Conversations with partners in agriculture are a fundamental starting point for new destinations on our land-grant journey.
When we listen with intention and learn directly from the people we serve, we sharpen our purpose in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. We ensure that the research we pursue, the students we prepare, and the outreach we deliver are relevant and responsive to the needs of an ever-transforming state.
This spring, the Dean’s Leadership Bus Tour brought that philosophy to life. Over three remarkable days, May 26-28, myself and the entire leadership of CAHNRS, including associate deans, chairs, and directors of more than a dozen academic departments and WSU Extension units, visited working farms and crop storage facilities as well as WSU research centers and programs on both sides of the Cascades.
Our group heard about the challenges that industry face and accepted their invitations to collaborate and solve critical challenges. We saw, tasted, smelled, and touched the outcomes of what our people do every day, and experienced new innovations created to serve our stakeholders. The lessons gained from in-person contact with Washington wheat, potato, and wine producers will drive future work and ensure relevance to user needs.
This month’s On Solid Ground newsletter shares snapshots of the people and projects that these conversations support. Readers can learn about the newly released app from AgWeatherNet, which offers something for nearly every agricultural user. You’ll also read about the genetic and knowledge resources used to breed new, delicious cherries, and encounter the impact of alumni Jim Huff and Sue Fairbanks on the future of a unique space for learning and engagement: the Eggert Family Organic Farm.
You can find a formerly presumed extinct apple variety, Walbridge, discovered by one of our newest landscape, nursery, and greenhouse management graduates with support from the Lost Apple Project. We also share a video with first-gen graduates Ana Sanchez Leon and Daniel Pastor, highlighting their determination, resilience, and success. Plus, we include the latest free guides from WSU Extension and upcoming events aimed at Washington growers.
Thank you for subscribing and being a part of the CAHNRS endeavor. I am always eager to hear from the people we serve. Please reach out to schedule a conversation or share your candid thoughts on what the CAHNRS land-grant mission can do for Washington.
As always, Go Cougs!
— Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS
