Winter 2015—Volume 24 Number 1
New Mural
Pictured with the mural are artist
Clint Hansen (left) and Nancy and
Rich Degner (right). Nancy and Rich
helped fund this timeless piece of art.
www.ans.iastate.edu
The new artwork portrays important people,
animals and events in the Department of
Animal Science and hangs in the atrium at
the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student
Learning Center. The mural shown above is
one of two, and is built using stained glass.
Animal Science
Greetings from the
Department of Animal Science
Jason Ross
Dear Alumni and Friends,
It is with a great sense of pride that I write
my first “greetings from the department” note
to you. I consider it a privilege and honor to
serve this department, where I completed my
B.S. degree in 1971. It has been a busy and
gratifying first 10 months. Highlights include
yet another increase in enrollment to 1112
undergraduate students and an addition of five
new faculty to the department, development of a new department web site led
by Keri Morris, our new Program Coordinator; the Animal Science Teaching
Farms 50th anniversary celebration, Jason Ross named Director of the Iowa
Pork Industry Center, and the International Conference on Feed Efficiency in
Swine, held in Omaha in October.
On October 1, Dr. Jason Ross was named the Iowa Pork Industry
Center Director. Dr. Ross was born to Wayne and Marla Ross, pork
producers in Poweshiek County. He was raised in central Iowa, prior
to his family relocating to the Iowa City area. He received a Bachelor
of Science from Iowa State University (2000) and a Master of Science
(2003) and PhD (2006) from Oklahoma State University. Ross joined
the workforce at Iowa State in 2008 as an assistant professor in the
Animal Science Department. Staying active in research, teaching
graduate courses, advising and mentoring students and working
with outreach has been something that he has enjoyed over the years.
Dr. Ross has been an author or co-author on numerous peer-reviewed
publications and has been the investigator or co-investigator on 20
funded grants. He is currently an Associate Professor of Animal Science
and the Lloyd Anderson Endowed Professor in Physiology. Dr. Rodrigo Tarte’ started his appointment as assistance professor in meat
science in April, bringing with him over 16 years of experience in the meat
processing industry. Greg Krahn started his Lecturer position the first day of
classes this fall after completing his M.S. with Tom Baas. Dr. Jesse Juarez,
B.S., M.S. and D.V.M alum, joined the department in a new Lecturer position,
to teach the Anatomy and Physiology Lab course. Dr. Hugo Ramirez started
October 12 as our new Dairy Nutrition/Management faculty member, and
Dr. Stephan Schmitz-Esser started November 23 to fill a new Presidential
High-impact faculty position in Metagenomics. Dr. Elizabeth Bobeck will fill
our Poultry Nutrition position January 1, 2016, after completing her Ph.D. and
postdoc at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In addition to being the Iowa Pork Industry Center Director, Dr. Ross
will continue to spend approximately 60% of his time performing
research. From basic to applied science, his research is focused on
swine reproduction. Core research areas include 1) investigating
seasonal infertility and effects of heat stress on pig reproduction,
2) mechanisms of oocyte and early embryo development and
3) assisted reproductive technologies including genetic modification. The department received a gift of valuable used equipment and financial
support for upgrading swine facilities to be used for research focused on
determining how health challenges can be better managed when new virus
or other pathogen infections occur. Additional support was provided by the
Dean to update ventilation and temperature control of the Discovery Wing
at the Swine Nutrition Farm. The Iowa Pork Producers Association signed an
agreement to provide $100,000 per year for five years in support of recruiting
top students to work on M.S or PhD degrees investigating important research
topics in swine production. New microscopes were purchased for use in
Dr. Curt Youngs’ reproductive physiology and other courses. New undergraduate
student scholarships were funded and purchase of desperately needed
additional furniture for the Kildee Atrium hallway and other areas was made
possible from private donations.
IPIC Director, Assistant Professor
Although Dr. Ross said he will miss time spent teaching and advising
undergraduate students he is excited about the opportunity to interact
with producers and members of the industry. Dr. Ross said “I see
opportunities to strengthen the interface between ISU faculty, swine
extension field specialists and members of the pork industry and add
synergies in research, outreach and education of producers. I also
see a lot of opportunities to work with partners such as the Iowa
Pork Producers Association and other groups that are invested in
positively influencing animal agriculture in Iowa. Those are things
that I look forward to doing”. Dr. Ross resides in Story County with his wife Rose Mary and five
children; Abbey 14, Jake 12, Gracie 10, Lane 8 and Zack 7.
Dr. Jason Ross
Faculty and students continue active involvement in international programs,
including instruction, workshop participation, study tours and work with the
Center for Sustainability of Rural Livelihood in Uganda. Drs. Jason Ross, Curt
Youngs and I accompanied Dr. Max Rothschild to learn about and participate
in the CSRL visit in August. Undergraduate students participating presented
posters describing their experiences and achievements there.
Progress is being made on developing design plans and seeking funding for
new Swine and Poultry Farm facilities and a new feed mill. Efforts continue
to seek funding for renovation of the Farm Bureau Pavilion and the ruminant
nutrition labs in Kildee. Renovation of the Meat Lab is also needed.
Thank you alumni for your continued support of the department and its teaching,
research and extension programs. It is our primary mission to prepare students
for effective support of our livestock, meat and agricultural industry.
Sincerely,
Dr. Don Beermann, Professor and Chair
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Winter 2015
Assistant Professor
Central American born, bilingual Dr. Rodrigo Tarté grew up in Panama City, Panama. He is a
life-long Cyclone, having received B.S. and M.S degrees in Food Science & Technology and a
PhD in Food Science & Technology and Meat Science from Iowa State University. After college he
worked in the meat processing industry for 19 years, the majority of time spent in various research
& development roles at Oscar Mayer Foods (Kraft Foods) in Madison, WI. His last position was at
the John Morrell Food Group (Smithfield Foods) in Lisle, IL. At John Morrell, as Director of Research
& Development, Dr. Tarté led a team that was responsible for new product development, all the way
from product concept to product design/development and through to commercialization. His team
also was involved in troubleshooting production issues, and he provided scientific and technical
perspectives to help guide business decisions.
Dr. Tarté is currently an Assistant Professor with an appointment of 60% research and 40%
teaching. His research area focuses on processed and value-added meat products, primarily on the
development and application of ingredient and process technologies to enable product innovation
and increase product value. He seeks to provide better scientific understanding of major technical
challenges faced by meat processors, so that viable solutions can be developed and implemented.
The process of transforming raw agricultural commodities into high-quality consumer food products
is something that Dr. Tarté enjoys. More specifically he says, “I relish the opportunity to establish a
strong research program in the field and to train and mentor students as they prepare for their careers.”
“I relish the opportunity to
establish a strong research
program in the field…”
Dr. Tarté has three primary goals in mind. He says, “The first is to make my lab the go-to place
for research partners in processed and value-added meats. The second is to effectively equip my
graduate students with the skill set that will help them be successful and become influential industry
leaders. The third is to be a very effective teacher and mentor of undergraduate students.”
—Dr. Rodrigo Tarte
Dr. Tarté resides in Ames with his wife, Mercedes, and their youngest son David (sophomore at Ames
High). Their oldest son, Daniel, also resides in Ames and is a junior in Food Science at ISU. Dr. Tarté is
an avid road bicyclist and enjoys biking in the Iowa countryside.
Hugo Ramirez
Assistant Professor
Dr. Hugo Ramirez is originally from the state of Guanajuato in Mexico. He grew up surrounded by
agricultural education because his father and older sister are faculty members at the Autonomous
University of Chapingo, the largest agricultural university in Mexico. He attended the University of
Chapingo where he completed an agricultural high school program and earned a Bachelor’s degree
in Animal Science.
Upon graduation, Dr. Ramirez managed a state-of-the-art dairy farm in central Mexico that was
equipped with a methane digester that fueled electric generators to supply energy to the farm. He
also had the opportunity to get involved in large herd dairy management in the Torreon area
in northern Mexico.
Subsequently, he completed his graduate education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln conducting
applied research in dairy nutrition including evaluation of corn silage hybrids and ethanol co-products
for dairy cows.
Dr. Ramirez joined the Texas A&M system in January of 2014 as Assistant Professor and Director of
the Southwest Regional Dairy Center at Tarleton State University and Research Scientist with Texas
A&M AgriLife Research.
A forward thinking research-based extension program that is producer-focused in the areas of herd
management, forage quality and preservation, and nutrient utilization is what Dr. Ramirez would like
to develop while at ISU. Dr. Ramirez said, “I am eager to work with the ISU Dairy Challenge team;
I think that having the opportunity to prepare future dairy professionals is a privilege and I look
forward to it. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the Extension Dairy Team, faculty
and students of the Animal Science Department and other disciplines at ISU.”
Dr. Ramirez has a wife, Barbara, who is pursuing her Master’s degree in Food Safety.
3
Dr. Hugo Ramirez
Faculty News
Rodrigo Tarté
Faculty News
Animal Science
Stephan Schmitz-Esser
Associate Professor
From across the ocean comes a new member of faculty!
Dr. Stephan Schmitz-Esser grew up in the Southwesternmost part of Germany, in the Black Forest.
He studied biology with a major in microbiology at the Technische
Universitaet Muenchen in Germany from 1996 until 2001. He started
a PhD thesis at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen in 2001 and
in 2003 moved to Vienna and the University of Vienna, where he
finished his PhD thesis.
From 2004 to 2010 he worked as a Postdoctoral Associate at the
Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna with a main
focus on nucleotide transport proteins in intracellular bacteria,
genome sequencing and analyses of Amoebophilus asiaticus and
Cardinium hertigii.
He started a new position as postdoctoral associate in 2010 and
then in 2014 became a group leader at the University of Veterinary
Medicine Vienna at the Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology
and Food Science. His main research areas were: 1) Microbiome
characterizations of farm animals; 2) Ecology of food-borne
pathogens: persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in food production
environments; 3) Symbiosis research: host cell interaction mechanisms
of Amoebophilus asiaticus and of Cardinium hertigii.
Dr. Stephan Schmitz-Esser is now an Associate Professor focusing on metagenomics. He likes to work
with animals and one of his aims is to better understand the impact of microbes on animals and vice
versa, to ultimately improve animal health and well-being. Dr. Schmitz-Esser said, “I’m happy to be at
ISU and the Department of Animal Science because I will have the opportunity to use my past research
to obtain more holistic insights into the relationship of animals with their microbes. I’m seeking a new
challenge and this will be a great change for me.”
“I’m happy to be at
ISU…I’m seeking
a new challenge…”
—Dr. Stephan Schmitz-Esser
Dr. Schmitz-Esser resides in Ames with his wife, Marion and two sons, Elias, 11 and Valentin, 8.
Jessica Juarez
Lecturer
Dr. Jessica Juarez grew up on a small hobby farm close to Glenwood, Iowa. She was very active
in 4-H and FFA throughout school. As a freshman in high school she attended an Animal Science
Round-Up session held at Iowa State University and she instantly knew she wanted to join the Animal
Science program and attend college at ISU. Dr. Juarez said, “I enjoyed the interaction with the faculty
members of the Animal Science Department and the knowledge and dedication they had for animals
was inspiring.” A life as a Cyclone was her destiny as she attended ISU and received a Bachelor of
Science degree in Animal and Dairy Science, a Master’s in Animal Science and graduated from the ISU
Veterinary College in 2014 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree focusing on production animals. After completing school Dr. Juarez moved to Waupun, Wisconsin to work at a large dairy veterinary
practice. She really liked the ability to work with production animals, especially dairy. She gained some
great experience and insight while working as a dairy veterinarian and is looking forward to sharing that
knowledge with her students. Dr. Juarez is now a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science
and will be advising, recruiting and teaching anatomy and physiology to students. Dr. Juarez said, “I am
excited to be at Iowa State and work with students teaching and advising. The passion and dedication
that the students have for animals and agriculture is amazing. I am honored to work with some of
the best faculty in the nation and look forward to professional growth through the Animal Science
Department.”
