By Daren Mueller, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Stuart McCulloh became the program coordinator at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) on May 13, a few days after receiving a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Iowa State University. The Camanche native grew up on a row crop and livestock farm and used his vegetable production enterprise to support his Iowa State studies. McCulloh focused on economics and studied a variety of agricultural topics to develop and hone his interest in agricultural entrepreneurship.
As FEEL program coordinator, he will work with extension faculty and researchers who have demonstration plots and conduct educational programs at the research facility. He will also coordinate educational opportunities for agri-business clients.
“I’m anxious to meet the people with projects at FEEL and establish a network with them,” said McCulloh. “It will be important for me to know the right people for the right job, so I can promote the farm and connect people with research on issues important to them – whether they are farmers, extension staff, students or agri-business professionals.”
In addition to addressing the training and demonstration needs of traditional FEEL audiences, he is interested in being more entrepreneurial in his efforts – not content with just doing things as they have always been done, but exploring new opportunities.
“Being a very recent college student, I see where FEEL has a lot to offer 300- and 400-level students, especially those learning about agronomics,” McCulloh said. “It is great place for students, as well as those working full-time in agriculture production, to learn from faculty research.”
McCulloh plans to apply his communication skills, general agriculture knowledge and inquisitive nature as he coordinates this summer’s scheduled events and directs FEEL staff finalizing plot establishment. He can be reached at smac@iastate.edu or (515) 432-9548.
Upcoming events at FEEL
- Early Disease Clinic − June 6; Focus is on diseases relevant to this year's growing season in both corn and soybeans; looking at diseases already present and those to scout and watch out for.
- Field Diagnostic Clinic − July 9–10; A two-day clinic where attendees learn about crop growth and development of corn, soybeans and alfalfa, including herbicide injury and weed, insect and crop disease identification.
- Crop Management Training – July 15–16; A two-day clinic covering over 20 topics with regard to crop management troubleshooting, and highlighting some research developments industry- and university-wide.
- Late Disease Clinic August 21–22; Looking at early season disease relevant to the growth of both corn and soybeans and their effect on the plants, as well as current disease issues.
Daren Mueller is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. He can be reached at 515-460-8000 or e-mail dsmuelle@iastate.edu.
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Daren Mueller Professor
Daren Mueller is an associate professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Daren received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996, and his master's degree a...