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An Update from the Chair
Dear Agriculture Alumni and Friends,
It is my pleasure to greet you on behalf of the Department of Agriculture. After serving as the Interim Chair of the Department of Economics for a year, I returned to my home department as the interim chair on July 1, 2023. Even though I have been a faculty member of the department for 20 years, it is quite a learning experience. Who knew a girl from Istanbul, Türkiye, would oversee a livestock and crop farm, horticulture center, and science labs?
The department is thriving. Enrollment has gone up (391 undergraduate and 41 graduate students). Students are actively engaged in clubs and organizations. Faculty are successful in their teaching, research, and service endeavors. Several faculty members have received competitive grants. Students attended conferences to present their research projects. We are recognized as the Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program in the nation by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAEA)!
We are grateful to have the support from the Agriculture Alumni Association and the Agriculture Advisory Board. The Agriculture Alumni Association Board helped us organize the Agriculture Day at the Football Game event, which was a great opportunity to celebrate agriculture with alumni and friends of the department. The Agriculture Advisory Board has met to discover ways to enhance student engagement and success. Heather Gieseke’08 was inducted into the CAST Academy of Achievement and Bill Engel’76 was inducted into the CAST Hall of Fame. Julie Hewitt’99 was our Alumni Day Honoree.
The university and the CAST Dean’s office have also been very supportive, providing funding for the following projects/items/position:
- High-speed internet at the Farm.
- Security cameras at the Farm.
- An updated bovine working chute for the beef unit at the ISU Farm to be used in animal reproduction courses.
- Triple camera drone that would support student precision ag learning and hands-on training. Students in agronomy courses will benefit directly, as well as any students doing research or photos that will be taken to benefit recruiting efforts.
- Sony Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder, to assist Agricultural Communication and Leadership students and Agriculture Ambassadors in audio/visual production and recruitment efforts.
- Chamber vacuum packager for use in training students in meat science.
- Various equine science-related items (Equine Neck Venipuncture & Intramuscular Injection, Horse hoof model – half hoof on stand, Single hinged horse hoof, normal, Single hinged horse hoof, laminitic, Navicular sagittal, Sagittal carpus book, Sagittal hock book, 1/6 size of actual size horse anatomy model that includes the muscles, organs, digestive tract and reproductive tract.)
- A new staff position at the Horticulture Center – duties split between our department (75%) and the Facilities Management (25%).
We have so much to celebrate! We are grateful to everyone who contributes to our success. We look forward to hearing from you. Please stay in touch, continue to support our initiatives, and come and see us! I invite you to follow us – Department of Agriculture Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube channel. Thank you all for your support.
#AggieProud
Aslihan Spaulding
Interim Chair & Professor of Agribusiness and Food Industry Management
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University is to provide a premier educational experience, conduct high-quality research, and provide timely outreach services to enhance the agriculture industry.
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The Illinois State University Department of Agriculture was selected as the Region IV Winner of the National Association of Agricultural Education’s 2023 Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award.
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On November 16, 2023, the Department of Agriculture at Illinois State University hosted nearly 200 college students from across the state of Illinois for the Professional Agriculture Student Organization (PAS) fall conference.
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ISU Farm Update
Purpose: To give students valuable hands-on experience so they can apply what they have learned in the classroom along with providing faculty and private researchers needs for their research.
The ISUTRF consists of approximately 440 acres at the Lexington, IL location with an additional 155 acres of ISU property at the Normal, IL location. In total, the Illinois State University Teaching & Research Farm consists of 595 total acres.
Row Crop Operation:
The row crop acres are used for teaching, research, field days, and contests. We do an excellent job of show casing our row crop acres through our faculty, staff, and vendors. COVID-19 cancelled many of our projects, events, and activities; but this year, we are starting to see the farm being utilized more frequently.
2023 Seed Companies – Becks, Brevant, Dekalb (Brandt), Golden Harvest, Nu Tech, Pro Harvest, Stone. Unfortunately, Pioneer did not collaborate with us this year; however, we will be adding Burrus Seed in 2024.
Fertilizer/Chemical Companies – Brandt for the Lexington acres and BCS for the Normal acres
Research:
Penny cress – Drs. Perry, Sedbrook, Heller
Carbon – Drs. Rhykerd, Heller
White Corn – Dr. Kidwaro
Herbicide Studies – Corteva
Nutrients – Logan Agriculture
Nutrients – GROWMARK
Genetic Studies – Texas Crop Science ~ Allen LeRoy
Equipment:
Own: 2 plot combines, 3 planters, 3 wagons, and tillage equipment
Lease: 2 John Deere tractors (Alliance), 1 Case IH combine (Central IL Ag
Beef Herd Operation:
Currently 64 head of breeding age females being bred for the 2024 calving season. We plan to cull down to 50 head, as that should be sufficient for the teaching needs of the instructors. If a feedlot trial is a focus of research, we could then have the faculty secure a purchase order for additional stock numbers needed.
Teaching: The beef herd is used for Introduction to Animal Science, Livestock Parturition Management, Reproductive Physiology of Livestock, Introduction to Animal Nutrition, and Beef Management. Additional opportunities for students could be added such as a break down of Beef Management to Cow/Calf Management and Feedlot Management along with extra- curricular activities with an NTT. Currently, calves are marketed at weaning with some being fed out for freezer beef market and a group of replacement females being kept back.
Equipment:
Own: 2 feed wagons, 1 tractor, 2 skid loaders, working equipment
Swine Herd Operation:
Currently, we have around 80 head of breeding age females. We have been adding new genetics to upgrade our maternal lines for better production. Ideally, we will reach around 100 females while keeping a group of 20 replacements females for replacing sows with production issues. Dr. Lugar as been working with us during this transition so that we best utilize the buildings and fulfill his teaching and research needs.
We are approaching the 35-year anniversary for the finisher barns and – while critical updates were done to the west wing about 5 years ago – the eat and middle wings are in dire need of attention.
The buildings that were built for ISU are about 20 years old but seem to be in functional condition. However, our gestation and breeding pen work could all use an upgrade and design upgrade to more modern housing methods. The isolation building was one of GROWMARK’s that was repurposed when ISU used it for a trial and then it was used as overflow for swine finishing. The foundation is in good shape, but either the structure needs to be torn down to the framework or total demolition of the building needs done. Some of the equipment was purchased from the low bid process.
Teaching: The swine herd is used for Introduction to Animal Science, Reproductive Physiology of Livestock, Introduction to Animal Nutrition, Livestock Parturition Management, and Swine Management.
Sheep Flock Operation:
We have about 60 breeding ewes. Genetic improvements have been made as of late to both facilitate Dr. Earing’s research needs and to build our flock into a more profitable unit. With the latest genetic purchase of 10 Poly Pay ewes and a ram, I believe we have the building blocks to develop a genetically solid flock. We will not only be improving our genetics, but should also be able to offer more opportunities for our students. This may come with a hiring of a NTT, but I believe it will help grow the program.
Teaching: The sheep flock is used for Introduction to Animal Science, Small Ruminant Management, Introduction to Animal Nutrition, and Livestock Parturition Management.
Compost/Waste Treatment Operation:
The compost site is a 15-acre site set aside for composting our used bedding materials and yard waste materials from the Town of Normal. Last year we received around 150 loads of waste from the Town of Normal (roughly 10 to 12 ton per load which is approximately 1650 tons of material). Additionally, we help our local Townships and McLean County in the event of a flood that washes debris into ditches and roadways. Currently, we are operating dated equipment left over from Dr. Walkers research.
Our Waste Treatment Center (WTC) – processes our swine slurry. The system consisted of 2 separators: 1 manual Key Dollar and 1 semi-automated unit by Komline Sanderson. We currently only have the small manual Key Dollar available as the Komline Sanderson unit is too costly to repair. The Komline Sanderson unit was part of Dr. Walkers research that they used to demonstrate on local farms. It sits on a large flatbed trailer and once the demonstrations ended, they parked it inside of the WTC for the farm to use. The problem is that this unit should never have been placed inside of the WTC – as it is such a corrosive environment. Even before I started here, they had several issues with the computer system. During my time working in the WTC, I spent several days working with Komline Sanderson Tech Engineers figuring out ways to rewire, replace modules, and essentially keep the unit running. I believe back in 2018/2019 we had a technician from Komline Sanderson come work on the unit for a few days (which was quite expensive) and he estimated the unit going to cost us over $40,000 to repair. He also noted that this unit needs to be stored in a climate/humidity-controlled environment away from the corrosive gases. With that information, we knew we did not have the funding to repair this unit, so we were left just using the manual Key Dollar unit. Over time, we have researched getting another manual unit but have not been able to source one. We have had discussions with faculty that had interest in doing research that would change how we handle our slurry, but nothing has come about. We have had EHS audits with Russ and now they are doing it again with me. Lots of defaults that will end up costing us $$’s I am sure.
Conclusion:
I believe we have a unique operation here at the ISU Farm for faculty to get involved, utilize, and source funding to keep this operation going.
Jason Lindbom, Farm Manager
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See what’s happening at the ISU Horticulture Center!
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Grant Walsh Student Artist in Residence Program
In memory of Horticulture undergrad, Grant Walsh.
Grant Walsh was an extraordinarily creative force who indelibly impacted the Illinois State University Horticulture Center while he was a Fine Arts undergraduate student at ISU.
