The International Conference on Swine Nutrition was held on August 11-12^th in Ames, Iowa and showcased Iowa State University’s role as a world-leader in swine nutrition. The theme of this one-time event was Bringing the World of Swine Nutrition to Iowa.

The 275 conference attendees represented pork producers, major feed companies, suppliers to the feed and pig industry, consultants, university faculty and graduate students. It was estimated that nutritionists attending the conference are involved in feeding at least 80% of total U.S. production.

This conference brought together the best speakers from around the world to discuss the latest information on swine nutrition and to look at where it is headed in the future.

Logan Lafrenz received his Bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in general business in 2017. During his time at Iowa State, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, ACES Learning Community, Cardinal Key Honor Society, and served as President for the Block & Bridle Club. Today, he works as a District Sales Manager for Kent Nutrition Group in Southeast Iowa.

Megan Abeyta, animal science graduate student working with professor Lance Baumgard, was recently awarded the 2021-2022 John Brandt Memorial Scholarship through the Land O’ Lakes Inc. Foundation. This generous $25,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a dairy-related degree.

Abeyta’s research work is important to understanding how dairy cow nutrition can alter animal health which provides an opportunity to challenge some important nutritional beliefs in the dairy industry today.

Sixty high school 4-H’ers from across the state gathered on campus to learn about animal science during animal science roundup held in June.  This event was started in 1985 under the direction of Dr. Brad Skarr.  The objectives of animal science roundup are to teach modern concepts and technologies in animal agriculture to Iowa 4-H’ers, encourage and recognize achievements in Iowa 4-H livestock projects other than showing and fair activities, and introduce Iowa 4-H youth to career opportunities in animal agriculture. 

Alene Scallon, who will be a senior this fall in animal science, is continually proving that you don't need to have previous experience in agriculture to be a successful student in this major. Alene has developed an impressive resume during her time at Iowa State, including membership in the CALS honors program, Block & Bridle Club, Pre-Vet Club, Vets Without Borders, and the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is also part of Iowa State's STAR program as a student admissions representative and recruiter. Alene currently holds a position at the ISU Veterinary Diagnostics Lab, assisting with swine research.

Champaign, IL – Four undergraduate students (Jessica Schmitt, Cynthia Hamlett, Beckie Burns, and Olivia Ruffner) from Iowa State University attended the virtual 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA®) July 11-14, 2021. The meeting attracted nearly 90 students and their advisors along with more than 1,200 professionals and guests from the US, Mexico, Canada, and beyond.

During the meetings students participated in professional development, educational and networking events along with multiple competitions including paper and poster competitions. Students also had the opportunity to attend virtual symposia, oral sessions and poster sessions presented by professional members of the organization.

The Midwest Poultry Consortium’s Center of Excellence (COE) Program offers strong research-based poultry science education. Faculty and industry members throughout 14 universities from 13 participating states collaborate to provide students with a unique educational experience.

The program offers 18 poultry science credits in two six-week summer sessions. Problem solving and state-of-the-art laboratory training is integrated with industry field trips to complement interactive lectures and discussions.