Dr. Juarez resides in Ames and has family close by as her brother is an Agronomy major at ISU.
Trey Faaborg
Dr. Jessica Juarez
4
Winter 2015
Greg Krahn
Assistant to Associate
Adjunct Instructor
Greg Krahn is a Wisconsin native. While growing up he was actively involved in 4-H and
showing livestock at the county, state and national level. He received a BS in Animal Science
at Western Illinois University in the spring of 2012. While at WIU Greg was heavily involved in
Ag Council, Hoof-N-Horn Club and Livestock Judging. He interned at The Maschhoffs in Carlyle,
Illinois, and served as VP and Central Region Director of the National Junior Swine Association
Board of Directors.
Dr. Stephanie Hansen
In the fall of 2012 Greg started his graduate work at Iowa State University under the direction
of Dr. Tom Baas. While attaining a master’s degree he managed the ISU Swine Teaching Farm for
3 years. He completed his master’s in the summer of 2015. Currently, Greg is an Adjunct Instructor
in the Department of Animal Science where he teaches and advises students throughout the year.
He is also pursuing his PhD in Animal Science.
received a B.S. from
The passion and energy the students exude is, without question, Greg’s favorite part of being at
ISU. Greg adds, “There are so many unique opportunities for students to grow and be involved
with animals and agriculture. The addition of the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student
Learning Center is a huge positive not only for the Department of Animal Science but also for
ISU and Ames as it is a much needed meeting space and venue to hold club, farm, judging team
and community functions. I’m working with some of the best faculty in the world at one of the
most prestigious colleges in the country for Animal Ag. I’m proud to work at Iowa State University
and am excited to become a better communicator and educator!”
State University. Her
was promoted from
Assistant Professor
to Associate Professor with tenure. She
Iowa State University,
a Master’s and PhD
from North Carolina
appointment is 70%
research and 30% teaching. In research,
the three main areas of focus are trace
mineral nutrition, alternatives to corn
(including characterizing novel feedstuffs) and feed efficiency in beef feedlot
cattle. She oversees a ruminant nutrition
lab of five graduate students and one
post-doc.
It’s no secret that Dr. Hansen enjoys
working with students as she received
the CALS Early Achievement in
Teaching Award and the University
Honors Program Award of Excellence
in Mentoring and Teaching. Dr. Hansen
said “I enjoy helping undergraduate
students get the opportunity to
experience science and research and
have a new appreciation for it.”
Advanced Nutrition, Graduate Ruminant
Nutrition and Graduate Vitamins and
Minerals are three classes Dr. Hansen
teaches. Over the past five years, she’s
“I’m working with some of the
best faculty in the world at one
of the most prestigious colleges
in the country for Animal Ag.”
had fun developing a domestic beef
to travel, observe and gain practical
—Greg Krahn
travel course in which students get
the opportunity to learn about topics
in the classroom and take two weeks
understanding of beef systems outside
the Midwest.
5
Animal Science
Staff Additions
Keri Morris
Tom Williams
Samone York
Jessica Heyer
Erika Lundy
Timothy Hicks
Valerie King
Bethann Johnson
Cameron Hall
Erin Laughlin
Tim Christensen
Richard Roths
Katie Kleinhenz
Thayne Vinchattle
Agricultural Specialist II/Dairy Farm
Oversees the parlor and lactation barn at the Dairy Farm
and is responsible for the milk produced from dairy cows
each day as well as their care.
Animal Caretaker II/Dairy Farm
Caretaker of the animals in the dairy lactation barn and
parlor and is an assistant to ISU veterinarians as needed.
Mike Zweibahmer
Jamie Williams
Program Coordinator for the Department
of Animal Science
Designs and maintains the animal science website, plans
and executes department events and provides administrative
support to the department.
Program Assistant
Provides administrative support to the Animal Physiology
section of Animal Science.
Extension Program Specialist II/
Iowa Beef Center
Assists the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s
beef team in program planning, research assessment and
producer education.
Communications Specialist I/
Dairy Records Management Systems Writes and provides graphic design services of print and
video training pieces as well as promotional pieces for the
software and services of DRMS.
Agricultural Specialist III/
Assistant Poultry Farm Manager
Assists manager in the supervision of on-farm research,
day to day operations and coordinating resources to further
the teaching mission of farm. Agricultural Specialist I/Swine Breeding
Swine caretaker at the Lauren Christian Swine Breeding Farm
and assists with helping to maintain the ISU Horse farm.
Agricultural Specialist II/Dairy Farm
Feeds the lactating and growing cows at the Dairy Farm
each day as well as quality control of rations and ingredients
of feed provided to the cows.
Agricultural Specialist I/Beef Nutrition
Works with the grow-safe unit, daily care of the animals,
and wherever he is needed on the beef nutrition farm.
Animal Caretaker II/Dairy Farm Caretaker of the animals in the dairy lactation barn and
parlor and is an assistant to ISU veterinarians as needed.
Agriculture Specialist I
Assists with animal care and research projects at the ISU
Swine Nutrition farm, as well as maintaining the satellite
locations. His carpentry skills are an invaluable asset. Assistant Scientist II
Laboratory management, data collection and analysis,
assists in manuscript and grant writing and trains and
supervises undergraduates and support personnel.
Agriculture Specialist I
Coordinates and assists with nutritional physiology
research projects on pigs and cattle.
Lab Equip Specialist/Meat Lab
Maintains and repairs equipment and assists with meat
lab operations.
Associate Scientist
Coordinates and oversees the ISU Beef Breeding project,
DNA and data collection, maintains a database system
and conducts analyses and interpretation of data.