As Grant was taking Horticulture at ISU, he created all the marketing materials for the Center. He also created monumental scarecrows for our annual Autumnal Festival. During an independent study in the spring of 2009, he created a series of sculptures, and, through them, taught me that sculptures in the garden are akin to candles on a birthday cake—the finishing touches that give an object or place its sense of character.
Grant shaped a series of human figures from plaster and positioned them throughout the garden as if basking in the sun.
He also designed a sculpture, fondly known as The Worm, from organic materials like moss, pine needles, and pinecones that were supported on an interlaced mound of chicken-wire tubing. The sculpture arose from the ground between two trees. It was wild, whimsical, and eminently suited for the space.
It was with profound sadness and loss that I learned of Grant’s passing. I am forever grateful for his singular appreciation for creative beauty, and I feel moved to share his story and passion with future generations by establishing the Grant Walsh Student Artist in Residence Program at the Horticulture Center.
We need your help to reach our goal of $30,000 to launch and endow the fund for this program. Due to incredible generosity from family and friends in honor of the memory of Grant Walsh, we are already nearly 80% to our goal.
This new summer program would give an undergraduate student the opportunity and funds to create outdoor artwork for display at the Horticulture Center, including a stipend or pay. With your generous support, we anticipate launching the program in Spring of 2024. Thank you for giving!
–Jessica Chambers, ISU Horticulture Center Director
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Faculty, Staff and Graduate Student Updates
- In August, Agriculture graduate student Reagen Tibbs and Dr. Maria Boerngen, Associate Professor of Agribusiness, traveled to the Burlington, Vermont to present Reagen’s thesis research at the Rural Sociological Society 2023 Conference held at the University of Vermont. The Rural Sociological Society is a professional social science association that seeks to enhance the quality of rural life, communities and the environment. Reagan’s research focuses on farmers’ adoption of precision agriculture technologies and their willingness to engage in on-farm experimentation and is part of a $4 million, multi-institution United States Department of Agriculture grant. Reagen said, “The conference provided us with an opportunity to hear thoughts and ideas from people who are not as familiar with agriculture and production methods. The feedback we received helped us view our results from an angle we had not previously considered.”
- Dr. Rob Rhykerd, Professor of Soil Science, hosted a high school student from Saijyo Agricultural High School in Hiroshima, Japan from October 3 – 16.
- In May, Dr. Michelle Kibler, Associate Professor of Agribusiness, and two ISU Agriculture students joined animal science faculty and students from the University of Tennessee on a 10-day equine industry tour in Ireland. Over those 10 days the students met with organizations such as Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and Alltech Ireland. They took tours of Connolly’s Red Mills, University College Dublin Veterinary School, University of Limerick’s equine campus, Kildangan Stud, Ballylinch Stud, Irish National Stud, the Cliffs of Moher, and even spent a day at the races at Wexford Racecourse.
- Drs. Nicholas Heller, Rob Rhykerd and Fanson Kidwaro hosted 30 agronomists from Brazil at the Illinois State University Farm. The groups discussed Illinois agriculture and how the ISU Farm is implementing regenerative agriculture practices.
- Marley Knowles, graduate student under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Heller, was a winner in the Image of Research Competition at the Annual Integrated Pennycress Research Enabling Farm & Energy Resilience (IPREFER) meeting in Minnesota this summer. IPREFER is a project that is working towards the commercialization of Pennycress. This oil-seed crop can be harvested and used as biofuel and as a livestock feed additive. The prompt was for the photo competition was “The Commercialization of Pennycress”.
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Catch up with Agriculture Alumni!
