Mision, Vision and Goals

The mission of the Iowa State University Agronomy Department is to provide continued excellence in agronomic teaching, research, and outreach. The department achieves this by serving Iowa, the nation, and the world in ways that:

  • expand knowledge in crop, soil, and atmospheric sciences
  • identify, develop, and deliver appropriate information and technologies for agronomic practice
  • prepare students for successful careers and continued education in agronomic and related sciences
  • improve crop production and soil management practices, while enhancing environmental quality and sustainability, through interdisciplinary cooperation
  • anticipate and respond to societal needs relative to food and fiber production
  • promote, through education, harmony among the diverse clientele served by agronomy.
Vision

To be the world leader in enhancing productive and sustainable agriculture through the consistent pursuit of excellent basic and applied research, teaching, and outreach activities.

Department Information

Department Chair, Kendall Lamkey, appeared on WOI radio during the 2006 Farm Progress Show. Click the below links to hear him describe career opportunities for today's agronomists and a complete update on departmental extension, research, and teaching activities.

Education Clip (2 min., 2 MB)

Whole Program (10 min., 9 MB)

  The department celebrated its centennial in 2002. The department was created in the College of Agriculture and originally included crops, soils, and agricultural engineering. Today the department offers five majors, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. These members of the department, J. M. Bremner (1983) A. R. Hallauer (1989), and D. Duvick(2002) are members of the National Academy of Sciences.