Welcome to Food for Thought
Here’s a roundup of 10 of the latest top stories from the College of Agricultural Sciences.
In this edition, we look to the future as CSU students get ready to cross the finish-line into the future.
CSU sends its best to sit on council
Colorado State University has appointed Jerry Sonnenberg, Sarah Hinkley, and Juan Velez as new delegates to the national Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET). These volunteers will advocate for CSU and CO agriculture, promoting the importance of federal support for agricultural research, extension, and education. Read More Here
CSU faculty honored by Denver Business Journal
Three Colorado State University agricultural leaders—Jordan Kraft Lambert, Larry Brown, and student Jhoany Juarez—were honored by the Denver Business Journal’s Leaders in Agriculture program for their innovation and contributions to the industry. Congratulations, Jordan, Larry, and Jhoany! Read More Here
Funding for Colorado’s agricultural future remains uncertain
Did you know that the world’s largest collection of plant and microbial genetic resources lies right here in Fort Collins? The collection plays a key role in protecting the U.S. food supply. However, the lab’s future is uncertain due to federal budget cuts and staff reductions. While a court order temporarily reinstated affected scientists, long-term funding remains in question, prompting calls for legislative support to sustain the lab’s operations. Read More Here
CSU hosts National Landscaping Competition
CSU hosted the 2025 National Collegiate Landscaping Competition in Fort Collins, welcoming 770 students from 56 schools to campus and placed third overall in the competition. Go Rams! Read More Here
Potate-oh-no: expert advice on keeping potatoes fresh
Ever reached for a potato only to find it covered in sprouts? How annoying! According to Dr. Sastry Jayanty, a postharvest physiologist with CSU’s Potato Program, the key to preventing sprouting is storing potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. His advice backs up other food storage hacks, like placing an apple with your potatoes—an ethylene-producing trick that research has shown can help delay sprouting. Read More Here
CSU continues to sustain
The Nutrien Agricultural Sciences building has earned LEED Gold certification, joining 46 other CSU buildings recognized for sustainable design and construction. The building features numerous eco-friendly elements that reflect CSU’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible development. Read More Here
Colorado farmers bracing for new policies
CO farmers are bracing for the impact of new tariffs, expected to raise production costs and disrupt both domestic and international markets. Tariffs are moving so quickly that “producers don’t have time to reconsider what markets they’re going to sell to if (they can’t) export,” says Dawn Thilmany, Agriculture and Resource Economics professor. Read More Here
CSU seniors get ready to celebrate
It’s almost time for Spring 2025 graduates to flip their tassels, and this year, CSU is doing something new: a university-wide commencement ceremony on May 16. Two CAS recognition ceremonies will take place on Sunday, May 18 at Moby Arena. Everything you need to know about commencement. Read More Here