6
Winter 2015
50th Anniversary of the Teaching Farms
The year 2015 marked 50 years of teaching farm excellence for the Department of
Animal Science at Iowa State University. On September 26 over 270 faculty, staff,
and alumni took a walk back in time to remember their years of work or study at the
Animal Science Teaching Farms.
Hayrack rides around the teaching farms with mini tours were provided. Visitors
could also walk into each farm and visit with farm workers and see the animals
up close. A brief program with Dean Wendy Wintersteen, Department Chair
Dr. Beermann, Retired Chair Maynard Hogberg, Hansen Center Manager Marshall
Ruble and Teaching Farms Manager Ben Drescher also took place.
Animal Science Teaching Farms Manager, Ben Drescher,
said “An outdoor barbeque with meat grown on our
teaching farms, harvested in our meat lab, and grilled
by our certified grill team—you can’t get much better
than that!” Drescher added “We wanted to recognize
50 years of ingenuity through our farms. Not only do
the farms provide a place where students get hands-on
experience with animals, but they are also necessary
for our research and growth as a department.” The farms
include equine, poultry, dairy, sheep, beef, and swine.
Department Chair, Dr. Don Beermann said “The
Department of Animal Science Teaching Farms are
indispensable resources. They provide direct student
contact and interactions with food animals, which is
essential for integrating science, practice and innovation
in their education and learning outcomes. We do our best
so they can be successful in their careers and become
leaders in meeting the challenges facing agriculture.”
The teaching farms have actually been around longer
than 50 years but it was in 1965 when the farms moved
from central campus to an area south of Ames. This
provided land to pasture livestock and the ability to grow
crops to support the animals. Drescher said “We show
great gratitude to those who help support the farms and
hope for positive changes in the future!”
7
Department Update
Animal Science
American Society
of Animal Science
Award Recipients
Dr. Max Rothschild
received the Morrison
Award. This is the
most prestigious award
presented by the society.
The Morrison award’s
purpose is to recognize
research excellence of
direct importance to
livestock production.
To be eligible for the award a nominee
shall have made a meritorious scientific
contribution or discovery in research
in the field of animal science. Dr. Rothschild is a Distinguished Professor in
Agriculture and Life Sciences and an
Ensminger Endowed Chair of International Agriculture. His novel pig research
on genetic control of immune response
and identifying genes for litter size, fat
deposition, meat quality and growth,
received national and international
recognition. Most of Dr. Rothschild’s
recent research has included goats,
sheep, chickens, shrimp and companion
animals, as well as work in developing
countries.
Other News
Animal Learning Day
April 11, 2015 was a big day for the Block and Bridle Club as they hosted the first-ever Animal
Learning Day at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Past President,
Matt Romoser said “The day was meant to give visitors a better understanding of agricultural
practices and make it fun for kids to understand how we do things and the importance of working
with commodity groups.” Current Graduate Student Romoser also added that the event was
geared towards people of all ages as there was a ‘Taste of Iowa’ portion where attendees could
try samples of local dairy, meat and food products.
The event brought in over 1000 visitors, more than the Club had anticipated. Current Block and
Bridle President and Animal Science Major, Matt Schulte, said “We had a great turnout and look
forward to any opportunity to educate the public on animals and agriculture. We wanted an event
that could replace Veishea, was free to the public and that everyone in the family could enjoy.”
He added that Animal Learning Day took over 5 months to plan and around 45 people to work the
event to make it a success.
There were live petting stations with calves, piglets, goats and baby chicks. A scavenger hunt
game and mini demonstrations took place at some of the booths. A free hamburger was given to
those that attended. Some of the commodity groups that were present included the Iowa Meat
Goat Association, Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Corn
Growers Association, Iowa Sheep Association, Iowa State Dairy Extension, Christensen Farms
and Vetter Implement. The Block and Bridle Club is a Department of Animal Science club and one
of the largest clubs on campus with over 600 members.
Four other faculty also received ASAS
awards. Dr. Jim Reecy received the
Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award
in Animal Breeding and the Animal
Growth and Development Award.
Dr. Nicholas Gabler received the Midwest
Outstanding Young Researcher Award
and Dr. Steven Lonergan received the
Distinguished Teacher award. Dr. Cheryl
Morris received the Corbin Companion
Animal Award.
IPPA GRA Support Agreement
The Department of Animal Science is extremely grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers
Association! The IPPA has given the Department of Animal Science much needed
graduate fellowship financial support for the continuation of research and graduate
study. The support agreement provides $100,000 per year for 5 years. This gives
monetary support to 3 new graduate students each year over the course of a 5 year
period.
“Receiving this support is vital to our department and aids in the recruiting efforts
of the best graduate students for our swine research programs” said Dr. Beermann,
Chair of the Animal Science Department.
8
Winter 2015
Student Updates
Poultry Judging Career Development Event/State FFA
For the first time in Iowa history, Iowa State University partnered with the Iowa FFA Organization
and the ISU Block and Bridle Poultry Interest Group to provide a venue for a Poultry Career
Development Event on April 21, 2015. The National FFA Organization requires that members
complete career development events or CDE’s to test their skills learned through agricultural
education instruction. Some events allow students to compete as individuals and others allow
them to compete in teams. This particular event involved evaluating live meat-type broiler chickens
and egg laying hens as well as grading individual shell eggs and ready-to-cook carcasses.
Over 187 FFA students from all over the state of Iowa participated, more than double what planners
expected. Iowa FFA Executive Secretary, Scott Johnson, said the numbers indicate a real interest in
the poultry industry. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Iowa State University
Block and Bridle Poultry Interest Group for this event. The involvement in this event makes it clear to
us that it is meeting the needs of students with an interest in the poultry industry.” Assistant Farm
Manager of ISU Poultry Research and Teaching Unit and Block and Bridle Poultry Interest Group
Past Vice President, Cameron Hall, said it’s important to have poultry events throughout the state of
Iowa. “Our goal is to educate students and help them gain a real interest in the poultry industry and
hopefully one of those students will want to attend school at ISU and work in that field someday.”
