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CSU wheat research targets higher yields and global impact

Colorado wheat growers benefit from the CoAXium Wheat Production System, a CSU-developed herbicide-resistant trait. Building on its success, CSU professor Franck Dayan is enhancing the wheat’s ability to metabolize herbicides using transcription factor research and CRISPR technology. One of five recipients of the 2024 Colorado Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant, this innovation aims to expand CoAXium’s impact by generating significant revenue and advancing agricultural practices. Learn more here!

Article examines pathways to sustaining the Ogallala Aquifer region

Congratulations to Amy Kremen, associate director of the Irrigation Innovation Consortium at CSU, whose co-authored article, “Pathways to sustaining agriculture and communities in the Ogallala region,” earned Honorable Mention for the Editor’s Choice Award from the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation.

The award will be presented at the 2025 Soil and Water Conservation Society International Annual Conference. A co-lead of all three Ogallala Summits, Kremen played a key role in highlighting collaborative, cross-sector efforts to address aquifer decline and support sustainable water management in the region. Learn more here!

Dr. Temple Grandin’s ‘Mind-Blowing’ Contributions to Autism Awareness Explored in Upcoming Doc

An Open Door celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Temple Grandin—renowned CSU professor, autism advocate, and pioneer in animal welfare. Streaming begins August 12, the documentary traces Grandin’s journey as a visual thinker with autism who overcame societal barriers to revolutionize entire industries and inspire generations. Through interviews with Grandin and those she’s influenced, An Open Door highlights her groundbreaking work, remarkable resilience, and lifelong mission to open doors for others. Learn more here!

Reviving a CSU legacy: 3D printing modernizes irrigation technology

At Colorado State University, innovation often starts with real-world challenges—like the need for affordable, accurate irrigation tools. Extension Professor Perry Cabot is using 3D printing to create low-cost, durable versions of the century-old Parshall flume, helping farmers manage water more efficiently. By blending historic innovation with modern technology, the project delivers practical solutions directly to Colorado’s water users. Learn more here!

Colorado State University hosts 2025 Equine Science Society Symposium

From June 3–6, Colorado State University hosted the 2025 Equine Science Society Symposium in Fort Collins, welcoming researchers, students, and industry leaders to advance equine science. CSU faculty and students played key roles in organizing workshops, campus tours, and presentations, with several students earning top honors in research competitions. The event showcased CSU’s strong leadership and active engagement in equine research and education. Learn more here!

Ten doctoral students selected as Summer Thesis/Dissertation Fellows

This summer, 10 outstanding CSU doctoral students were awarded the Graduate School’s Summer Thesis/Dissertation Fellowship, receiving critical support to complete impactful, original research across disciplines—from preventing disease to improving infrastructure and medical technology. Duoyu Wang, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics was awarded the fellowship for her dissertation “Three Essays on Nutritional Disparities and Policies in U.S. Food Purchases.” Congratulations, Duoyu! Learn more here!

Colorado beef prices sky high in advance of Fourth of July

Beef prices in Colorado are higher than the national average ahead of the Fourth of July due to a sharp decline in the beef cow population—both statewide and nationally—driven by prolonged drought and climate change. Fewer cows mean fewer calves entering the supply chain, pushing prices up, says Nathan DeLay, Assistant Professor of Livestock Economics. While some grocery items were cheaper, staples like potato chips and strawberries were also more expensive. The USDA has announced $1 billion in aid for ranchers and offers insurance to mitigate weather-related losses. Beef remains Colorado’s largest international export. Learn more here!

CSU researchers tackle “forever chemicals” with new technology

Thomas Borch, professor of soil and crop sciences and chemistry at Colorado State University, is part of a CSU research team working to eradicate harmful forever chemicals found in everyday products and drinking water. The team aims to completely eliminate PFAS from contaminated water—not just contain them.

Borch is leading the chemical analysis to ensure the process truly destroys PFAS without creating new toxins. Supported by the Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant, this technology could help protect clean water, public health, and the environment. Learn more here!

Climate change could make Colorado lawns suffer. Here’s how to help yours adapt

KUNC recently spoke with Dr. Tony Koski about his top grass recommendations for Colorado’s warming, drying climate—highlighting Bermuda grass as a strong contender for the future. Listen to this episode here, or read more here!

With deep sadness, we share that Dr. Koski passed away on July 12. In his words, “May your lawns be green, your trees healthy, your friendships deep and never stop trying new things. In turf we trust.” Learn more here.

Researchers examine six major water conservation strategies for agriculture

Water is central to agriculture and the food supply, but key rivers and aquifers—especially in the Western U.S.—are facing significant decline. A new review paper, “Advancing sustainable water use across the agricultural life cycle in the USA,” published in Nature Water and led by Colorado State University researchers, outlines six strategies to address this growing challenge.

“Our paper shows that each of us can play a role in protecting our limited water resources for agriculture,” says senior author Thomas Borch, professor in both the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Department of Chemistry. Learn more here!