The end of 2025 was a busy time for speaking engagements for the ISRC directors. ISRC Co-director Steve Whitham, who is also Co-director of the Bioengineering Center at ISU, provided an overview on CRISPR and its impact on the future of crop yields at the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives Annual Meeting on November 25 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. ISRC affiliate and economist Chad Hart provided an economic outlook at the same meeting.

On December 3, ISRC Director Greg Tylka and Co-director Mark Licht presented their research at the University of Minnesota Extension Crop Pest Management Short Course in Minneapolis, MN. Tylka provided the latest tips and tools for managing SCN, while Licht provided information on tailoring cover crops to agronomic goals.

On Dec. 9, Licht presented at the University of Missouri Crop Management Conference providing insights on short stature corn hybrids in Columbia, MO. And, as mentioned in the previous article, Licht also presented at ISU’s Integrated Crop Management Conference in Altoona, IA on December 10 and 11, 2025.