Cameron added that according to the American Egg Board, Iowa is the number one egg producing
state in the nation and emphasized the importance of poultry education.
Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science has a poultry teaching farm for student use
and research.
New Microscopes for Animal Science Department
The Animal Science Department purchased nine new
microscopes in April 2015 to enhance teaching capabilities
in animal physiology. Funding was made available by Dr. Curtis
Youngs’ USDA Teaching Award, the Harmon Teaching Fund in Animal
Science, the Department of Animal Science and the College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences. The main course that utilizes these microscopes is ANS 332:
Laboratory Methods in Animal Reproduction. However, these microscopes can be
utilized by other classes. Dr. Youngs, Professor in the Department of Animal Science, says the
microscopes were a much needed replacement of antiquated equipment used for undergraduate
Animal Science courses. In addition to individual compound microscopes used by pairs of students,
an instructor microscope was purchased to enable projection of microscopic images onto a large
screen. Students no longer have to parade one-by-one to peer into the microscope to view a specimen.
“This state-of-the-art instructor microscope has many technological capabilities. I can display two
images side-by-side for the entire class to see at once. Students with an iPAD can download an app
and wirelessly capture whatever image I am projecting on the screen. Microscopic images can be
saved on a USB drive. These are incredibly useful tools in a teaching environment.”
The previous microscopes had only two magnification
levels, and lacked the ability to make focusing adjustments to the eyepiece. The new microscopes have
a much larger magnification range. The biggest
improvement though is the phase contrast capabilities
which enable students to see greater detail in a wide
variety of different cell types—including sperm cells
which are difficult to see using standard brightfield
microscopy.
9
Animal Science
Animal Science
2015 Iowa State Livestock Judging Team- back row from left to right: Dan Ammann of Highland, IL; Grant Beeler of Indianola, IA; Leo Kruse of Rudd, IA; Jake
Yelinek of Livingston, WI; and Jeremy Maass of Ida Groove, IA. Front Row from
left to right: Giddian Kappeler of Muscatine, IA; Morgan Pittz of Mineral Point,
WI; Elizabeth Heaton of Toulon, IL; Kellen Suntken of Belmond, IA and Bailey
Core of Pleasantville, IA.
Student Activities
Livestock Judging
The 2015 Iowa State Livestock Judging Team has competed favorably at the
national level this year. The team kicked off its season bringing home 5th
place honors at the National Western in Denver, CO. After returning from
the National Western the team competed in three Midwestern contests,
and continued its successful campaign finishing 3rd at the Sioux Empire
Farm Show, 1st at the Iowa Beef Expo and 2nd at the Nebraska Cattleman’s
Classic. The team capped off its spring at the San Antonio Stock Shows,
where they finished 5th and 2nd at the North American Colleges and Teachers
of Agriculture Contest or NACTA Judging Conference.
The judging team initiated its fall campaign with a successful 3rd place
showing at the National Barrow Show. The team was led by Dan Ammann
who was award High Individual Overall All Honors. Dan etched his name in
NBS history by becoming the 4th High Individual in a row from Iowa State
University, a feat that has never been accomplished at the National Barrow
Show. The Judging team is currently working hard as it prepares for its last
two contests, the American Royal and North American Livestock Exposition,
the latter which serves as the national livestock judging championship.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since it’s opening in January 2014, the Jeff
and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning
Center has seen over 51,000 people enter
through its doors. The facility is a receptacle
of hands-on learning for ISU students. Classes
utilize the facility and students are provided
an environment that allows them to learn and
absorb material, then apply it in a way that is
meaningful to their career goals. Of the 51,000
visitors, more than 3,700 have been students
taking one of the 39 classes that have been
taught at the facility since the spring semester
of 2014. Other events held at the center include
livestock expositions, public education events,
private business meetings, rodeos and concerts.
The Hansen Center was host to the Iowa Simmental Field Day.
Student employees comprise most of the staff
at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Student Learning
Center. Center Manager, Marshall Ruble, says
“We’ve had over 200 events and meetings since
we opened. Our student employees get the
opportunity to assist with planning and executing
events as well as learning what it takes to run
a successful business. The opportunities are
endless for students as they get experience
with everything from setting up tables and
chairs and mowing the grounds to operating a
skid loader to bring in fresh arena bedding.”
According to Ruble, students also have exposure
to contacts in the agricultural field as the Hansen
Center is a great venue for commodity and
private business meetings and livestock events.
10
Winter 2015
Animal Science
Student Activities
Dairy Judging
Congratulations to the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team who took
4th place overall at the Southwest Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging
Contest held at the Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show in Fort Worth,
Texas in January of this year!
September brought three contests, three weekends in a row! The ISU Dairy
Judging team rounded out an 8th place finish overall out of 15 teams at the
All-American Dairy Show held in Harrisburg, PA. The following weekend was
the Viroqua, WI Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging
contest. The team placed 4th overall in Guernseys, 3rd overall in Jerseys, 3rd
overall in Holsteins, and 2nd overall in Milking Shorthorns. The team placed
4th Overall out of 12 teams.
To finish out the season, the team competed in the 2015 Lely National
Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest being held in conjunction with
World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. In Ayrshires, the team finished in 4th place.
The team took home 1st place honors in the Brown Swiss division. The team
finished 8th overall in both Holsteins and Jerseys. In the Milking Shorthorn
division the team placed 10th. The team took home 2nd place honors in the
Red and White Holstein division. The team tied for a 2nd place finish overall
in Reasons. Lastly, 3 team members received All-American honors by finishing
in the top 10 overall! Gina Fisher was 10th Overall, Lars Sivesind was 9th
Overall and Joseph Adams was 5th High Individual Overall. With these great
scores, the team brought home a 3rd place finish. This makes the 2015 Senior
Dairy Judging team one of the most decorated dairy judging teams at Iowa
State University in the past 41 years!
From Left to Right: Christen Burgett, Joey Adams, Gina Fisher, Shelby Patten,
and Lars Sivesind.
Meat Judging
The ISU team was three-peat champions at the Southeastern Intercollegiate
meat judging contest. Two teams finished in first and fourth place out of 15
teams at this annual April contest held in Columbus, OH and Lexington, KY.
Team results included: specifications—1st & 3rd; lamb judging—1st & 3rd;
overall beef—1st and 4th; pork judging—1st and 5th; placings—1st and 5th;
reasons—1st and 4th; beef grading—2nd & 4th; and beef judging—2nd & 5th.
The 2015 Hormel National Barrow Show Intercollegiate Meat Judging
Contest was held in mid-September at Hormel Foods in Austin, MN. This
fresh and processed pork judging contest included both graduate students
and undergraduate students. Frame was 3rd high individual in questions,
Hanson was 6th in fresh meat, and Sippy was 7th in total placings. The team
was 3rd in fresh pork and questions and finished in 6th place.
The 2015 American Royal Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest presented
by Elanco Animal Health was held in mid-October and hosted by Nebraska
Beef, Omaha, NE. The team was 3rd in beef grading; 7th in specifications;
8th in lamb judging, pork judging, and reasons; 9th in overall beef; and 10th
in beef judging. In the contest the ISU team finished in 7th place. Valentine
was 2nd in lamb judging and Hanson was 3rd in beef grading.
From left to right: Natalie Hanson, LaPorte City; Regan Sippy, Cedar Rapids;
Alex Conover, Holstein; Coach Dr. Sherry Olsen; Carl Frame, Osseo, WI; Assistant
Coach Breanna Branderhorst, Prairie City; Greg Springer, Brighton, WI; Megan
Valentine, Dubuque; Breanna Saso, Mauston, WI. Not pictured Assistant Coach
Matt Schulte, Dorchester.
11
Animal Science
Animal Science Scholarship Recipients 2015
Allen E. Christian Swine Industry Scholarship,
$1500
Amber Howell
Allyn Hagen Dairy Science Scholarship, $750
Gregory Springer
Animal Science Department Scholarship, $1000
Shelby Fields Amanda Patterson
Hayley Folkerts
Morgan Pittz
Julianna Henderson Brody Proesch
Danielle James Maddison Tyrrel
Sierra Kaufman Jacob Yelinek
Ella Meyer
Animal Science Department Scholarship, $750
Zachary Sauer
Animal Science Recruiting Scholarship, $1000
Lindsay Larson
Mason Lettinga
Arthur & Muriel Anderson Scholarship, $1000
Katlyn Kahler
Jacob Siebert*
Arthur Molln Scholarship, $1000
Sarah Altenhofen Logan Lafrenz
Dorthea Ballard Emily Schwake
Jenelle Brodzik Celene Slifka
Kelsi Gensley Rachel Stika
Kristen Henson Alexandra Wilson
Haley Hillyard Nichole Wilson
Arthur R. Porter Scholarship, $1000
Chelsea Daines
Hannah Shilts
Megan Talley
Bernard W. Ebbing Memorial Scholarship in
Animal Science, $500
Brian Patterson
Bob Pim Memorial Scholarship in Animal
Science, $3250
Megan Collison
C. F. Foreman Scholarship in Dairy Science,
$3000
Erica O’Loughlin
Lars Sivesind
Carl & Norma Zurborg Scholarship in Dairy
Science, $750
Kimberly Strait
Charles & Edna Parmele Scholarship in
Animal Science, $500
Taylar Dalbec
Charles H. & Inez M. Callahan Memorial
Graduate Award, $2000
Melissa Herrmann* Charles R. & Ethel P. Mountain Scholarship
Award in Animal Science, $500
Molly Shoewalter
Claude W. Ahrens/Miraco Scholarship, $1000
Krista Naaktgeboren
Curtis Askelson Scholarship in Animal
Science, $1000
Jacob Baker
Brooke Dooley
Dairy Science Scholarship, $1000
Cassidy Buddenberg
Courtney Herman
Heather Tauke
David & Jacqueline Topel Scholarship in
Animal Science, $1000
Carl Frame
David & Jacqueline Topel Scholarship in
Meat Science, $1000
Kelsey Carlson*
Dennis L. Crone Scholarship in Animal
Science, $1000
Morgan Matthews
Department of Animal Science Graduate
Award for Outstanding Teaching, $1000
Chelsea Iennarella* Department of Animal Science Graduate
Student Excellence Award, $1000
Jenelle Dunkelberger* Des Moines Feed & Grain Club Scholarship
for Animal Science, $1400
Kolton Greiner
Donald W. Helble Scholarship in Animal
Science, $1500
Sarah Kinrade
Caleb Beer
Doug & Carol Kenealy International Travel
Scholarship, $750
Danielle Lilleskov
Christopher Mandt
Dr. & Mrs. M. E. Ensminger Scholarship,
$1000
Kari Mattison
Samantha Jamison
Sarah May
Angelica Bjorkquist*
Patrice Sorensen
Muhammed Walugembe*
Cassandra Thielen
Duaine & Sally Holck Livestock Judging
Award, $500
Kyle Ruth
Duane & Shirley Acker International
Fellowship, $2000
Kelsey Carlson*
Jessica Colpoys*
Dudley R. Scott Endowed Scholarship in
Animal Science, $750
Molly O’Brien
12
Winter 2015
Eldred J. & Donna Harman Scholarship in
Animal Science, $1500
Jamie Mueller
McKaila von Rentzell
Matthew Schulte Levi Wedig
Chelsea Steffen
Erik M. Krekel Memorial Scholarship, $1500
Megan Talley
Erpelding ISU Dairy Science Inspiration
Award, $1000
Samantha Ehrlich
Esther & Richard Willham Graduate
Scholarship in Animal Science, $1000
Kelsey Carlson*
George Gund Animal Husbandry Scholarship,
$1000
Sarah Al-Mazroa
Harold L. & Esther G. Wilcke Scholarship,
$1500
