Jonathan Lundgren to deliver Shivvers Memorial Lecture 2025

By Andi Anderson

Renowned agroecologist and regenerative farming advocate Jonathan Lundgren will deliver the 2025 Shivvers Memorial Lecture on February 5 at Iowa State University’s Memorial Union Sun Room. The event, free and open to the public, starts at 7:30 p.m.

About Jonathan Lundgren

Lundgren is an award-winning scientist, farmer, and beekeeper with a doctorate in entomology from the University of Illinois. He serves as the executive director of the Ecdysis Foundation and CEO of Blue Dasher Farm in South Dakota.

His work focuses on creating regenerative food systems by combining scientific research and practical applications.

Lundgren’s notable achievements include the Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering and authorship of over 140 peer-reviewed articles. His research initiatives, such as the 1,000 Farms Initiative, aim to assess ecological risks in agriculture and provide sustainable solutions for food production.

Event Highlights

The lecture is hosted by Iowa State’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture (LCSA) and the Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA). It will be accompanied by GPSA’s research symposium, where students will present their research from 5 to 7 p.m. at Curtiss Hall.

Blue Dasher Farm, operated by Lundgren, exemplifies regenerative farming practices and serves as a research hub producing honey, eggs, lamb, and pork. Lundgren’s mission is to make science accessible and actionable for farmers, promoting biodiversity and sustainability.

Shivvers Memorial Lecture Series

The Shivvers Memorial Lecture, established in 1969 in memory of John Shivvers, focuses on sustainability and agriculture. Stephen J. Dinsmore, LCSA interim director, expressed excitement about hosting Lundgren, stating, “Dr. Lundgren’s work in regenerative agriculture and biodiversity inspires students and the community.”

This event offers valuable insights into the future of sustainable farming and highlights innovative solutions for challenges in agriculture and food systems.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic