate he developed the first version of Profit Manager on DOS. After years of consulting with farmers he turned it into an Excel-based tool. For years they have sold the tool and offered consulting services. Shay joined the business in 2019, and just this year they converted the Excel-based Profit Manager into this new app called Farm Profit Manager, and offered it for free.

I See Dead Plants
(S5:E8) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2

I See Dead Plants

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 38:56


In this episode Ed interviews Dr. José González-Acuña, recent Ph.D. graduate at Iowa State University. They discuss José's Thesis work on frogeye leaf spot and efforts to expand the ever growing library of plant disease predictive models. Additional Resources https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46975-z#Sec14 https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/27/5/article-p710.xml https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions Time Stamps 00:00 Understanding Machine Learning Models 03:23 Choosing the Right Model for the Project 06:13 Metrics for Model Evaluation 08:48 Challenges in Data Collection and Standardization 11:38 Insights on Frog Eye Leaf Spot Modeling 13:44 Future Directions and Improvements 17:40 Understanding Weather Data's Role in Disease Modeling 19:42 Data Collection and Analysis for Disease Severity 21:29 Introduction to Decision Support Systems (DSS) 22:27 The Importance of Decision Support in Agriculture 24:09 Future of Predictive Modeling and Decision Support Systems 28:44 The Role of Farmers in Utilizing Predictive Models 32:14 Economic Benefits of Decision Support Systems 34:29 Elevator Pitch: Explaining Predictive Modeling to the Public 37:58 outro with logo.mp4 Zaworski, E. (Host) and González-Acuña, J. (Interviewee). S5:E8 (Podcast). Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2. 5/20/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

The Good Day
Carried Through Cancer with Kim Harms

The Good Day

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 27:28


We're talking about the pressure parents feel to “have it all together.” But, inevitably life happens. Curve balls come. For my new friend, Kim Harms, she had 2 back-to-back curve balls in the form of cancer - both coming to her attention on Jan 20, just 7 years apart. She's joining to help us experience more of God's strength in these desperate times of our lives.Kim Harms is a two-time breast cancer survivor and the author of Carried Through Cancer: 70 Days of Spiritual Strength from Cancer Fighters, Survivors and Caregivers, and Life Reconstructed: Navigating the World of Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction.  She has a degree in English from Iowa State University and more than two decades of professional writing experience for a wide variety of publications. Married to Corey for 27 years, the two have three sons and one English Springer Spaniel who thinks he's the fourth child. Kim offers support and resources for cancer fighters on her website. She can also be found on Instagram  @kimharmsauthor and Facebook at KimHarmsAuthor. Today, we're talking about:Feeling God's love in the unexpected gifts in griefHow to lean on God's strength to uphold youGod's promise to be with us through the ugly and hard parts of life - why this is enoughC A N D A C E  C O F E Rauthor + speaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠facebook⁠

Head Shepherd
Genomic data management and the future of breeding values with Dan Garrick

Head Shepherd

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 55:59


What does it take to build the data systems that sit behind your genetic evaluations?This week on the podcast, Ferg catches up with Dan Garrick from Helical. Dan grew up on a sheep, beef and venison farm in the Manawatu before moving to the US at 13, where he went on to complete a PhD in aerospace engineering at Iowa State University. He's the son of Professor Dorian Garrick, one of New Zealand's most respected animal breeding geneticists, and his grandfather was one of the world's leading experts on sharks, making Dan a third-generation PhD.Dan explains how the same maths used to model fluid dynamics around rockets is used to generate breeding values, and how he ended up joining the family business in 2017 to help roll out some of the first production single step evaluations in the US for American Hereford and IGS. That work quickly revealed a major bottleneck in managing the genomic data flowing in from DNA testing labs. That's where Helical was born.Ferg and Dan talk through how Helical now serves breed societies, genetics companies, universities and labs across beef, dairy, sheep, horses, dogs, aquaculture and forestry. They also look ahead at where things are going. From decision support tools and AI in commercial herds, to the potential for wearable devices like virtual fencing collars to generate entirely new breeding values nobody has thought of yet - both Dan and Ferg agree the future is bright for Agriculture. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, Heiniger Australia and New Zealand, and ProWay Livestock Equipment. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERECheck out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out ProWay's product range HERE

Talk of Iowa
What you need to know about fire blight

Talk of Iowa

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2026 47:56


Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. On this Horticulture Day episode, we talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa. Later, Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, joins the conversation to share more gardening insight and answer listener questions.

Ag News Daily
May 15, 2026: Farmers Push Through Planting Season as Fertilizer Markets Tighten

Ag News Daily

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026


Rapid planting progress continues across much of the Corn Belt as farmers also navigate tightening fertilizer supplies, shifting trade developments, and ongoing weather concerns heading deeper into the 2026 growing season. This week's agriculture headlines include the latest USDA Crop Progress report showing corn and soybean planting continuing ahead of the five-year average across much of the Midwest. Weather updates focus on improving planting conditions following recent frost concerns, while hotter and drier conditions continue stressing winter wheat in parts of the Plains. Other headlines include President Donald Trump delaying planned action tied to beef imports, a federal trade court ruling against the administration's global tariff policy and fertilizer markets tightening as global supply concerns continue driving volatility for key crop nutrients. Additional stories include updates on nationwide E15 legislation, a new biofuels partnership between Bayer Crop Science and bp focused on camelina production, new EPA conservation grant funding and Smithfield Foods releasing its latest sustainability report. Today's interview is with Ag News Daily summer intern Josie Kelly. She is a junior at Iowa State University studying Agricultural & Rural Policy Studies alongside Public Relations. In today's conversation, she shares more about her background, interests in agriculture and what she is looking forward to this summer with the Ag News Daily team. Stay connected with us for daily agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Garden Variety
We didn't start the fire blight

Garden Variety

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 12:56


Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. We talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa.

Market Talk
Friday, May 15th, 2026- Chad Hart and Joe Kooima

Market Talk

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 40:00


As we head into the weekend, we sit down to talk commodity and livestock markets with Chad Hart, Professor and Economist at Iowa State University. We discuss the markets chasing headlines, the weather impacts, the law of supply and demand, ethanol/E15 legislation, US/China talks and much more. Plus it was a busy week in the cattle markets with plenty of news and record cash trade. Joe Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek joins us for livestock and grain market analysis to close out the week. Find more at https://www.kkvtrading.com.

Popular Pig
Ground Pork's Untapped Potential and How to Win with Consumers | Sarah Showalter & Will Brunt

Popular Pig

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 33:42


About the Guests Sarah Showalter is the director of consumer and business insights for the National Pork Board. She implements consumer-focused, producer-led strategy by leading qualitative and quantitative research to answer business questions and identify opportunities. Prior to her role at NPB, Showalter attended Iowa State University and has experience in developing strategic insights through research at Circana (formerly IRI), Conagra Brands and Hallmark Cards, Inc. Will Brunt is the chief innovation and marketing officer for Villari Food Group, based out of Wilmington, North Carolina. In this role, he develops and implements strategic initiatives that align with business objectives in innovation, sales and marketing. He notably established a robust three-year pipeline of innovative products, delivering 5% annual growth and maintaining a competitive product portfolio. Will has spent more than half of his 32-year marketing and advertising career with animal protein, emphasizing pork, specifically Boar's Head, Smithfield Foods and Villari Food Group, while also building cross-functional teams and creating a growth-oriented culture of accountability and partnership. Other brands throughout his career include Sara Lee, Tabasco, Rolling Rock, Ventura Foods and International Delight. Lastly, Will was active in the National Pork Board's two-year marketing advisory group, which served as a crucial feedback loop for the development of the Taste What Pork Can Do® consumer brand campaign, launched in May 2025. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why ground pork is a major growth opportunity and how it fits today's need for quick, easy meals How ground pork's versatility lets it work across global flavors, everyday meals, and different cooking styles Why consumers are stuck in habits and how simple swaps like using pork instead of beef can unlock new meals How education across the entire supply chain is key to driving demand and making ground pork a household staple Sarah & Will’s “Golden Nugget”

I See Dead Plants
(S5:E7) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1

I See Dead Plants

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 46:35


In this episode Ed interviews Dr. José González-Acuña, recent Ph.D. graduate at Iowa State University. They discuss José's Thesis work on frogeye leaf spot and efforts to expand the ever growing library of plant disease predictive models. Additional Resources https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46975-z#Sec14 https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/27/5/article-p710.xml https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions Time Stamps 00:44 Introduction to Jose's Academic Journey 03:13 The Path to Plant Pathology 13:45 Understanding Frog Eye Leaf Spot 18:55 Management Strategies for Frog Eye Leaf Spot 21:51 Fungicide Resistance and Its Implications 23:39 The Journey to Predictive Modeling 25:57 The Role of Predictive Models in Agriculture 28:49 Understanding Predictive Modeling 34:26 Types of Predictive Models 40:09 Logistic Regression and Machine Learning Models 45:36 outro with logo.mp4   Zaworski, E. (Host) and González-Acuña, J. (Interviewee). S5:E7 (Podcast). Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1. 5/13/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

Dairy News & Views from ISU
Episode 162. Healthy Herds, Healthy Minds - Supporting the People Behind the Cows

Dairy News & Views from ISU

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 28:50


In this episode of the ISU Dairy News & Views Podcast, we sit down with Liz Brock to explore the powerful connection between herd health and human well-being in agriculture. While dairy production often focuses on animal performance and efficiency, this conversation shifts attention to the people behind the cows—the farmers, students, and professionals who carry the emotional and physical weight of the industry. Together with voices from Iowa State University, we discuss the pressures facing agricultural communities, the importance of mental health awareness in rural spaces, and practical ways to build resilience and support systems within dairy and livestock production. Additional Resources: https://health.extension.wisc.edu/mental-well-being/wecope/ https://extension.umn.edu/get-help/resources-difficult-times#coping-with-stress-or-crisis-1250210  

River to River
Psychologists share latest research on improving criminal procedures

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 48:04


Two psychologists from Iowa State University join the program. Their whose research seeks to improve accuracy in witness and suspect testimony in the criminal justice system. Professor of psychology Zlatan Krizan discusses how sleep deprivation may influence confessions and witness statements, while associate professor of psychology Andrew Smith explains how video recording of eyewitness suspect lineups could improve confidence in those practices and assist in criminal trials. Later, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine researcher Colin Kenny explains how using zebrafish in research can help to better understand a rare eye cancer and improve treatment.

1-Min Riddles: Puzzles & Brain Teasers
What Will Happen to Your Body If You Walk Every Day

1-Min Riddles: Puzzles & Brain Teasers

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 13:38


Walking is a totally free, easy exercise that requires little effort, and benefits not only your physical but also your mental well-being. If you're looking for a simple yet very effective way of losing weight and improving your overall health, walking is something just for you. People who are physically active throughout their life are much less prone to this disease than those who have a more sedentary lifestyle. And that's because they have more volume in their hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for verbal memory and learning. A daily half-hour walk helps avoid serious problems, like coronary heart disease to name one, by lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation. Because of better-quality and deeper breathing, some symptoms associated with lung disease can show significant improvement thanks to walking. Muscle tone and weight loss is also totally achievable through simple walking. Find your optimal pace, but don't break out into a jog. This sort of speed walking is low impact and doesn't require any recovery time, which means no sore muscles to keep you from getting out and walking the next day. The Arthritis Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate walking a day to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Building strong bones will help you prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone loss. Walking contributes to better blood circulation within the spinal structures, pumping important nutrients into the soft tissues and improving posture and flexibility, both of which are vital for a healthy spine. A group of researchers at Iowa State University worked with hundreds of college students. Walking changed their mood for the better, even though no one warned them it could do so. If you still don't feel motivated enough to start walking for your health, try joining a class or find a buddy who also wouldn't mind getting all the benefits of walking. Another idea could be to hire a personal trainer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazing Education Podcast
#085 - Isabelle Stagg - Ames High Senior

Amazing Education Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 11:07 Transcription Available


In this episode, we're joined by Ames High senior Isabelle Stagg as she reflects on where her cheer journey began, and whether she ever imagined it would lead her to Iowa State University. You'll hear how her time in Ames High cheer shaped her skills while building leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, along with the moments that made her experience truly meaningful.

Against The Grain - The Podcast
ATGthePodcast 318 - A Conversation with Rachel Caldwell, Academic Engagement, University of Massachusetts, Amhurst; and Robin Sinn, Director of Collections and Open Strategy, Iowa State University

Against The Grain - The Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 46:51


Today's episode features guest host Michael Upshall (guest editor, Charleston Briefings) who talks with Rachel Caldwell, Academic Engagement, University of Massachusetts, Amhurst, and Robin Sinn, Director of Collections and Open Strategy, Iowa State University. Rachel and Robin are two librarians who co-founded the Library Partnership Rating which is a "collaborative and library-developed framework for librarians who seek to quantify the alignment of publishers with themselves as they consider investing library resources." It's an open, rubric based system to evaluate journal publisher practices that now has a large advisory council of five library organizations along with publishers and university presses. In this conversation, Rachel and Robin talk with Michael about what their current job titles entail, how they came into librarianship, and why they felt the need to create the Library Partnership Rating and the problems they hoped this decision-making tool would solve.  Robin says they aren't taking on publishers but, instead, working to show publishers what libraries want and need while gathering information that libraries want and need and pulling together those data points for useful conversations and collaboration to forward academic publishing. The video of this interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/ETePSv0zMFo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mupshall/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-caldwell-947a10247/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-n-sinn/ Keyword #LibraryPartnershipRating #LibraryLeadership #LibraryInnovation #Library Resources #LibraryCollaboration #PublishingEthics #PublisherPractices #InformationProfessionals #AcademicLibraries #career #scholcomm #ScholarlyCommunication #libraries #librarianship #LibraryNeeds #LibraryLove #ScholarlyPublishing #AcademicPublishing #publishing #LibrariesAndPublishers #podcasts

River to River
Democratic Senate candidates face off on immigration, electability

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 47:59


On this Politics Day, political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University dissect the debate between Democrat Senate hopefuls Josh Turek and Zach Wahls. They also reflect on the end of the 2026 Legislative session, Vice President J.D. Vance's stop in Iowa to campaign for Rep. Zach Nunn and the Iowa Secretary of State's choice to turn over voter data to the Trump administration.

For the Love of Goats
Mastitis in Goats: Myths and Misconceptions

For the Love of Goats

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 41:20 Transcription Available


Practically Ranching
#90 - Joe Morgan, Chasing Premiums at Poky

Practically Ranching

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 62:50 Transcription Available


Send us Fan MailJoe Morgan is CEO of Poky Feeders, a custom cattle feeder in Scott County, KS. He began feeding cattle after his graduation from Iowa State University in 1973. He began at Poky in 1985, and has grown the yard from a 17,000 head capacity to 103,000 one-time capacity today.Joe serves as Vice-Chair of US Premium Beef and is a long time member of the Kansas Livestock Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Weekend Ag Matters
IAM Podcast 5-6-26

Weekend Ag Matters

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 36:12


In today's show, Dustin wraps up his conversation with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst from his trip to Washington D.C., Riley has the latest South America update with Greg McBride of Allendale, and special correspondent Russ Parker visits with Amy Mendee of Iowa State University about their pathways program.

Ideas from CBC Radio (Highlights)
Could the Dust Bowl of the 30s happen again?

Ideas from CBC Radio (Highlights)

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 54:07


The Dirty Thirties might seem like the distant past but according to IDEAS contributor and professor Evan Fraser now is the time to dust off the lessons about what worked to save farmers and agriculture. The confluence of drought, scorching temperatures and terrifying storms was devastating for farm families forced to abandon their land. Fraser argues the Dust Bowl should serve as a warning of compounding crises that lie ahead. But he adds it can also be a guide to solutions that could help us muddle through as the world lurches into another chapter of environmental, political and economic upheaval.Guests in this episode:Evan Fraser is a geography professor and director of Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph.Pamela Riney-Kehrberg is a distinguished professor of history at Iowa State University.Robert McLeman is a professor of geography and environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Getting Unstuck - Shift For Impact
413: Working to Find Common Ground on Public Lands Amid Competing Interests

