Welcome to Food for Thought

In Memory: Jessica Davis

We remember Dr. Jessica Davis, professor of agronomy and former head of the CSU Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Department. Her legacy spans continents, disciplines, and generations. Her influence endures through the students she mentored, the growers she supported, the institutions she strengthened, and the communities she uplifted.

The College of Agricultural Sciences extends its deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, students, and all who were impacted by her life and work. We are honored to have had Dr. Davis at our table. 
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Low snow, big impact: What Colorado’s shrinking snowpack means for future

This winter’s low snowpack and unseasonably warm temperatures have raised concerns across Colorado, affecting tourism, summer activities, and agriculture. “A lot of the towns around these ski resorts that thrive on winter tourism…will also suffer from lower visitation (and) probably lower sales,” says Jude Bayham, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics.

As the climate changes, we are likely to experience “more dramatic events, some more extreme events…I think the mistake we made was that we didn’t know how bad it was going to be,” says Gene Kelly, deputy director of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and professor of pedology.
Read the Rocky Mountain Collegian
Watch the full panel from Feb. 11

Soil-moisture system will yield information for farmers, foresters and forecasters

As the Western U.S. faces increasing challenges with water availability, interest is growing in understanding water stored in soil. IN‑RICHES, the Colorado Climate Center, and the CSU Department of Computer Sciences are leading efforts to improve monitoring. To integrate real‑time soil moisture data from multiple networks, CSU has launched Quench, a web‑based platform, along with new sensor installations. “The integration of soil moisture data into a single platform is a monumental advancement,” says Megan Machmuller, IN‑RICHES co‑director and research scientist in soil and crop sciences.
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Water availability takes top priority for area farmers

This month, BizWest’s CEO Roundtable convened farmers and agricultural professionals, including Dean Carolyn Lawrence-Dill. Drought was a central concern, with discussions focusing on the lack of snow, urbanization, and water conservation strategies. “This year the water situation will be extremely critical; how do we manage water so we can feed the world?” asks Lawrence-Dill. Despite these challenges, interest in agriculture is increasing and some participants remain optimistic. Lawrence-Dill noted that the College of Agriculture is growing at 8-10% per year, outpacing all other academic programs.
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CSU project uses AI to turn soil data into actionable insights for farmers

The TerraScope project will use AI to help farmers improve soil health and resilience. The research team, including Megan Machmuller, Gene Kelly, and Keith Paustian from soil and crop sciences, will combine field measurements with remote‑sensing data to generate actionable insights for farmers.

Megan Machmuller notes that the project reflects CSU’s land-grant mission. “Too often, tools like this are created without considering usability or the reality of what producers need. TerraScope will be crafted in collaboration with the agricultural community, and that guarantees it will be practical, reliable and attuned to the real-world challenges faced by producers in Colorado and beyond,” she says.
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CSU, Colorado Seed Growers Association launch online micro-credential program for seed professionals

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences Upskilling program has partnered with the Colorado Seed Growers Association to launch a new online micro-credential program for seed conditioners and seed producers. The seven-module certification provides essential knowledge and skills for seed industry professionals. “This certification signifies a comprehensive understanding of seed conditioning and production, providing professionals with a competitive edge in the global seed industry,” said Laura Pottorff, Director of Colorado Seed Programs.
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CSU researchers analyze global cropland greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers have developed high‑resolution global maps of cropland greenhouse gas emissions—down to about 6 miles—using combined ground data and modeling. Published in Nature Climate Change, the maps detail emissions by crop and source, highlighting areas where mitigation could be most effective.

“These maps show us not only where croplands emit the most greenhouse gas, but also where emissions are highest per unit of food produced,” says Nathan Mueller, an associate professor jointly appointed in the Departments of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and Soil and Crop Sciences.
Read More on SOURCE
Read more on Nature Climate Chage

CSU Dean Carolyn Lawrence‑Dill outlines flexible roadmap to strengthen agriculture, research, and student success

Dean Carolyn Lawrence-Dill discussed her strategic roadmap for the college on the Farm Broadcaster podcast with Lorrie Boyer. She outlined her background and detailed the college’s strategic roadmap, which aligns with broader university priorities. The plan emphasizes student success, including multiple internships for every student, advancing sustainability-focused and policy-informed research, and strengthening rural and civic engagement. Lawrence-Dill highlighted the college’s strong performance, noting robust grant funding and faculty excellence, even as many land‑grant institutions nationwide face challenges.
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Lisa Blecker promotes pesticide safety through education and communication

After earning her M.S. in bioagricultural sciences and pest management from CSU, Lisa Blecker returned to her alma mater, where she now promotes safety through education and addresses misconceptions about pesticides. “With education, we can help people better understand pesticides. I firmly believe that with an integrated pest management approach and correct use of tools, pesticides can be used more safely and thought of in a much better light,” she says.
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Unlocking cow efficiency to increase productivity with climate benefits

Advanced measurement tools are enabling researchers to identify differences in cattle metabolism and feed efficiency. Sara Place, associate professor of Animal Science, notes: “Variations of 30% or more can exist between individual animals of the same breed on identical diets.” By making data collection practical at scale, producers can identify optimal genetics, reduce feed costs, and improve both profitability and sustainability.
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Applause, Upcoming Events, and Announcements

• A new paper from the Carleigh Fedorka lab demonstrates that oral resveratrol supplementation improves uterine immune resolution in mares susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE), a leading cause of subfertility in broodmares. The study was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

• Sydney Bowman-Schnug, a Ph.D. candidate studying ruminant nutrition and management strategies to maximize performance while maintaining animal health, has been awarded a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Sydney, a third-generation Colorado cattle producer, says, “this scholarship is a blessing and will help me encourage the next generation of agricultural leaders in both youth and undergraduate teaching programs.”

• A new poster, developed in both English and Spanish by CSU in partnership with Alltech, provides dairy workers with practical guidance to ensure calf welfare during transport. “This resource offers clear, practical guidance to inform transport decisions that prioritize calf welfare,” says Catie Cramer, associate professor in Animal Sciences.