Greetings! In this first edition of Pioneer Junction for the academic year 2018-19, you will read about several happenings in the School of Agriculture. We are proud of our students, faculty and staff's many accomplishments. Classes are in session and the hallways of Russell are buzzing with students and professors. 

During the summer, many of the SOA faculty were engaged in research, summer and pre-college camps and visiting interning students at various sites. We are proud of our students and thankful to the internship employers that support the SOA, a record number of students (~165) did their internships over this summer.

With renewed energy, the Fall-2018 term started with new people on board. Dr. Julie Van Der Wilt joined as the assistant professor in agribusiness program. She brings rich talent and business acumen with a PhD in business to teach many of the agribusiness courses. In addition, we also welcomed a few adjunct faculty. We are currently engaged in another faculty search process to fill an assistant professor position in the agribusiness program. This will fill the vacancy created by the leaving of Dr. Annie Kinwa-Muzinga to another university.

We are working on several new initiatives this year. An associate’s degree in Agriculture at our branch campus in Richland Center is in the works. Curriculum development and paper work for approvals is moving forward in the system. Pioneer Produce is working on an expansion to start an indoor hydroponic unit at Glenview commons to grow lettuce and herbs to supply for the campus dining services is in the planning stages. Undergraduate research support and incorporation of technology into curriculum, notably ultrasound machine training for animal science majors is taking shape.

Last year’s efforts done by the SOA faculty and staff with international travels to build relationships resulted in four new STFL (Short Term Faculty Led) offerings for SOA students. Three programs during the Winterim-2019 (January 2019) will leave to Spain, New Zeland and Thailand. Students well attended the informational sessions and we are positive that we will fill these classes to full capacity. During early summer, May 2019, Costa Rica program will take place. This year is going to be a record number of international travel course offerings in the SOA and we are looking forward for a record numbers of student participation.

We hosted three interns during the summer at the Pioneer Gardens and Pioneer Greenhouse. With the support from staff and faculty, these interns did superb job of growing plants for campus & Pioneer Farm and keeping the gardens immaculate for the enjoyment of the community. 

Personally this summer, with the help of a few students and staff, on an experimental basis I was involved with growing tomatoes on the Glenview Commons terrace and selling Mums (Chrysanthemums) to the campus and community. Interns will do these two summer projects in the coming years with the tomato’s going to dining services and growing our own mums for sale to the campus and community as an annual tradition.

Pioneer Farm is buzzing with many activities and labs are happening with the help of staff. Pioneer Farm provides valuable hands-on experiences to our students and hires many to run the operations. As the farm economy is tough, due to low commodities prices, we are taking steps to mitigate the adverse effects in the coming years.

Our Agroecosystems research is going very well with several ongoing projects. In the recent round, we are proud to win the USDA-NIFA grant of 270,000. This is what makes the SOA unique and differentiate us from fellow institutions. Strong research is a hallmark of good education. We thank our faculty and staff for these wonderful achievements and results.

We are engaged with corporate partners, and several relationships are flourishing especially with Emmi-Roth, MDG (Microbial Discovery Group) to name a few. Sandi Brick-Mangelofsky, the College of BILSA Alumni and Engagement officer, has put forth significant efforts in regards to fundraising. We are grateful for her support and help. Contributions are coming in from alumni, employers and Ag advisory council members to support SOA programs. We are thankful to everyone. 

October is fast approaching and we are getting ready for World Dairy Expo, the AFA leadership conference and homecoming events. Freshmen in the SOA were welcomed at the BILSA new student welcome day on September 19. The new dairy science major is attracting new students and retaining many students with significant growth in numbers.

With Allison Hahn graduating in May 2018 a new student editor, Jenna Preston has taken charge of the Pioneer Junction. Welcome Jenna!

Please enjoy reading the stories edited for you by Jenna!