Getting Unstuck - Shift For Impact

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 57:14


Guest Minnesota native Aaron Hebeisen grew up hunting, fishing, and recreating outdoors. His lifelong passion for wildlife led him to earn an Animal Ecology degree from Iowa State University. He has worked for the Minnesota Conservation Corps, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on wildlife disease research, and is now the Field Operations Coordinator with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, supporting chapters in 10 states across the Midwest and the southern U.S. Summary This episode explores the meaning, management, and future of public lands in the United States. The discussion begins by defining public lands—roughly 640 million federally managed acres overseen by agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service—and emphasizes their "multiple-use" mandate, balancing recreation, resource extraction, and conservation. Aaron highlights BHA's mission to advocate for these lands on behalf of all users, not just hunters and anglers, framing Americans as "public landowners" with both rights and responsibilities. A key theme is the complexity of land and water access, illustrated through conflicts over stream access laws in states like Illinois, where differing definitions of "navigability" create legal gray areas and tension among stakeholders. The conversation also examines policy advocacy, including coalition-building, lobbying, and navigating bipartisan politics. Aaron describes BHA's approach as "radically purple"—engaged but nonpartisan—focused on finding common ground across competing interests. A major case study is the rollback of mining protections near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area via H.R. 140, which Aaron argues could set a precedent for weakening environmental safeguards nationwide. Despite such challenges, the episode remains grounded in a broader philosophical reflection: public lands are a uniquely American inheritance that fosters personal connection, humility, and stewardship. Ultimately, Aaron underscores that protecting these lands requires active civic engagement—if people don't participate, they risk losing access to what is collectively theirs. A key takeaway Public lands belong to all of us, but their future depends on whether people actively engage in protecting them—through stewardship, advocacy, and participation in the political process. References / Links Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

The Dairy Podcast Show
Dr. Kurt Rosentrater: Feed Efficiency and Sustainability in Dairy | Ep. 194

The Dairy Podcast Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 37:48


In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, breaks down what sustainability really means across food and agriculture. He explains why feed efficiency matters more than any single additive, how DDGS and ethanol co-products fit ruminant diets, and why systems thinking, not silver bullets, drives lasting results. Listen now on all major platforms!“Feed efficiency is one of the holy grails of sustainability. It is all about converting protein and energy into an animal product.”Meet the guest: Dr. Kurt Rosentrater is a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. His research focuses on grain processing, ethanol co-products including DDGS, and sustainable food and feed systems, bridging historical data with precision feeding tools to help producers make better decisions. Learn more from Dr. Kurt Rosentrater on The Dairy Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:59) Introduction(03:18) Growing up on a farm(11:50) Sustainability across systems(17:42) Carbon scoring in formulation(24:49) Value of historical research(30:25) Feed efficiency as sustainability(37:13) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Agri-Comfort* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* CowManager- DietForge- Agrarian Solutions- BoviSync- Chemlock- Protekta- dsm-firmenich- AHV- Natural Biologics

Successful Farming Podcast
When Should You Replant? Stand Establishment & Early Emergence Explained

Successful Farming Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 33:52


In today's episode, Lorrie Boyer is joined by Iowa State University expert Mark Licht who shares insights on planting progress, stand establishment, early emergence, and replant decisions, helping farmers optimize yield and manage risks effectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talk of Iowa
Your guide to spring yard care this season

Talk of Iowa

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 47:52


The magic of spring has done its work. Iowa is green again, and with lawns waking up across the state, it's time to start thinking about spring yard care. From knowing when to mow for the first time to getting your grass off to a healthy start, the season's first lawn decisions can shape how your yard looks all summer long. On this Horticulture Day episode, Adam Thoms, Iowa State University turfgrass specialist, joins to talk about spring lawn care and how to tell when it's finally time to mow. Then, Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, joins the conversation to answer listener questions about lawns, gardens and making the most of spring growth.

The Integrative Veterinarian
Dr. Kellie Lindquist

The Integrative Veterinarian

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 41:44


Dr. Kellie Lindquist was raised in a rural area part of Northern California. Her first career interest was human medicine, but she changed her focus to veterinary medicine during her undergraduate studies. She earned her veterinary degree from Iowa State University in 2011.After graduation, she worked in a mixed animal practice in Oregon before she joined a small animal practice in Anchorage, Alaska. She still works at that same practice.Her holistic interest started after a personal health challenge. She is a Reiki Master, is certified in Acupuncture by IVAS, in TCVM Palliative and End of Life Care and Chinese Herbal Medicine by Chi University, and in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy by the Healing Oasis. She combines these modalities with traditional care for her patients.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kellie Lindquist as we discuss her education, practice experience, and holistic training.

