News

ISU Dairy Judging Team Triumphs in Texas Competition

Congratulations to the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team that competed in January 2025 at the Southwest Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held at the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth, TX.

Beef Leadership Fellows Program to Attend CattleCon 2025

The Iowa State Department of Animal Science is proud to announce that members for the Beef Leadership Fellows Program will represent the department at the upcoming Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show (CattleCon) in February.

Animal Science students enjoy observing Iowa State horse sell at Keeneland

Iowa State University’s Horse Farm continues to improve the quality of its horses, which continues to gain greater recognition for Iowa State’s breeding program and more opportunities for students.

Alumni Spotlight: Brady Goetz

Brady Goetz’s path to becoming a leader in dairy nutrition began on a dairy farm owned by his aunt and uncle in southeastern Minnesota.

Student Spotlight: Nicole Wardenburg

Originally from just outside Williamsburg, Iowa, Nicole Wardenburg has been dedicated to agriculture from a young age.

Two Iowa State students finish in the top 10 at the Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Louisville

In early November, the Iowa State University dairy cattle judging team competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition’s Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held in Louisville, KY.

Department of Animal Science Welcomes Maria Wurzinger

Maria Wurzinger has built an impressive global career in research and academia, and the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science is thrilled to welcome her to the team as the Rothschild Endowed Professor in Global Food Security and Anima

Student Spotlight: Sam Martin

Hailing from Southwest Iowa, Sam Martin is making his mark in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University.

Iowa State places 3rd Overall at the National Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo

On Sunday, September 29^th, 2024, the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team comprised of Louis Hamlett, Aurora, IA; Raegan Kime, Waucoma, IA; Irene Nielsen, Potterville, MI; and Naomi Scott, Westgate, IA; made their way to the coveted

Department of Animal Science Welcomes Logan Kilburn-Kappeler

Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science would like to welcome Logan Kilburn-Kappeler to the team as an Assistant Professor. Her impressive career in research and academia makes Kilburn-Kappeler a wonderful fit for this role. 

Iowa State places 2nd in the Practical Contest at World Dairy Expo

On Saturday, September 28^th, 2024, the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team comprised of Louis Hamlett, Aurora, IA; Raegan Kime, Waucoma, IA; Naomi Scott, Westgate, IA; and Mackenzie Waschow, Eagle, WI; decided to compete in the pra

Iowa State animal science class learns about beef and pork commercial production

The Animal Science 3600 class – Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology- has been on the road to learn about beef and pork commercial production. The class traveled to Ottumwa to visit the JBS Pork Processing Facility.

Iowa State competes at 2024 Vernon County Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

On Sunday, September 15^th, 2024, the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team competed in the 30^th Annual Vernon County Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua, WI.

Iowa State attends 2024 All-American Dairy Show Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

On Sunday, September 15^th, 2024, the Iowa State University Dairy Judging Team competed in the All-American Dairy Show Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Harrisburg, PA.

Department of Animal Science Welcomes Dathan Smerchek

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Department of Animal Science is pleased to announce the appointment of Dathan T. Smerchek as an Assistant Professor of Ruminant Nutrition. Smerchek, who joins the university after completing his Ph.D.

Department of Animal Science Welcomes Caroline Downey

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, is pleased to welcome Caroline Downey as a new Assistant Teaching Professor and Meats Judging Team Coordinator.

Iowa State excels at ACMC

This summer, the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory Interns traveled to Omaha, NE, to attend the American Association of Meat Processors Convention and compete in the 2024 American Cured Meat Championships University Division.