USPOULTRY, PSA Foundation announce student career fair

TUCKER, Ga. — The U.S. Poultry Harold E. Ford Foundation and the Poultry Science Assoc. (PSA) Foundation are pleased to announce the jointly sponsored inaugural M.S. & Ph.D. Student Career Fair, which will be held during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), scheduled for Jan. 30-Feb., 1, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The Career Fair will be held Jan. 29, in conjunction with the International Poultry Scientific Forum (IPSF). This unique program is designed to better serve U.S. Poultry & Egg Assoc. member companies and allied suppliers, particularly involving, but not limited to, technology-driven companies such as those in genetics, health, pharmaceutical and nutrition.

“Utilizing the strengths and resources of PSA and the USPOULTRY Foundation, this new program will target post-doctoral and Ph.D. students,” said Jerry Moye, USPOULTRY Foundation incoming chair, who also serves on the PSA Foundation Board. “This is a great service our two organizations can provide to the poultry and allied industry, particularly those with needs in genetics, health, pharmaceutical and nutrition fields.

“Further, this opportunity is provided in one place at one time in conjunction with the IPSF, conveniently benefiting these exceptional students and industry companies seeking talented employees to provide for their next generation of scientific leadership.”

Microbiologist sought for algae cultivation startup

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The National Algae Assoc. announces that a Los Angeles algae startup focusing on spirulina cultivation is looking to expand operations to a full-scale production facility in the Palmdale/Antelope Valley region of California.

Further, its aim is to diversify and expand operation into cultivation of other algal species. It is seeking applicants for the position of microbiologist. An ideal candidate is someone who embraces change, strives for continuous improvement, understands the importance of commitment and is passionate about expanding their knowledge base.

The startup is looking for someone who can transition from a part-time employee to a full-time team member over the course of the next year. If interested, candidates are asked to email their résumés to barry@nationalalgaeassociation.com

FDA announces MUMS grant application due Jan. 12

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an open period for applications for grants to support the development of new animal drugs intended for minor species or minor uses (MUMS) in major species (major species are horses, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, turkeys and chickens).

This is Funding Opportunity Announcement #RFA-FD-15-004. Applications must be submitted electronically by Jan. 12, 2018, through www.grants.gov

The grant program was established by the Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act of 2004, and funding was authorized to start after finalization of regulations to implement the Designation provisions of Section 573 of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act.

Subject to the availability of funds, grants will be available for up to $100,000 per year for up to two years for routine studies; and up to $150,000 per year for up to two years for studies of unusual complexity, duration or size. A third year of funding may be available for long-term toxicology studies. The complete Request for Applications is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-FD-15-004.html

Agricultural education faculty earn national recognition

URBANA, Ill. — Two agricultural education faculty at the University of Illinois – Drs. Kari Keating and Erica Thieman – recently earned national recognition for outstanding achievements in teaching and research.

Thieman, an assistant professor in the Agricultural Education Program in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, was honored with the Outstanding Early Career Member award from the North Central American Assoc. for Agricultural Education (AAAE). Recipients of this award have demonstrated excellence in teaching, significant contributions in research, scholarly writing pertaining to agricultural education and service in professional organizations at the community, state, and national levels.

The predominant focus of Thieman’s research is determining how stress impacts teacher proficiency and retention. She received the award during the North Central AAAE annual conference in September.

Keating, a teaching assistant professor in the program, was recognized as one of the best educators in the nation, as a recipient of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Educator Award. NACTA is a professional society dedicated to scholarship in teaching and learning in agricultural disciplines.

As someone who focuses on the people-development aspect of agriculture, Keating prepares the next generation of industry leaders and agriculture teachers in the agricultural leadership and science education program. Keating received the award during the NACTA annual conference in July.

MFB posthumously honors Schweikhardt with service award

LANSING, Mich. — Dr. David Schweikhardt, former professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics (AFRE) at Michigan State University, was posthumously honored as recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award at the 98th Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) Annual Meeting.

In addition to the award, the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture is donating $5,000 to a scholarship fund in Schweikhardt’s name.

He specialized in agricultural policy, trade policy and law during his tenure at MSU. His research and extension work focused on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and all U.S. farm bills since 1990.

Following completion of his law degree from MSU, Schweikhardt immersed himself in the discussion of wind farm lease agreements and provided valuable insights to land owners trying to evaluate various options before entering into long-term obligations. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, he was instrumental in providing farmers with information on the potential impacts to agriculture and their farms.

He also provided commentary and analysis on politics and elections at the state and federal levels.

“A true friend of Michigan agriculture, it’s his wit, intellect, friendship and commitment to Michigan Agriculture we sorely miss,” said MFB President Carl Bednarski. “Dave was always willing to share his insights with audiences both large and small. He was eager to meet with farmers to not only share his latest presentation, but just as important, to hear from them about their thoughts and ideas and to engage in discussions about possible policy options and potential outcomes.”