Successful Farming Podcast
How to Level Tillage Tools for a Uniform Seedbed

Successful Farming Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2026 1:55


A uniform seedbed starts with properly leveled tillage equipment. In this Successful Farming Saturday Short, Iowa State University specialist Ryan Bergman explains why leveling your implement front to back and side to side is critical for consistent soil depth and accurate seed placement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FinanZe
Episode 25: Marty Vanderploeg, Co-Founder & Former CEO of Workiva

FinanZe

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 44:42


Send us Fan MailWelcome back to the FinanZe Podcast, episode 25.Today's guest is Marty Vanderploeg, Co-Founder and former CEO of Workiva — the cloud platform that fundamentally transformed how organizations manage, connect, and report critical data. Today, Workiva serves over more than 80% of the Fortune 1000.Marty's journey into software and entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. He began his career as a professor at Iowa State University before making the leap into building companies, founding Engineering Animation Inc., a pioneer in visualization software whose technology played a role in some of the most complex and high-profile events in modern history.He later co-founded Workiva, scaling it into a category-defining SaaS platform at the intersection of financial reporting, compliance, and enterprise data management.In today's conversation, we'll dive into Marty's transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the story of EAI, the founding and scaling of Workiva, establishing a positive company culture, the lessons from building multiple companies, and what it takes to create, the future of software companies in today's AI first world, and advice to young people on building enduring companiesLet's get into it.Support the show

FarmSafe Podcast
Herd Health and Alpha-Gal: Managing Ticks on Midwest Farms

FarmSafe Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 21:36


Ticks are becoming a growing concern across the Midwest as species like the Lone Star tick and Asian Longhorned tick expand their range northward. In this episode, FarmSafe explores what that means for both livestock producers and rural communities, with expert insight from Grant Dewell of Iowa State University and Iowa State Public Health Veterinarian Andrew Hennenfent. The conversation highlights how ticks can impact cattle health, the symptoms to watch for, and management strategies. Episode ResourcesTicks and Tick-borne Diseases in Iowa, ISU ExtensionAlpha-gal Communication Resources, CDCAbout Alpha-gal Syndrome, CDC

Stories from the Stacks
Gilded Age Entrepreneur: The Curious Life of American Financier Albert Benton Pullman with Simon Cordery

Stories from the Stacks

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2026 48:35


Iowa State University historian Simon Cordery talks about his recently published biography of Albert Pullman with Hagley's Ben Spohn. From the publisher: “Simon Cordery's Gilded Age Entrepreneur illuminates the fascinating and chaotic business world of Albert Pullman. The influential but little-known older brother of George Pullman and the craftsman of the family, Albert designed the first luxurious Pullman railroad cars and hosted promotional trips to show them off. In those heady early days, he met national business and political leaders and hired the first Pullman porters. “Albert and George made a formidable team, but as the Pullman Company grew, Albert's role shrank. He turned to his own investment portfolio, often with disastrous results. Beginning with the industrial laundry that cleaned sleeping-car linens, Albert appeared before the Supreme Court after a catastrophic insurance investment, ran afoul of federal banking regulations, and failed in an attempt to corner wheat futures. With evermore unsuccessful speculations, Albert was tempted by extralegal land sales and entered the silver-mining game. Finally, his own family in crisis and his relationship with George shattered, Albert Pullman launched into one last round of adventurous investments with mixed results. “Gilded Age Entrepreneur demonstrates that Albert Pullman embodied the small-time investors who were legion after the Civil War. From banking and insurance to manufacturing and mining, a host of hopeful dreamers like Albert Pullman fueled the circulation of capital by forging political connections, creating and losing businesses, issuing shares, and longing for profit.” For more Hagley History Hangouts, and more information on the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library, visit us online at hagley.org.

Talk of Iowa
A case for crab apples

Talk of Iowa

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 47:33


Crabapple trees get a bad rap for cluttering yards and attracting pests, but Iowa State University professor of horticulture Jeff Iles says not to write off all varieties. On this Horticulture Day, Iles joins to talk about the small trees missing from your yard. Then, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist Aaron Steil joins the conversation to answer listeners' gardening questions.