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RSO Updates
- Agriculture Education Club/Alpha Tau Alpha has had a successful past semester and summer! During the spring, our members assisted with Section 9 FFA Proficiencies, volunteered at the Children’s Discovery Museum and Prairieland Elementary leading Ag in the Classroom activities, hosted an apparel sale fundraiser, and created dog toys to donate to a local shelter. Our members also bonded during our meetings through holiday-themed games and an end-of-year cookout. In May, we had two members graduate and enter the Agriculture Education career field. During the summer months, members hosted a booth and workshop at the Illinois State FFA Convention in Springfield. This fall, our club has volunteered at several community and Section 9 FFA events, celebrated National Teach Ag Day on September 21st, and sent members to the National FFA Convention and ATA Conclave in Indianapolis, Indiana! -Taylor Irvin, Ag Ed Club President
- This year, Agronomy Club has all returning officers from last school year. We are looking to attend competitions over the course of this school year. One of the first things we plan to tackle is building a fence around the compost at the farm. This has been a need for many years and we are excited to serve in this way. We plan to use compost for a fund raiser as well as doing a plant sale. We are looking forward to bringing in new members, competing and serving this school year! -Allyson Jamison, Agronomy Club President
- Cannabis Club Redbirds is ISU’s first RSO for individuals wanting to gain employment in the growing cannabis industry after graduation. We were founded by agribusiness major, Jackie Heim, less than a year ago, but we have already done many exciting things. In March, President Jackie Heim attended the annual Illinois Women in Cannabis conference and afterwards CCR was extended membership into their organization. In April, we held our first fundraising event, raising over $250. We’ve had two industry professionals visit us last semester to teach our members about the thriving cannabis industry. We started out the Fall 2023 semester by recruiting new members—officially doubling our membership to 75 current members. Some of our members have started this semester out strong by volunteering at the Horticulture Center. Our first presenters planned for this semester are from Vineyard Accounting, and we pan to learn more about cannabis accounting, cannabis clientele, and career pathways in the industry. -Jackie Heim, Cannabis Club Redbirds President
- The Hoof n’ Horn club kicked off the fall semester by having pizza and games at our first meeting. Members participated in pony races, egg carry relay, and pin the tail on the pig. At the next meeting the club elected their executive team. The officers are President- Morgan Gabriel, Vice President- Rosalee Zehr, Secretary- Kolbi Johnson, and Treasurer- Mackenzie Brackett. The members also enjoyed a night at the university farm where there was a bonfire, games, and fellowship among the club. Over the next few months, we plan on doing a variety of industry tours, as well as begin preparations for our annual jackpot cattle show that is held in the spring. The executive team is excited to see what the rest of the year brings, and how the club continues to grow! -Morgan Gabriel, Hoof N’ Horn President
- Horticulture Club is excited for another year of continued success and fun! Our most prominent event is the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, NCLC, this spring at BYU, Provo. Students that attend this event will be able to compete in various landscape competitions to best display their skills and learn from professionals in the green industry across the nation. NCLC also provides great opportunities to network and meet potential future employers. We attend the I-Landscape trade show in Chicago, another green industry networking event. The Club also continues to use and support the ISU Horticulture Center throughout various club activities and support the Autumnal Festival. -Ian Asklund, Horticulture Club President
- Indy-pendence Service Dogs Organization works with the non-profit Paws Giving Independence to foster, train, and place service dogs to individuals free of charge. We hold weekly general meetings where the executive board and student trainers teach general members about our organization, the rights of service dogs, and the different skills the dogs are working on, typically breaking out into smaller groups where members have the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with the dogs. Our student trainers participate in fostering dogs at varying stages in their training from ages 8 weeks to 2 years old. Trainers are expected to maintain the dogs’ well-being and help them attain their expected training level, caring for the dogs 24/7, often taking them to class, work, and other activities they are involved in. We also work to educate the community by bringing our dogs to multiple outreach events including speaking to Girl Scout troops, spending the day at various schools in the community, and visiting senior citizens in nursing homes. Indy-pendence Service Dogs Organization will also be attending the upcoming annual Buddy Walk hosted in Normal. -Karissa Barth, Indy-pendence Service Dogs President
- MANRRS is excited to announce that we will be attending our Regional V Cluster Conference in Chicago, IL from 10/20-10/21 and our National Conference in March 2024. Our meeting on 9/19 consisted of a Veterinary Panel hosted by MANRRS. The Veterinary Panel had 5 BIPOC veterinarians from the Black Veterinary Network discuss how the intersectionalities of their identities impacted their pursuit in veterinary medicine. At our next meeting, we will welcome ISU’s very own Soil Science professor, Dr. Rob Rhykerd. MANRRS has also been invited to the UIUC Open Vet Med House event, and we will be joining UIUC’s MANRRS Chapter for their general assembly meeting. -Destiny Estes, MANRRS President
- It’s been an exciting start of our year for the Illinois State University National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). Here’s a quick update on what we’ve been up to so far- We kicked off the year with a kickoff meeting to gather our members, new and old, and begin to get excited about ISU NAMA 2023-24! Our team has been hard at work brainstorming and discussing potential products to market at the upcoming annual conference in Kansas City. We are excited to begin to bring these ideas to life! To ensure our club members are well-prepared for the agriculture career fair, we recently organized a resume clinic. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to fine-tune their resumes and stand out to potential employers in the agricultural industry. If you want to hear more about what ISU NAMA is up to, follow us on social media for the latest news! -Autumn Schlipf, NAMA President
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As part of a partnership with other universities in the state, Illinois State University’s Department of Agriculture hosted two students from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) over the summer at University Farm.
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The Department of Agriculture recently hosted its Agriculture 3 Minute Presentation (AGR 3MP) contest on April 20 for undergraduate students to showcase their research. The event was created to highlight the diverse range of research being undertaken by students within the department. This year’s event had eight participants representing five different agriculture majors, and the students were advised by nine faculty members.
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Alumni Giving
As we move into year-end and year-end tax planning, please consider donating to the Ag Alumni fund. As we re-engage and re-establish our Ag Alumni Association we need your help to fund student groups and activities, faculty projects, and departmental improvements.
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