Welcome to Food for Thought

Food is the fabric that connects us across cultures and helps build communities.

According to a new article written by Dawn Thilmany, professor of Agricultural Economics, food and agricultural innovation is experiencing a renaissance that’s revitalizing main streets across America. Through her work with the USDA Regional Food Business Centers, Thilmany has observed growth in younger populations in rural economies—recent data and studies suggest this is driven by strong social capital, community support, and abundant outdoor opportunities, attracting young, food-focused individuals to these communities. Learn more here!

Koontz, Koski named 2025 Nutrien Scholars of Agricultural Sciences

Stephen Koontz, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Tony Koski, professor and Extension turf specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture have been named 2025 Nutrien Scholars of Agricultural Sciences for their outstanding contributions to research, teaching, and outreach. Koontz is recognized for shaping national livestock policy and advancing education in agricultural economics, while Koski is honored for his decades of leadership in turfgrass science and dedication to the land-grant mission. Learn more here!

Western ranches pilot virtual fences for conservation 

As more Western ranches explore virtual fencing for sustainable land management, Anna Shadbolt’s team from the AgNext center is exploring the ecological benefits of virtual fences on the threatened lesser prairie chicken. Shadbolt is inspired by how ranchers and researchers use the technology and expects broader adoption across the region. Learn more here!

CSU releases ‘Top Performing’ perennials for upcoming garden season 

Colorado State University has named nine “Top Performing” perennials from its 2024 Perennial Trial program, recognizing new plants that thrived in Colorado’s challenging climate. “The goal is to basically see how well they perform at higher altitudes, 5,000 feet or so. You go from summerlike in the morning, to almost winterlike in the afternoon, with drastic changes. So it really does give the plants a solid test in the environment,” says Chad Miller, director of the CSU Trial Gardens. Learn more here!

Turning the Tides

Justina Slim is featured in First Degree, a documentary series showcasing first-generation students across CSU System campuses and their connection to the land-grant mission of educational access and opportunity. An animal science alumna, Slim has returned to the Navajo Nation as a livestock specialist with the Diné College Land Grant Office, where she is advancing food sovereignty through projects like a USDA-inspected mobile slaughter unit to strengthen food security and preserve Navajo culture. Learn more here!

104-year-old Colorado agricultural legend shares his life story with students

“Good water plus good food equals long life,” says John Matsushima, who, at 104 years old, is embarking on a book tour with Rachel Gabel, ag journalist and author of “Cattle, Corn, and Courage: The Story of Dr. John Matsushima,” a new children’s book based on Dr. Matsushima’s life. The book illustrates Dr. Matsushima’s innovations, agricultural contributions, and agriculture power that helped him and his community face challenges during WWII. Learn more here!

As autism ignites a national conversation, Temple Grandin has something to say

Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned CSU professor of animal science, bestselling author, and subject of documentaries and films such as “An Open Door” and “Temple Grandin,” is widely recognized in autism circles and beyond for her advocacy that has transformed the world’s understanding of autism. As autism makes headlines, Dr. Grandin shares her story with NBC News.

She also played a key role in designing the Temple Grandin Equine Center, which offers treatment and research in equine-assisted therapy. Learn more here!

2025 Spring Commencement Photos – College of Agricultural Sciences 

On May 18, we celebrated our 2025 CAS graduates in two recognition ceremonies. Check for your photos here!