Statehouse showcase gives in-person look at ISU innovation serving Iowans

The annual ISU Day at the Capitol will be held Tuesday, March 4. Archive photo by Christopher Gannon.

The Iowa State Capitol rotunda will be decked out in cardinal and gold on Tuesday, March 4, for the annual ISU Day at the Capitol.

President Wendy Wintersteen will lead a group of more than 40 faculty, staff and students representing 17 Iowa State programs that demonstrate how Iowa State innovation serves Iowans by building the state's economy, supporting its nation-leading agricultural industry and preparing students for future careers.

Legislators, statehouse staff and other visitors will get a close-up, in-person look at the following ISU programs:

• Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, a hub for research and training that support Iowa's grain, feed and livestock industries.
• Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, a public-private partnership using trials on private farms to build tools to help Iowa farmers make the best decisions possible about nitrogen management.
• ISU Creamery, an on-campus facility producing and selling ice cream and cheese to give students valuable experience.
• Digital Ag Innovation Lab, an ag-tech research group passionate about solving industry problems, now housed at a new 85,000-square-foot facility in the ISU Research Park.
• Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the world-class food-animal lab critical in safeguarding Iowa's $32.5 billion livestock industry and the nation's food supply.
• Production Animal–Veterinary Early Acceptance Program, an initiative to recruit and retain veterinary students interested in practicing food-animal medicine.
• Egg Industry Center, a source of science and research for the nation's egg producers.
• Ames National Laboratory, a global leader in the discovery, synthesis, analysis and application of new materials, chemistries and analytical tools.
• Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, a team devoted to helping Iowa's farmers and industry leaders better understand the impact of issues that affect them.
• Center for Industrial Research and Service, a partner for Iowa companies with complex problems, from adopting new technologies and enhancing productivity to attracting talent and developing leaders.
• Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, providing hands-on training, support and experiences to Iowa's next entrepreneurs with a variety of programs, including highlighted student businesses that benefited from the CYstarters accelerator.
• Manure and Nutrient Management Lab, a research group devoted to the science of manure, including its management, use as fertilizer and environmental impact.
• Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC, the three Reserve Officer Training Corps units continuing Iowa State's long history of military training and education.
• Iowa Soybean Research Center, a partnership with industry and farmers that helps coordinate research, teaching and extension related to soybeans.
• America's Small Business Development Center Iowa, a source of free, confidential, customized and professional advice to business owners across Iowa.
• Iowa Beef Center, the university's extension team for cattle production has helped beef producers save more calves with a series of interactive clinics.
• Iowa Pork Industry Center, a program that provides Iowa's more than 5,000 swine producers with accurate and timely information.