Spring 2026 | Issue 26
From the Dean
In my first eight months, I have been inspired time and again by the dedication and achievements of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners. The college’s greatest strength has always been — and will always be — you.
Cover Story
A Legacy of Learn by Doing
A Century of Cal Poly Agriculture
For 125 years, Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has helped shape the future of farming, food systems and environmental stewardship in California and beyond.
Features
125 years old and the college continues to innovate in dairy products, drought tolerant farming practices and GIS mapping.
Mustang-Made and Parade Perfect
In the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, traditions aren’t just upheld, they’re handed down from one generation to the next.
Q&A with Brie Smith
As a fifth-generation grower who has spent more than a decade in leadership roles with experience spanning the Americas, Brie Smith currently serves as the vice chair of Driscoll's board of directors.
Rooted in Resilience
As temperatures continue to rise and water scarcity grows in California’s Central Valley, some farmers are turning to a new crop to adapt to these challenges and stay in production.
Built on Experience
The Experience Industry Management (EIM) program is celebrating 50 years of preparing students to lead in industries that shape how people gather, travel and connect.
Dairy Innovation
For 40 years, the Dairy Products Technology Center has been a place where innovation meets hands-on learning — providing an entrepreneurial space to develop and launch new dairy products.
Mapping the Future of Learning
Through a geographic information system (GIS) mapping project, students are transforming Bartleson Ranch and Conservatory into a living laboratory.
Photo Essay: Spring Foals
For more than a century, the arrival of a new foal has marked a cherished tradition at Cal Poly.
As the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences celebrates 125 years, each new foal stands as a living symbol of the dedication, stewardship and student-driven excellence that has defined generations of Mustangs.
The Sweet Taste of Startup Success
With backing from industry leaders and hands-on mentorship funded by the Clif Foundation, two agricultural business seniors turn a classroom idea into a growing dessert brand.
Student Success
From recognitions at the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference to hosting the Cal Conclave and championships in Women's Polo, Soil Judging and the National Grocers Association Case Study Competition, our students are everywhere.
College News and Notes
Tim Doelman, a 1996 dairy science alumnus, and CEO or fairlife was recognized with the Honored Alumnus, Dr. Scott Steinmaus is heading back to the classroom after eight years as the department head, World Ag Expo and more.
Preparing Students to Make Headlines
Cultivate is the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences quarterly magazine, sharing student Learn by Doing stories and exploring how our faculty, staff and alumni continue to positively impact the world.