Over the past 20 years, much of Schweikhardt’s work was supported by MFB’s Elton R. Smith Endowment for Food and Agriculture Policy. The endowment was created in the early 1990s to honor the memory of MFB past president, Elton R. Smith, for his commitment to leadership and his global vision of policy education and research.

“David was an indispensable, well-loved and greatly admired member of AFRE faculty since 1992,” said Dr. Titus O. Awokuse, department chair. “He was a true servant-leader over the years. He gave selflessly of his skills and time, and served in various capacities to support and promote our department and university.”

Alliance names 2017 College Aggies Online winners

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced the winners of the 2017 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship competition, which prepares students to become lifelong advocates for agriculture.

Since CAO launched in 2009, nearly 6,000 students have participated. This year’s program kicked off in early September with about 300 students competing in the individual division, while 30 student organizations competed in the club division. The participants represented 43 states and 89 different universities.

In the individual competition, the winners were: First place, $2,500 scholarship, Erica Ballmer at Purdue University; Second place, $1,000 scholarship, Allison Burenheide of Oklahoma State University; and Third place, $500 scholarship, Alex Jacks of Mississippi State University.

In the club competition, the winners were: First place, $2,500 scholarship, Agriculture Club of Western Illinois University; Second place, $1,000 scholarship, Agriculture Advocacy Class of Northwest Missouri State University; and Third place, $500 scholarship, Les Voyageurs, Louisiana State University.

The top three individual winners along with a representative from each winning club will receive an expenses-paid trip to the Alliance’s 2018 Stakeholders Summit set for May 3-4 in Arlington.

The 2017 competitors shared more than 3,000 posts about agriculture on Instagram and Twitter, which earned more than 4.4 million impressions, and nearly 400 posts were shared on Facebook. More than 16,000 students and faculty members attended the numerous farm tours, guest speaker presentations, booths and other events on college campuses.

In addition to recognizing the winners, the Alliance is spotlighting other individuals and clubs who successfully finished the program with the CAO Completion Emblem, which demonstrates their commitment to advocating for agriculture. Individuals who earned the CAO Completion Emblem were:

•Keely Egelhoff, Western Illinois University

•Madeline McGarry, Iowa State University

•Megan Nelson, North Dakota State University

•Jessica Miller, Oklahoma State University

•Markie Hageman, Fort Hays State University

•Ellen Schutt, University of Wisconsin-Madison

•Callie Rathjen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

•Lindsey O'Hara, Western Illinois University

•Ashley Huntsberger, University of Nevada, Reno

•Daiton Tietz, Iowa State University

•Madison Martin, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

•Rebekka Brown, University of Florida

•Emily Solis, University of Maryland-College Park

 Clubs that earned the CAO Completion Emblem were:

•Ag Ambassadors, Eastern Oklahoma State University

•Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, Tuskegee University

The nine-week program is filled with assignments for individuals such as blog posts, infographics and photo contests, while club members receive challenges ranging from hosting farm tours and school visits to guest speakers, food drives and many more. Each assignment and challenge helps the students to boost their confidence when communicating with their peers about agriculture issues.

The Alliance also awarded mini scholarships of $100 throughout the competition to individuals selected by industry mentors for doing the best on the weekly assignments. In the club competition, a mini scholarship of $250 was awarded to the groups who hosted the best events for each challenge.

For more information on College Aggies Online, visit www.animalagalliance.org/connect/#collegeaggies

Iowa wins gold at 2017 collegiate inventors competition

NORTH CANTON, Ohio — A glimpse into the future of American innovation and emerging technological trends from the nation’s brightest young inventors were recognized and honored at the 2017 Collegiate Inventors Competition, an annual contest for college and university students and their faculty advisors.

“For students interested in STEM disciplines, innovation and entrepreneurship, a strong understanding of the intellectual property system is critical for success,” said Joseph Matal, performing the function and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Finalist teams (six undergraduate and six graduate), consisting of 29 students from 12 colleges and universities across the United States, received an all-expenses-paid trip to the final round of the competition in Alexandria, Va. The teams presented their inventions to an esteemed panel of final-round judges composed of the most influential inventors and innovation experts in the nation, National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees and USPTO experts.

Established in 1990, the Collegiate Inventors Competition is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. It is sponsored by the USPTO, Arrow Electronics, Bridgestone Americas and Skild.

The undergraduate Gold winner was SwineTech, from the University of Iowa. Team members Matthew Rooda and Abraham Espinoza were awarded $10,000 for their invention SmartGuard, which prevents piglet-crushing deaths by their mothers by monitoring the pitch, loudness and duration of squeals and determining whether a piglet is in distress or just squealing as piglets normally do.

