CFANS e-newsletter

This month I took a walk down the corridors of the Classroom Office Building to attend what I thought would be another one of many events we deans host or visit. It was the ribbon- cutting ceremony for the new headquarters of the faculty and staff of the agricultural education program, a program that straddled two colleges in the recent past.

I arrived early and shook hands with the faculty, staff and friends who also had arrived early. It was clear that this event was different.

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A true spirit of optimism and pride was present. Next year, this program celebrates its centennial and it had arrived home--in the "college of ag." One hundred and forty folks signed up for the event and the room soon was filled with an attentive audience consisting of current students, alums and past and current legislators. The agriculture education program now resides in the Department of Applied Economics, an apt home for a social science and leadership program.

It's only a year since the program began its complete transition to CFANS. Brad Greiman received tenure as an associate professor and joined the department. In addition, we enticed Jim Leising from Oklahoma State University, a well-known leader in agricultural education, to join our faculty. Walking through the offices of the new facility there are offices for members of the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council, Minnesota FFA and an emeritus professor (Dr. Roland Peterson.....fondly known as Dr. Pete).

Students in the agricultural education program either specialize in agriculture leadership and communications or they prepare for careers as agriculture teachers, and the ag education community is fiercely loyal to this program. Alumnus Wilton Wendlandt, for example, a 1948 bachelor of science graduate, attended this month’s reception at the new offices and spoke about how proud and happy he was to see all the changes being made.

We’re happy with the changes too. Agricultural education has been part of the university for almost a century – and we are happy to have them located with our family.

Symposium focuses on sustainable animal agriculture

We hear the term "sustainability" all the time, but what does it mean for animal agriculture? Speakers at the next Solution-Driven Science Symposium will discuss global food production, the environment and livestock production, and animal-welfare audit. The symposium includes presentations from nationally known experts as well as responses from U of M scientists and a Q&A with the audience. Speakers include Earl Dotson, left, President and CEO of Validus Services; Roger Cady, center, senior technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health; and Wendy Powers, right, professor at Michigan State University. The symposium runs from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the St. Paul Student Center. Attendance is free but registration is required.

Siehl Prize now accepting nominations

Nominations for the 2010 Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture are open through January 15. The prize recognizes living individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the production of food and alleviation of hunger in three categories: production, agribusiness and knowledge.

New grant will help farmers with import competition

Farmers who have been negatively affected by competition from imports could qualify for training and help shifting to new enterprises through a new program coordinated by the Center for Farm Financial Management. The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program, part of the federal economic stimulus plan, includes a grant of $17.6 million to the U of M center to establish a national training coordination center. Four Extension regional risk management education centers around the country also will help deliver technical assistance. The program will be in effect through December 2010.

Starting your holiday shopping? Don't forget CFANS

CFANS departments and clubs may be able to help take care of your holiday shopping this year. From Dec. 2-4, the graduate entomology students in Frenatae will offer honey, candles and a calendar featuring student-created scientific drawings. Throughout the holiday season, the Dairy Store has special ice cream flavors and cheese gift boxes; the Meat Lab has gift packs for a variety of price ranges; memberships at the Bell Museum and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum also are on sale and make great gifts. For decorating help, the Forestry Club's annual Christmas tree sale begins the day after Thanksgiving.

Horticulture students build a grave blanket

The 22 students in Neil Anderson's horticultural design class created this 4-foot by 16-foot Floral Grave Blanket to honor the late singer Michael Jackson. The blanket was displayed outside the theater showing Jackson’s "This Is It" film at the AMC Rosedale theaters in Roseville. The class worked in four teams, creating designs for four connected panels that make up the blanket.

See raw video of the students making the blanket

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Help the hungry with Borlaug Food and Fund Drive

CFANS is once again coordinating the Norman Borlaug Food and Fund Drive to benefit Second Harvest Heartland. This year's goal is 1,500 pounds of food and $1,500 raised. Non-perishable food items can be delivered to 190 Coffey Hall, or you can go online to contribute at Second Harvest's website.

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Events

Here are a few coming events of interest to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences community. Visit www.cfans.umn.edu to see more events.

Putting Minnesota on the Map: Next Steps for Building a Smart Grid Coalition

Wednesday, November 18, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Northstar Ballroom, St. Paul Campus
This session is a followup to the previous day's E3 conference. Smart grid technologies bring both challenges and opportunities, and require significant investment in research and development. Topics addressed include: how do we retrofit and engineer a stable, resilient grid in the face of unpredictable power sources; what role will increased efficiency, energy storage, advanced power electronics and other technologies play in the grid of the future; plus many more. Cost is $20 for E3 attendees and $25 for all others.

Exploring the Impacts of Organic Production Practices on Nutritional Content

Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute Break-out Session
Monday, November 23, 4 to 6 p.m.
Food Science and Nutrition Building, St. Paul Campus
Graduate student Alyson Mitchell will discuss “Getting to the root of food quality: The influence of agricultural system practices on the nutrient density of organic foods.” To attend, contact hfhl@umn.edu by Thursday, November 19.

Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability

Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 1-2
Continuing Education Center, St. Paul campus
The first day of the two-day conference will involve an overview from leading experts on ways people involved in the bioeconomy – farmers, industry, academia, government and non-government agencies – can be part of the agriculturally based solutions to global climate change and energy supply. The second day will focus on business opportunities for Minnesota.
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Issue 38 - Nov. 18, 2009

CFANS People in the News

In This Issue

From the dean: Congratulations to Ag Ed