Student News
A group of animal science majors recently presented at the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting in Oklahoma. Cal Poly students Morgan Lunn, Haley Konoval, and Sydney Gillette each presented posters on the dairy cattle genomics research that they have been working on with Assistant Professor Mohammed Abo Ismail in the Animal Science Department.
Faculty News
Wine and Viticulture Associate Professor Federico Casassa, Jean Dodson Peterson, and their students were honored at the annual meeting of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture for receiving the best paper award for their research published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. The research, led by Casassa, titled “Whole Cluster and Dried Stem Additions’ Effects on Chemical and Sensory Properties of Pinot noir Wines over Two Vintages” was selected as the best enology paper for 2021. The paper includes the findings from an experiment on Pinot noir from Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo, that was conducted in partnership with industry partner Chamisal Vineyards – making the findings relevant for the local wine industry and California at large.
General News
The 2022 CAFES Summer Undergraduate Research Program poster symposium will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at the JUSTIN and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture’s Swanson Center of Effort Conference Hall. More than 39 projects will be featured, representing majors from across the college. Come see the awesome research and projects and learn more by chatting directly with the participants.
Student News
The Cal Poly Floral Team tied for third place at the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium held July 4-9 in Las Vegas. In addition, the team took first place in the wedding category and second in the sympathy category. Kiara Benavides (Agricultural Science, ’22) won the People’s Choice award and placed first in the overall student category. The team is coached by Lecturer Melinda Lynch.
The Cal Poly team competed against teams from Seneca Junior College in Canada, Texas A&M, University of Missouri, Kishwaukee College, New Mexico State University, Western Kentucky University and Ohio State University.
Additional results by category:
Wedding Category: Cal Poly first place; Kiara Benavides third place, Samantha Theodozio and Madison Reaves sixth place
Sympathy Category: Cal Poly second place; Kiara Benavides second place, Madison Reaves fifth place
Flowers to Wear: Cal Poly fourth place, Kiara Benavides second place
People’s Choice : Kiara Benavides
Overall Student: Kiara Benavides
Student News
Showcasing their extensive knowledge of animal science, a team of four animal science majors took third place in the nation at the American Society of Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon in Oklahoma. The team, pictured from left to right: Sophia Juarez, Genna Vieira, Coach Assistant Professor Zach McFarlane, Rachael Stucke, and Ashley Tartaglia. The team earned first place at the 2022 Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon, held April 1-2 – qualifying them to compete in the national competition in June. The Cal Poly team focused on how animal genetics, rangeland management, water storage, and feed selection are all tools producers can implement in times of drought. Assistant Professor Zach McFarlane of the Animal Science Department mentored the team.
Faculty News
College faculty submitted 89 research and grant proposals and secured $20.1M in funding, as of the end of May. This includes $4.2M from CAL FIRE to support workforce training in fire fuels management and $4.8M for fuel treatment and related research at Swanton Pacific Ranch.
Student News
Eleven members of the Cal Poly Rodeo Team competed in the 73rd annual College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming on June 12-18. Recent agricultural systems management graduate Quintin McWhorter placed third in Saddle Bronc Riding; Gracely Speth, who earned a master’s degree in agriculture specializing in bioresource and agricultural engineering this spring, placed sixth in the Breakaway Roping; third-year child development major Aimee Davis and Sierra Spratt, who earned a master’s degree in agricultural education this spring, tied for fourth in the Goat Tying.
General News
Students in the Quarter Horse Enterprise Project train Cal Poly-bred Quarter Horses in performance, general riding, and ranch work. The goal of the enterprise is to produce a versatile, quiet, and talented horse and a well-rounded, hard-working, and knowledgeable student trainer. Each spring, at the culmination of the project, the horses are sold at the Cal Poly Performance Horse Sale. The proceeds support equine educational programs. This year’s sale, held Saturday June 18, raised more than $380,000 for continued student success.
General News
Thank you to all the staff and faculty who supported our spring graduates. For the first time, the college held a collegewide commencement reception after the ceremony to personally congratulate graduates. More than 1,200 students, families, friends and supporters attended the inaugural event.
General News
The college recently hosted top leaders in higher education, government and industry taking part in the Food Systems Leadership Institute as they work to take on the challenges and opportunities facing our global food systems. Participants got a first-hand look at agricultural operations in Salinas and interacted with speakers including California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross; Bill Newlands, president and CEO of Constellation Brands; John Lin, production automation engineer at the California Strawberry Commission; Jeff Huckaby, president and CEO of Grimmway Farms; Dennis Albiani, vice president of California Advocates; Randy Record, member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; and Jim Johnson, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina.