Deborah Heth
13
Richard & Nancy Degner Scholarship, $2000
Lori Dvorak
Richard & Nancy Degner Scholarship, $1000
Courtney Yeager
Robert E. & Dorothy B. Rust Undergrad
Scholarship in Meat Science, $750
Brian Patterson
Robert E. & Dorothy B. Rust Graduate
Scholarship in Meat Science, $1000
Emily Usinger*
Rufus C. Obrecht Scholarship, $1250
Benjamin Smith
Russell Bentley Dairy Science Award, $1250
Simon Johnson
Catheryn Lang
Sydney Reinsel
Solon A. & Dorothy F. Ewing Animal Science
Scholarship, $1000
Aubree Beenken
Holli Hochberger
Thomas & Esther Ringkob Memorial
Scholarship in Animal Science, $500
Amanda Megyese
Thomas Sutherland Graduate Award for
Excellence, $1000
Amanda Robinson*
Thorvald J. Andersen Scholarship,
$2500
Joey Adams Kara Maxwell
Nicole Engelken Whitney Shonka
James Goldsmith
Tom & Cindy Baas Swine Industry
Scholarship, $1250
Lucas Swalla
Tom & Corrine Lonergan Scholarship,
$1500
Savanna Bergeron
Micayla Christopher
Tom & Janie Wickersham Scholarship,
$1000
Megan Abeyta
Vaughn & Meg Speer Graduate
Education Award, $1000
Wesley Schweer*
William Riley Gillette Graduate
Scholarship in Animal Science,
$2750
Amanda Robinson*
*Graduate Students
Scholarship Total—$176,525
Harold L. & Esther G. Wilcke Scholarship,
$1000
Jesus Acosta*
Sara toakes*
Helen M. Maddock Scholarship for Women in
Animal Science, $1000
Kari Mattison
Iowa Dairy Leader Scholarship in Honor of
Dale & Arlene Gerlach, $2500
Shelby Patten
Iowa Dairy Leader Scholarship in Honor
of Noran Shaver & Marsha Shaver-Floyd,
$2500
Beth Lett
Iowa Dairy Leader Scholarship in Honor of
Richard Sears & Family, $2500
Karla Hageman
Iowa Poultry Association Scholarship in
Honor of Tom J. Zanios, $1000
Brooke Eaton
Zeb Skow
Iowa Poultry Association Scholarship in
Honor of Tom J. Zanios, $1000
Kaylee Rowland*
Iowa Turkey Federation Scholarship, $1500
Klinton Garrett
James J. Kiser Scholarship in Animal
Science, $1000
Erika Edwards
Shayne Wiese
Jeff Hansen/Iowa Select Farms Pork Industry
Scholarship, $1250
Mary Heiller
John Airy Endowed Graduate Scholarship,
$2500
Tyler Grussing*
Kermit & Janis Coggshall Scholarship in
Animal Science, $1700
Neil Vezeau
Kermit & Janis Coggshall Scholarship in
Dairy Science, $1000
Cassandra Fitzgerald
Kimberly Strait
Lauren L. Christian Undergraduate
Scholarship, $2000
Zackery Canterbury
Kristi Smith
Lauren L. Christian Graduate Fellowship,
$3000
Denise Beam*
Joseph Stock*
Lyle E. McBride III Memorial Scholarship,
$1000
Leah Elsbernd
Robert Gallagher
Mary B. & William H. Gilbert Brown Swiss
Memorial Scholarship, $1000
Peter Haverkamp
Maynard Lang Leadership Scholarship,
$2500
Gina Fisher
Naylor Educational Aid Scholarship in Dairy
Science, $500
Hannah Shilts
Ned S. & Esther Raun Graduate Scholarship,
$2000
Muhammed Walugembe*
Northwest Feed Manufacturers Association
Scholarship, $2375
Meredith Behr
Palmer & Sheryl Holden Scholarship in Animal
Science, $750
Katie Heiderscheit
Bethany Isaacson
Paul Stewart Memorial Scholarship, $1000
Heather Tauke
R. W. ”Dick” Witt Scholarship, $1000
Jared Gradeless
Megan Valentine
Ralph Baker Scholarship, $800
Shelby Patten
Rex Beresford Scholarship in Animal Science,
$750
Rylee Derrer
Kayla Lucas
Animal Science
Animal Science Faculty Awards 2015
American Egg Board Research Award
Dong Ahn
Poultry Science Association
Wilbur Layton Faculty Recogntion Award
Steve Lonergan
ISU Division of Student Affairs
P&S Excellence
Joan Aiton
Corbin Companion Animal Award Cheryl Morris
American Society of Animal Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Mid-Career Achievement in Research
Lance Baumgard Iowa State University
Early Achievement in Teaching
Cheryl Morris
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Pomerantz Award
Don Beitz
Iowa State University
Merit Award for Achievement and Service
S. Niebuhr
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Regents Award for Staff Excellence
State Board of Regents
New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award
John Patience
Federation of Animal Science Societies
and American Feed Industry Association
Garland Dahlke
Dean Lee R. Kohlmer Award for Excellence in Applied Research
James Dickson
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2015 Rockefeller Prentice Memorial Award in Animal Breeding Jim Reecy
American Society of Animal Science
2015 ASAS-ADSA Midwest Outstanding Young Researcher Award
Nicholas Gabler
American Society of Animal Science and
American Dairy Science Association
2015 Animal Growth and Development Award Jim Reecy
American Society of Animal Science
Floyd Andre Award
Harold Hodson
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Research Mission
James Reecy
Gamma Sigma Delta
Distinguished Service to Agriculture
Maynard Hogberg Gamma Sigma Delta
AAAS Fellow
James Reecy
Ralph Keeling Leadership Award
Maynard Hogberg Iowa State Dairy Association
Early Achievement in Research
Jason Ross
Iowa State University
Hall of Fame Award
Maynard Hogberg Department of Animal Science
