Tom Rathje started his journey at Iowa State University, as many in animal science do, as a pre-vet major. Possessing a strong love for science and math, this seemed to be the perfect option for him until he found his undeniable passion for genetics while taking an advanced breeding and genetics course during his time at Iowa State. Rathje went on to explain that current associate professor Brad Skaar and now professor emeritus Max Rothschild “were able to show me a path forward in genetics where I would be able to utilize all of my skills and interests.” Rathje graduated from Iowa State University in 1989 with his bachelor's degree in animal science and continued to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received his MBA in Business Administration along with his M.S. and Ph.D. in Genetics. 

Students in the Department of Animal Science now have access to new 3D virtual technology to study in ANS 214 lab on Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology.  Animal science 214 is a foundational course that students build upon throughout their coursework.

“We are the first animal science program in the nation, possibly the world, to incorporate this state-of-the-art, cutting-edge virtual anatomy and physiology dissection table technology in the classroom by Anatomage,” said assistant professor Karl Kerns, instructor of animal science 214 lab.

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Growing up in the commercial and show hog industry, it was no surprise that Brady McNeil left Iowa State University with his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2012 and later received his Master’s degree in Breeding and Genetics in 2015. Throughout his time at ISU, McNeil kept busy with clubs like Agricultural Education and Block & Bridle, where he served as President of the club. He also stayed involved with the National Junior Swine Association and the National FFA Organization as a state officer. McNeil took advantage of a study abroad trip to Panama in 2013 during his time as an undergrad, describing the experience as eye-opening. He enjoyed learning how different environments impacted the livestock production system and that it doesn’t have to be the same as the Midwest to be successful.

Are you an Iowa State undergraduate student with an interest in the swine industry? Have you ever wanted to gain more hands-on experience and meet with industry professionals?

The ISU Swine Experience offers all that and more with zero cost to you. Apply today to be one of 20 students who get to get to attend this all-expense paid industry opportunity. With time on the farm and in the classroom this program appeals to all types of learners. The goal of the ISU Swine Industry Experience is to develop undergraduate student exposure, knowledge, skills and professional relationships in the swine industry.

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This year Iowa State University is hosting a USBCHA-sanctioned sheep dog trial on November 12^th and 13^th using the Polypay flock at the sheep farm. This open field trial will be held at the ISU Teaching Farms located at 3725 S. 520^th Ave. Our goal is to hold a competitive trial where handlers and their stock dogs can showcase their working ability. Members of the public and ISU students are encouraged to attend and learn about the utilization of stock dogs in efficient livestock handling. 

Click Here to Enter Today - Cyclone Acres SDT Entry.pdf

The highly anticipated 42^nd Sausage & Processed Meats Short Course had 61 participants from 16 states and 5 countries outside of the U.S. (Canada, Germany, Japan, Philippines, and South Korea).

The course covered fresh sausage, cooked sausage and dry and semi-dry sausage in addition to sectioned and formed cured meats and whole muscle precooked meats. A special feature presentation on specialty sausage products was presented.

There were 39 speakers that included Iowa State faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students as well as people from 14 companies (12 were Iowa State alumni) and 2 other academic institutions.

The 2022 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting was held on July 11-14, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. Several members of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University were recognized for their efforts in the poultry industry. The annual meeting offered attendees exposure to the latest science and research, while presentations from industry and academia offered a variety of information and opportunities to poultry scientists while recognizing their work.

Dawn Koltes was awarded the PSA Early Achievement Award for Teaching, which recognizes the achievements of PSA members in the early stages of their career in academia. 

Five members of the Dairy Science Club at Iowa State University (Jessica Schmitt, Abigail Rogers, Elizabeth Plunkett, Regan Kramer, and Amber Engelken) ventured to Kansas City, Missouri to attend the Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA®). There were nearly 100 students from 25 universities and 1,600 professionals from 45 different countries in attendance.

Making the decision to attend a university more than 2,000 miles away from her home in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico was enough to make Isabel Coll more than a little nervous, but she said that all went away after her first day on campus. Coll first stumbled upon Iowa State University at a college fair hosted near her hometown in Puerto Rico, where the hands-on animal science experiences and the Veterinary Program drew her in. Coll made the decision to attend Iowa State University before ever stepping on campus. The first things she noticed during orientation was the welcoming environment, close knit campus, and the desire professors had for their student’s success. Not coming from a farm background, the abundance of hands-on experience and knowledgeable professors the college offered was invaluable to her.