When a piglet is in distress, the device sends a vibration to a wearable patch on the mother, prompting her to stand and free her piglet. The team’s advisor is Thomas Hornbeck. The SwineTech team was also the winner of the Arrow Innovation Prize, chosen by a panel of judges from Arrow Electronics. This exclusive prize advanced the team to the final round of judging – all expenses paid – at the competition, and it included a private networking opportunity with a group of innovators from Arrow, a Fortune 118 global technology-solutions provider.

Introduced in 1990, the competition has awarded more than $1 million to students for their innovative work and scientific achievement through the help of its sponsors. For more information, visit www.invent.org/challenge

SteelShad bass fishing scholarship available to college anglers

EAST DORSET, Vt. — The SteelShad Fishing Co. is proud to announce the 2018 SteelShad College Bass Fishing Scholarship Program. SteelShad wants to support the growth of college bass fishing and the individual anglers participating in the sport.

SteelShad will award three college students, whom bass fish competitively or avidly, individual scholarships of $1,000 each in May 2018. The SteelShad Selection Committee will look at academic achievements, college bass fishing achievements and social media posts and engagement. College bass fishing students may apply for the SteelShad Scholarships at https://steelshad.com/fishing-scholarship

Stephen Price, CEO of SteelShad, said, "We are so excited about the growth in the sport of College Bass Fishing and we want to support these students in a significant way. We plan to support each applicant for the SteelShad College Scholarship Program with SteelShad lures and we will award each winner a scholarship check for $1,000 in May of 2018.”

USPOULTRY allocates $282,500 in student recruiting grants

TUCKER, Ga. — The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded student recruiting grants totaling more than $282,500 to six U.S. universities with Poultry Science departments and 29 other institutions with industry-related programs.

The Foundation provides annual recruiting and retention funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs. The grants were made possible in part by gifts to the USPOULTRY Foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years at the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

Among the 29 institutions with industry-related programs receiving recruiting and retention grants under the Foundation’s Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program are the following regional schools, listed with their grant amount and the sponsor of the grant:

•Iowa State University, $2,100, West Liberty Foods

•Murray State University, Kentucky, $7,000, Shepard Exposition Services

•Ohio State University, $4,620, Cooper Family Foundation

•Purdue University, Indiana, $6,865, Midwest Poultry Services

•University of Tennessee at Martin, $1,800, Hubbard Farms Charitable Foundation

•Tennessee Technological University, $7,100, Hubbard Farms Charitable Foundation

U.S. Poultry & Egg Assoc. established the USPOULTRY Foundation in 1994 to provide student recruiting funds to universities with poultry science departments. In 2004, the Poultry Science Education Funding Program, now named the Industry Education Recruitment Funding Program, was added to the Foundation’s umbrella so other colleges and universities that offer industry-related studies are eligible to apply for recruiting grants.

Lyles fills new position for Cooperative Extension/CABNR

RENO, Nev. — Ivory W. Lyles is the new director of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and associate dean for engagement in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. He started in this new position Nov. 1.

Lyles comes to the university from Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where he was a professor in the Department of Agriculture and dean and director of Land-Grant Programs. Prior to that, he was director of Cooperative Extension Service and associate vice president of agriculture at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock for about nine years.

As CABNR’s associate dean for engagement, he is charged with leveraging the full range of expertise within the university and all Nevada System of Higher Education institutions to address the needs and challenges of citizens throughout Nevada. As director of Cooperative Extension, he has full signatory authority for the extension budget.

Lyles received his doctorate in agricultural education, community and rural development in 1990 from The Ohio State University, his master’s in extension education and education leadership in 1984 from Mississippi State University and his bachelor’s in agricultural economics in 1980 from Alcorn.

Prior to his extension leadership positions at Alcorn and the U of A, Lyles held Cooperative Extension positions at the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, OSU and Mississippi State.

UT, partners to empower youth for healthier communities

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Cooperative Extension partners in Tennessee – University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University – have been selected as among five land-grant universities (LGUs) to partner with National 4-H Council (Council) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the nation’s largest health philanthropy, to improve health in local communities over the next two years.

The Tennessee extension partners are among the many LGUs that will work over the next 10 years to build a culture of health in 1,000 communities across the nation. To reach this goal, the Council will use the $4.6 million grant awarded by RWJF to convene the unparalleled assets of the national Cooperative Extension System (CES) to leverage 4-H’s proven youth leadership model.

In Tennessee, youth will work alongside community members, local public health organizations, businesses, government entities and nonprofit agencies in Meigs, Coffee and Pickett counties to address top public health priorities, such as individual and community well-being, prevention and treatment of chronic disease and reductions in health care costs.

The 10-year partnership will begin with identifying innovator communities and communities in need, where the partners will implement locally-responsive strategies. Each LGU is charged with working in a minimum of three communities to develop an action plan and connect with at least 150 volunteers to mentor youth leaders to build local capacity and ensure successful implementation of the action plan.

“Meigs, Coffee and Pickett counties were chosen for the pilot phase from a competitive community proposal process. These three communities are poised to build a local culture of health because of their community capacity of partnerships and engagement,” said Laura Stephenson, assistant dean of UT extension.

“The grant, which in Tennessee amounts to $89,000, will fund work in these counties spearheaded by the county extension 4-H and family and consumer sciences agents who work locally to provide youth development and adult education services.”

The partnership will focus on three key elements to accomplish transformational change: designing a sustainable network structure to promote health and well-being in communities across the nation; creating and disseminating tools for healthier communities; and launching a training curriculum for local community advocates.

Wakenell receives Hovde Award for service to rural Indiana

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — When a deadly avian flu outbreak threatened the nation’s poultry industry in 2015, Purdue University’s Dr. Patricia Wakenell was at the forefront of efforts to contain the spread of the disease. That critical initiative, along with many other accomplishments throughout her career, contributed to her being honored with the 2017 Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana.

Wakenell, an associate professor of avian diagnostics in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, also is widely recognized locally and nationally for leading initiatives to minimize the threat of disease transmission associated with backyard poultry.

“The role she played in the 2015-16 avian influenza outbreak was key in helping irradiate a potentially devastating disease that had the potential to threaten the economic vitality of the poultry industry in southern Indiana,” said Willie M. Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Wakenell has worked closely with the Indiana State Poultry Assoc. and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health to help small poultry producers boost production, while teaching them about practices that prevent avian-related diseases. Through those educational initiatives, she also helped prevent the transmission of salmonella and other poultry-related diseases from small producers to the commercial poultry industry, which contributes $4.25 billion to Indiana’s economy.

She also was recognized for encouraging veterinary students and residents to pursue studies in poultry medicine. She established the Purdue Veterinary Poultry Medicine program, a fully endowed teaching program in poultry medicine, after securing a donor.

The program, which emphasizes active poultry medicine practice, resulted in an unprecedented number of Purdue students studying poultry medicine. The boost in veterinarians with knowledge of poultry medicine addressed a significant field expertise gap, especially in the midst of the growing popularity of backyard poultry.

Wakenell, who also serves as the co-head of avian diagnostics at the Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, joined the Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty in 2008 as associate professor of poultry pathology. She had previously served the California poultry industry in her role as an associate professor of veterinary medicine at the University of California-Davis.

The Hovde Award is sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. It was established in honor of Frederick L. Hovde, Purdue’s seventh president, who served from 1946-71. The award winners receive a monetary prize and a plaque.

Huntington’s Riehle receives American FFA degree

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies has announced junior Karilyn Riehle, an agribusiness marketing major from Churubusco, Ind., earned the American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization.

“Receiving the American Degree had been a goal of mine since I first became a member. This organization has impacted my life tremendously, and I could not have reached this milestone without the support of those who have invested in me along the way. It is truly an honor,” said Riehle.

The Degree is awarded to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experiences. The top American FFA Degree recipients from each state may also be nominated for an American Star Award.

Some of requirements to earn the American FFA Degree include receiving the State FFA Degree; completing and maintaining records to substantiate an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program, through which the member has exhibited comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise; possessing a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement; and participating in at least 50 hours of community service from at least three different community service activities.

“We are proud of Kari’s accomplishments through FFA and now at Huntington University as an agribusiness major. This now makes five HU students who have received the American FFA Degree,” said Dr. Raymond Porter, director of the Haupert Institute. “Although Kari doesn’t seek the limelight, she is well-deserving of this recognition. I believe she will continue to distinguish herself as a hard-working, persistent and knowledgeable person.”

Team shout-out for the agBOT Challenge in 2018

ROCKVILLE, Ind. — Producers and sponsors of the agBOT Challenge are challenging innovators to push technology forward in agriculture by competing in the agBOT Challenge 2018.

Over the last two years, teams and individuals from coast to coast and everywhere in between have spent time on research and development to create innovative technologies capable of performing tasks in agriculture. Teams entered into the agBOT Challenge have showcased the newest technologies in agriculture, demonstrating machines capable of autonomously moving through the fields, planting seeds, identifying plant health, eradicating weeds, gathering layers of data and more.

The agBOT Challenge 2018 will be held at Gerrish Farms in Rockville, Ind., from May 17-19. Universities, entrepreneurs and private groups are currently being recruited to enter into the competitions: the Weed & Feed on May 18 and/or the Harvest Competition May 19.

Proposals and teams will be accepted until the event roster is full. To learn more about the competition objectives, visit the website www.agbot.ag and email Rachel Gerrish, senior executive producer, at rlgerrish@odeaulete.com to submit proposals.