Welcome to Food for Thought
Here’s a roundup of the latest top stories from the College of Agricultural Sciences.
In this edition, we’re celebrating “An Open Door,” about our very own Dr. Temple Grandin coming to streaming, reminiscing over this year’s annual statewide tour, unpacking forever chemicals in wastewater, and much more!
Temple Grandin film ‘An Open Door’ to start streaming worldwide
Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned speaker, author, and distinguished professor of animal science at Colorado State University, is featured in An Open Door, coming to streaming platforms on August 12, 2025. Directed by CSU alum John Barnhardt, the film includes interviews with Grandin, CSU faculty and students, as well as industry leaders. Grandin hopes the film will inspire people in both the animal welfare and autism communities. An Open Door will be available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Kanopy later this month. Learn more here!
Scenes from CSU’s annual statewide tour
Each summer, leaders from Colorado State University, the College of Agricultural Sciences, CSU Extension, and the CSU Alumni Association travel across the state for their annual sitewide tour. Through engagement with local communities, alumni, faculty, staff, elected officials, and other representatives, as well as presentations and outreach events, the tour highlights CSU’s land-grant mission, celebrates progress, and supports the advancement of key initiatives. Learn more here!
‘Forever chemicals’ impact is hazy as Cobb designs incinerators
Colorado State University professor Thomas Borch studies PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” found in biosolids—the solid byproduct of wastewater treatment often used as fertilizer. He warns that most incinerators can’t destroy PFAS effectively and may produce other toxins, pointing to pyrolysis as a promising alternative. Borch also highlights major knowledge gaps, as most PFAS remain undetectable and poorly understood. Learn more here!
Multi-generational ranching family evacuated from South Rim Fire
Agricultural and rural communities face a unique set of challenges—among them, natural disasters like the South Rim Fire in Montrose on June 10. Wildfires can threaten, displace, and destroy the livelihoods of ranchers and farmers in an instant. To help meet the needs of these communities, CSU Extension’s AgrAbility network plays a critical role in providing mental health support.
Cally Hale, co-owner of Western Heritage Farms, was among those evacuated. “You know, a lot of us are displaced right now. The emotional toll of that is really impactful. And so it’s really important to know that there are free resources for mental health,” she says. Learn more here!
After 32 years at CSU, Shelly Lynch retires from Ag Business Center
Congratulations to Shelly Lynch! After 32 years of dedicated service to Colorado State University Human Resources and the College of Agricultural Sciences, Shelly retired on July 1. During her time at CSU, she took advantage of the employee study privilege to earn a degree in anthropology—fulfilling a promise she made to herself after pausing her studies to raise her family. Her commitment and hard work were honored with the CSU Classified Personnel Council’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2024.
What’s next? More travel and golf in retirement—well deserved, Shelly! Learn more here!