Don't Quill the Messenger : Revealing the Truth of Shakespeare Authorship

Steven welcomes Cason Murphy, associate theatre professor at Iowa State University to this episode to discuss Murphy's commentary on theatre organizations seeking to "fix" Shakespeare in an appeal to modern American audiences and what effect that may have on the authorship mystery. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and becoming a Patron at http://www.patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger  Made possible by Patrons: Clare Jaget, Courtney L, David Neufer, Deduce, Earl Showerman, Edward Henke, Ellen Swanson, Frank Lawler, Garrett Jackson, Heidi, James Warren, Jen Swan, John Creider, John Eddings, Jon Foss, Kara Elizabeth Martin, Michael Hannigan, Neal Riesterer, Patricia Carrelli, quizzi, Richard Wood, Sandi Boney, Sheila Kethley, Stephen Hopkins, Teacher Mallory, Tim Norman, Tim Price, Vanessa Lops, Yvonne Don't Quill the Messenger is a part of the Dragon Wagon Radio independent podcast network. For more great podcasts visit www.dragonwagonradio.com

Art Problems
EP109: Less Human: Reviewing the New Museum's Inaugural Show

Art Problems

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 37:59


Artists Tommy Riefe and Lexa Walsh join me to discuss the New Museum expansion and show, New Humans: Memories of the Future curated by Massimiliano Gioni and Gary Carrion-Murayari. We discuss the success of the building itself and then move onto the show's major themes—the history of the human body as mediated by technology.    Additional Resources:  Tommy Riefe Lexa Walsh  The New Museum, New Humans: Memories of the Future Jeffrey Deitch, Post Human, 1992   Boris Groys, Art Power, 2008 Jason Farago, The New Museum Reopens Asking: “What is Human?”, 2026, The New York Times   Artist guests:  Tommy Riefe  Riefe earned his BFA in Art History and Sculpture from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014, and later received his MFA from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis in 2017. He has been in numerous group exhibitions and has public sculptures in the collections of Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, VA (2022) Fort Dodge, IA (2021) Lakewood, MN (2019), Iowa State University (2018), Minnesota State University (2018), Laneken, Belgium (2018), Cedar Falls, IA (2017) Rock Island, IL (2016), and Sioux City, IA (2016).   Lexa Walsh Lexa Walsh is an artist, cultural worker and experience maker.  With a background in both sculpture and social practice, Walsh makes site specific projects, exhibitions, publications and objects, using an array of materials including ceramics and textiles, employing social engagement, institutional critique, and radical hospitality to question hierarchies, power and value.   Walsh founded the experimental music and performance venue the Heinz Afterworld Lounge, and co-founded and conceived of the all women, all toy instrument ensemble Toychestra.  Walsh worked for many years as a curator and administrator at CESTA, an international art center in Czech republic, whose team created radical curatorial projects to foster cross-cultural understanding. She founded Oakland Stock & Soup for Social & Racial Justice, and the Bay Area Contemporary Art Archive. She is a graduate of Portland State Universitys Art & Social Practice MFA program and was Social Practice Artist in Residence in Portland Art Museums Education department. She was a recipient of Southern Exposures Alternative Exposure Award, the CEC Artslink Award, the Gunk Grant and was a de Young Artist Fellow. Walsh has participated in projects, exhibitions and performances at Apexart, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, FOR-SITE, Grand Central Art Center, Kala Art Institute, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, NIAD, Oakland Museum of California, SFMOMA, Smack Mellon, Walker Art Center, Williams College Museum of Art, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and has done several international artist residencies, tours and projects in Europe and Asia.

River to River
Reactions to President Trump's dispute with Pope Leo

River to River

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 47:58


A war at a volatile tipping point and a "barnburner" race for Iowa's governor. On this Politics Day episode, political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University join to discuss how the Iran war is raising concerns about the global economy, as well as the Iowa governor's race now being rated a "toss up." Also, President Donald Trump's clashes with the Pope and what that could mean for Catholic voters and why two congressmen — including Iowa native Eric Swalwell, resigned this week.

Conversations with Anne Elizabeth
#352 - Cat Rudolph, MS, RD, LDN and Nutritional Sciences PhD Student

Conversations with Anne Elizabeth

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 45:48


Conversation #352:  The Story, Journey and Passion of Cat Rudolph, MS, RD, LDN and Nutritional Sciences PhD StudentToday's conversation is with Cat Rudolph, a registered dietitian and nutritional sciences PhD student. As is a life-long learner, she has taken charge of her future by connecting opportunities challenging her comfort zone to support her professional and personal growth. Her background includes experiences in community nutrition education/research, food security initiatives, farmers' markets, oncology, and clinical nutrition. She is being intentional with her career,  pursuing a doctoral degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in public policy at Iowa State University and is excited for what the future holds. Please enjoy my conversation with Cat. Connect with Cat.InstagramLinkedInwww.anneelizabethrd.comCopyright © 2026 AEHC & OPISong: One Of These DaysArtist: The Geminiwww.thegeminimusic.comMusic used by permission. All rights received.© ASCAP OrtmanMusic

