By Andi Anderson
Representatives from Iowa State University’s Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) traveled to Washington, D.C., late last month to meet with members of Congress and their staff.
Their goal was to share the importance of the land‑grant university system and highlight how agricultural research, extension programs, and teaching benefit communities across Iowa and the nation.
CARET is a national volunteer organization made up of individuals from land‑grant universities who work to strengthen public understanding of agricultural research and extension programs.
Volunteers include private citizens, business leaders, and community members who advocate for continued federal support of land‑grant initiatives. The organization was created by the Association of Public and Land‑grant Universities to help connect national leaders with local needs.
This year, Iowa State’s CARET team included Chris Cornelius of Bellevue; Don Latham of Alexander; Kevin Ross of Minden; and Katie Stutsman of West Des Moines.
Member Mike Gooder of Cresco was unable to attend. Cornelius and Gooder are new representatives on the Iowa CARET team, and all the delegates are alumni of Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Cornelius shared his appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “It was an honor to represent Iowa State University as a CARET delegate at the recent events in Washington, D.C.” He added that “Having the opportunity to be part of a national effort where everyone in the room is pulling the same way to support agricultural research, education and teaching at land-grant universities was a valuable experience.” He also noted that the Iowa delegation received a warm welcome during visits with members of Congress.
A special reception was held during the trip to connect Iowa State alumni and students working in the Washington area. The featured speaker was Scott Hutchins, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics, who earned his doctorate in entomology from Iowa State.
The event was co‑hosted by Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Jason Henderson, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach.
Long‑serving CARET delegate Don Latham also emphasized the value of advocacy, stating, “I don’t think I’ve missed a national meeting during my tenure. I always find it very rewarding to advocate as a beneficiary of our land-grant system and tell the stories of why the work here – basic and applied research often delivered through extension programs – matters so much to agriculture and to our communities.”
During meetings with Congressional leaders, the Iowa CARET team shared examples of programs that support farmers, youth, and local communities. These included Planter University training sessions, plant breeding research, AI education for 4‑H members, and efforts to strengthen food enterprises and rural housing.
Dean Robison expressed his gratitude, saying, “Many thanks to our dedicated CARET representatives for their wonderful support, and for taking their own time to advocate for the land-grant university system and Iowa State especially.”
He emphasized their contribution to advancing Iowa State’s mission and noted appreciation for the national coordination provided by the Association of Public Land‑grant Universities.
Through their advocacy, Iowa CARET representatives helped demonstrate how the land‑grant university system continues to strengthen agriculture, support communities, and prepare future leaders across the country.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Iowa, Education