Morrison Award
Max Rothschild
Order of the Knoll Faculty and Staff Award
Maynard Hogberg ISU Foundation
Top 20 Influential Farm Animal Veterinary Professors
Jim Russell
Vet Tech Colleges.com
Master Farm Exceptional Service Award
Maynard Hogberg Wallaces Farmer
CALS Special Research Award
Joe Sebranek
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Spencer Award
Teaching Mission
Ron Horst
Kansas City Section of American Chemical Society
Leo Timms
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Society of Animal Science
Gamma Sigma Delta
Susan Lamont
International Mission
Gamma Sigma Delta
Christopher Tuggle Iowa State University
Diversity Enhancement
Elisabeth Lonergan College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Student Recruitment/Retention
Curtis Youngs
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Distinguished Teacher Award
Steve Lonergan
American Society of Animal Science
Top 20 Influential Farm Animal Veterinary Professors
Curtis Youngs
Vet Tech Colleges.com
Regent’s Award for Faculty Excellence
14
Winter 2015
In Memoriam
1924
Freeman Martin
MS Montgomery, AL
1/1/80
1925
Roy Longstreet
BS Jonesburg, MO
1/9/91
1936
Mark Ford
Richard Sidwell
BS BS Glendale, AZ
Reno, NV
6/7/14
8/19/11
1937
James Duncan
Cecil Larson
Bayard Scott
Clifton Ward
BS CT BS MS Concord, CA
Boone, IA
New Cambria, MO
Bogart, GA
4/11/13
7/25/15
7/2/06
4/14/11
1938
Herman Deneui
Arnold Eilts
Dean Montgomery
Howard Mullica
Russell Smith
BS BS EX EX BS Cedar Rapids IA
Ft. Myers, FL
Horseshoe Bend, AR
Sun City, AZ
Woodstock, IL
3/13/99
3/27/15
3/17/04
8/18/12
3/21/09
1939
Clement Abbott
PhD
Robert Brettman
Leroy Hutton
Keith Merrill
BS BS BS Ft. Mill, SC
Dallas, TX
Glendora, CA
1954
Dorothy King
Roger Olson
PhD
BS 1/28/99
Woodstock, IL
12/6/14
1955
James Brinks
Leo Rasmussen
James Sturtz
PhD
BS BS Laporte, CO
Leawood, KS
Indianapolis, IN
1956
Robert Cole
Burtwin Day
BS BS Marion, IA
Grinnell, IA
9/2/15
8/8/15
1957
V. Donald Uehling
Bruce Doerrfeld
BS BS Clarion, IA
Kemp, TX
12/27/13
2/24/15
1958
Donald Gay
MS North Port, FL
6/11/15
1960
Richard King
PhD Keaau, HI
4/29/10
1961
Donald Ray
PhD Tucson, AZ
8/14/15
3/9/15
9/13/13
9/11/15
6/11/15
6/22/15
5/14/15
Norman Stamp
BS Pietermaritzburg,1/1/01
South Africa
Omaha, NE
2/2/94
1942
Harold Barrett
BS Dallas Center, IA
2/18/15
1963
John Davidson
BS Las Animas, CO
2/16/15
1945
Robert DeGroote
EX Algona, IA
9/28/13
1946
John Adams
BS Waucoma, IA
9/26/15
1965
Charles Detch
Bruce Engnell
BS BS
Brattleboro, VT
Macomb, IL
4/14/15
11/2/15
1947
Donald Hurt
Norman Jacobson
George Opperman
Robert Smith
CT PhD BS BS Long Beach, CA
Eugene, OR
Beloit, WI
Berea, KY
3/8/09
5/14/15
6/20/15
2/11/15
1966
Hubert Hensley
Jon Waltz
BS BS Harrison, AR
Red Oak, IA
2/27/15
6/27/15
1968 Eldon Hans
MS Iowa City, IA
12/11/14
1949
William Meyers
Arlie Pierson
George Pinney
Hugh Septer
Richard Smith
CT BS BS BS BS Mountain Home, AR
LeMars, IA
Marana, AZ
Mason City, IA
Beaulah, CO
1950
Dwight Feldman
Roger Guy Wayne Zeigler
Durward Lyon
1951
Louis Lord
John Patterson
15
1953
1972
Daniel Linn
BS Hackensack, MN
8/3/15
7/22/15
8/20/15
10/23/14
1980
Phillip Core
BS Pleasantville, IA
2/4/15
1981
Paul Philips
BS Loveland, CO
9/18/14
1983
John Stoll
BS Fitchburg, WI
2/20/15
2/3/15
2004
Jacob Myers
BS Maxwell, IA
8/14/15
BS
DVM BS BS Columbus, OH
12/19/79
Feldman,TX2/25/205
Iowa Falls, IA
4/3/15
Oklahoma City, OK
4/7/15
2008
Christopher Mease
BS Rock Island, IL
7/15/15
BS BS Iowa City, IA
Oskaloosa, IA
(The names on this list originate from notifications the university receives in the year of
2015. Columns include class year, name, degree, last home of record and date of death.)
7/16/15
7/1/15
Animal Science Department
Iowa State University
1221 Kildee Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-3150
CONTINUE THE TRADITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE!
•
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Provide scholarships to retain students
Fund technology through new equipment
•
•
Support student leadership groups
Provide travel for judging teams
Animal Science Department Fund (We appreciate your support!)
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Animal Science) and return form and payment to:
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Department of Animal Science
Iowa State University
Attn: Donna Nelson
1221 Kildee Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-3150
The Animal Science newsletter is published annually.
Your comments and alumni updates are welcomed.
Please contact:
Department of Animal Science
1221 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA 50011
Phone: 515-294-4524 · Fax: 515-294-6994
Email: kkmorris@iastate.edu
More news and updates can be found on the department’s
Web site at www.ans.iastate.edu/
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as
a U.S. veteran.  Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, 515 294-7612.