Talk of Iowa
Give pests a chance

Talk of Iowa

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2026 47:52


When you encounter an insect in a surprising place it can be alarming, particularly if you're one of the many people who has an uncomfortable relationship with insects. Entomologist Zach Schumm of Iowa State University joins this Horticulture Day to give us the tools we need to decide if an insect is a pest or something we should leave in peace. Extension horticulture specialist Aaron Steil also joins to answer listeners' horticulture questions.

Real Science Exchange
Rethinking Immunity in Transition Cows: Are They Truly Suppressed with Dr. Lance Baumgard, Iowa State University, and Dr. Robert Fry, Atlantic Dairy Consulting

Real Science Exchange

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 55:42


Dr. Baumgard opens by explaining the origin of the “immune suppression” theory in transition cows. Research dating back to the late 1970s showed slower neutrophil infiltration into the mammary gland in early lactation, which led to the assumption that cows are immunosuppressed after calving. This idea has shaped industry thinking for more than 40 years. (10:43) He outlines two primary mechanisms traditionally blamed for immune suppression: the cortisol surge at calving, which may impair neutrophil migration, and the metabolic changes of early lactation—high NEFAs, ketones, and low calcium—which appear to reduce neutrophil function in laboratory settings. (13:16) Dr. Baumgard then challenges the central assumption: are cows truly immunosuppressed, or are they simply exposed to greater pathogen loads and stressors during a narrow window around calving? He argues that morbidity may reflect increased environmental and physiological challenges rather than a dysfunctional immune system. (15:25) Dr. Fry shares field data from three herds representing over 100,000 calvings. After implementing management changes—primarily building a well-designed transition barn with lower stocking density, improved hygiene, and better cow flow—metritis rates dropped from 21.3% to 9.7%. Nutrition and innate immunity remained unchanged, suggesting management and environment were key drivers. (21:29) The panel discusses the role of stress stacking during the transition period. Dr. Baumgard explains that multiple simultaneous stressors, such as overcrowding, heat stress, hygiene challenges, social stress, and nutritional shifts, may overwhelm cows. He emphasizes growing evidence that stress compromises gut integrity (“leaky gut”), potentially triggering systemic inflammation and increasing susceptibility in tissues like the mammary gland. (27:27) Heat stress provides another example. While mastitis rates often increase during humid Midwest summers, they decline in arid regions like Arizona and Israel despite severe heat stress. Dr. Baumgard suggests environmental pathogen load—not immune suppression—is the primary driver. (27:43) The conversation shifts to ketosis and hyperketonemia. Dr. Baumgard and Dr. Pralle discuss how elevated BHB and NEFAs may not always indicate disease but instead reflect normal metabolic adaptation to support milk production. The key distinction is productivity: cows milking well with high ketones may not require intervention, while cows with high ketones and poor milk production warrant deeper investigation into underlying causes such as metritis, mastitis, hypocalcemia, gut inflammation, or environmental stress. (37:13) Dr. Fry reinforces the importance of whole-cow and whole-environment evaluation rather than treating metabolic markers in isolation. Monitoring milk yield, rumination, activity, and cow demeanor—along with assessing stocking density, pen hygiene, hoof health, and stockmanship—are critical to identifying true problems. (44:00) The group emphasizes reducing pathogen load through simple, practical management: minimizing manure accumulation, maintaining clean and dry bedding, improving calving hygiene, and lowering stocking density—especially for close-up and fresh cows. (33:39) Looking ahead, Dr. Baumgard describes his lab's focus on modeling “stacked stressors” to better replicate the real-world transition period. Rather than studying stressors in isolation, his team is investigating how combined stressors influence physiology, particularly gut health. (47:11) In closing, the panel encourages industry professionals to reconsider the immune suppression paradigm. Instead of trying to “fix” the immune system at calving, the emphasis should shift toward removing stressors and minimizing environmental challenges that create excessive pathogen exposure. (53:01) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.   If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.