The ISU soybean breeding program released eight new varieties, of which seven will undergo foundation seed increase in 2025. These varieties include numerous traits: high yield, good agronomics, soybean cyst nematode resistance, sudden death syndrome resistance, white mold resistance, flooding tolerance, soybean aphid resistance, and high oil. These varieties were developed through support of the R.F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding, the Iowa Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. 

AMES, Iowa – The Plant Breeding and Genetics Student Organization, within the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University, proudly hosted the 12th Annual Raymond F. Baker Plant Breeding Symposium. This year’s theme was: Transformative Research: Pushing the Genetic Frontiers of Plant Breeding and showcased groundbreaking advancements in plant breeding, drawing a wide audience. 

The symposium welcomed 133 in-person attendees and 52 virtual participants, representing 14 U.S. states and 8 countries. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, explored 28 poster presentations, and benefited from an impressive lineup of expert speakers.

Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding- Student Profile: Ashlyn Rairdin

Hometown: Plattsmouth, Nebraska 
Academic Background:

B.S. in Biochemistry – University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Class of 2015Ph.D. in Plant Breeding with a Specialization in Predictive Plant Phenomics (P3) – Iowa State University, under Dr. Arti Singh

Ashlyn Rairdin is an accomplished and passionate Ph.D. student in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University. Her dedication to agricultural innovation and research has earned her the prestigious honor of being named one of the 2025 Women Impacting ISU, a recognition that highlights her significant contributions to the university community through her leadership, service, and research excellence.

The Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding at Iowa State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Thomas Hoegemeyer will be presented with the award:

Extraordinary Service to Plant Breeding Community

“For his unparalleled passion and dedication to plant breeding and genetics, demonstrated by his successes in the seed industry as a corn breeder and a business leader, his exemplary leadership and service to the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, and his active contributions to public institutions after retirement.”

When: Award Ceremony on March 14, 2025, at the

Raymond F. Baker Plant Breeding Symposium

Where: The Iowa State University Alumni Center

429 Alumni Lane, Ames, Iowa 50011-1403

Ames, Iowa – November 20, 2024 – Ashlyn Rairdin, a PhD student in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University, and Baker Center supported student, has been honored as one of the 2025 Women Impacting ISU. This prestigious recognition celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the university community through their leadership, service, and dedication.

Ashlyn's major professor, Arti Singh, praised her achievements, stating, “This award reflects Ashlyn's unwavering commitment, dedication, and the exceptional leadership skills in research and professional groups. Through her hard work, and passion for plant breeding and the Workforce in Ag and AI, she has set an inspiring example for fellow students, showing that leadership is built on perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.”

Ames, IA — The Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding (RFBCPB) recently underwent an external review on October 29-30th in Ames, IA,  conducted by a distinguished panel of experts in the field. The review panel comprised of Peggy Ozias-Akins, Charlie Brummer, Margaret Smith, and Thanda Dhliwayo, who brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the assessment.

The objective of this external review was to evaluate the Center's current performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide strategic guidance to enhance its impact and profile. The panel addressed key questions essential for the Center's growth and development.

Iowa State University Plant Breeding Student Juan Panelo Selected as 2024-2025 Encompass Fellow by Tri-Societies

Ames, Iowa – September 17, 2024 – Iowa State University is proud to announce that Juan Panelo, a Plant Breeding PhD candidate in the Department of Agronomy, has been selected as a 2024-2025 Encompass Fellow by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). This fellowship, sponsored by Bayer Crop Science, recognizes outstanding graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the field of agronomy, crop science, and soil science.

AEA Research Farm, [Boone, IA] – Around 30 students and faculty attended the annual Plant Breeding Field Day held on Thursday, August 22^nd. The event showcased the latest advancements in crop research and breeding. This year presenters focused on two essential crops: maize and millet. Attendees had the opportunity to explore these plots, learn from experts, and gain insights into cutting-edge techniques.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and North Carolina State University (NC State University) announced the 30 exceptional individuals who were selected as 2024 FFAR Fellows. Comprised of 30 Fellows representing 21 universities, the 2024 FFAR Fellows cohort will participate in a three-year fellowship designed to prepare future food and agriculture scientists with skills that can better prepare them for the  workforce. 

Representing Iowa State University, the Department of Agronomy, the Department of Horticulture and the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding as FFAR Fellows are:  

Ames, Iowa – July 3, 2024

With summer comes transition for a few familiar faces to the Iowa State University (ISU) Department of Agronomy. For those who have attended the Plant Breeding Seminars frequently, Diana Escamilla is a familiar name. As a plant breeding data analyst, she has made significant contributions to the field. Likewise, Aaron Kusmec, known to many within the Department for years, has been a key figure in crop genetics.

We are excited to announce the planning committee for the 2024-2025 Raymond F. Baker Plant Breeding Symposium. The newly elected committee members are:

Co-Chairs: Vencke Gruening & Joseph DeTemple

Speaker Chair: Thomas Young

Poster Chair: Memis Bilgici

Food & Venue Chair: Hernan Torres Pacin

Media Chair: Karlene Negus

IT Chair: Shelly Kinney

Workshop & Awards Chair: Yue Liu

Field Day Co-Chairs: Heidi Dornath & Yanben Shen

Ames, Iowa, May 29th, 2024 – Iowa State University (ISU) proudly announces the promotion of Dr. Maria Salas-Fernandez to the rank of Professor in the Department of Agronomy. Dr. Salas-Fernandez’s exceptional research and teaching contributions have led to this well-deserved recognition.

Background and Accomplishments:

Congratulations go out to Sarah Jones and Juan Panelo for winning the 2024 C.R. Weber Award for Excellence in Plant Breeding. 

Sarah Jones, originally from College Station, Texas, is a Ph.D. Candidate in Plant Breeding in the Soynomics group at Iowa State University. 

Ames, Iowa, April 24, 2024 — Dr. Raquel Chan, a distinguished scientist and Senior Researcher at CONICET-Argentina, recently delivered a seminar titled: “Translational research focused on HD-Zip I transcription factors. From a model plant grown in a culture chamber to crops in field conditions and back to fundamental science” for the Department of Agronomy’s weekly plant breeding seminar series on campus. 

In her presentation Dr. Chan explained her journey from studying transcription factors in model plants grown in controlled environments to applying these discoveries to develop drought tolerant wheat and soybean cultivars. Her work bridges fundamental science with practical applications, emphasizing sustainable crop improvement.