Division of Agriculture agronomists named researchers of the year at conservation conference
By Emily Thompson
U of A System Division of Agriculture
March 7, 2019
FastFacts:
- Division Rice Agronomist Jarrod Hardke named Rice Researcher of 2019
- Division Cotton Agronomist Bill Robertson named Cotton Researcher of 2019
- The awards were given at the National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— Two University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture agronomists were recognized for their efforts in cotton and rice research at the National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference.
Bill Robertson, cotton agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, was named Cotton Researcher of 2019 and Jarrod Hardke, rice agronomist for the Division of Agriculture, was named Rice Researcher of 2019 at the conference on Jan. 30.
The award recognizes researchers for their work in testing and evaluating conservation systems concepts and equipment and promoting the benefits of conservation farming. Conservation and sustainable farming are important to both Hardke and Robertson.
“My work involves a sustainable approach to rice production,” Hardke said. “I am fortunate to be able to collaborate with researchers across disciplines where we attempt to emphasize conservation and sustainability of all resources including fertility, pest management, agronomics, and irrigation. Efficiency is the key to conservation and we pursue it every day.”
Robertson’s research puts a focus on evaluating more environmentally friendly practices the cotton supply chain desires and how those practices impact producer profitability.
“It is truly a great honor to be recognized by the Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference for my work in cotton,” Robertson said. “This has always been one of my favorite meetings. The producer to producer information exchange is great. I love having the opportunity to help facilitate this interaction at this and other meetings.”
Hardke earned a bachelor’s in crop and pest management from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a doctorate in entomology from Louisiana State University. He joined the Division of Agriculture in 2012. His research focuses on agronomic production practices in rice including the evaluation of seeding rates, planting dates, cultivar selection, and emerging grower management issues.
“It is always a very humbling experience to be recognized for the work I feel fortunate to do,” Hardke said. “Having grown up working on a rice farm, being able to work on rice issues to help all growers is something that means a great deal to me. I sincerely appreciate this recognition and hope to continue working on behalf of rice growers for a long time.”
Robertson earned a bachelor’s in plant science from West Texas State University and a master’s and doctorate in agronomy from Texas A&M University. He joined the division in 2014. Robertson spends most of his time in the field working with county agents and producers overseeing 12 large-plot on-farm cotton variety testing locations. Robertson uses several of these locations to evaluate practices that reduce cotton’s environmental and how those practices improve soil health and impact producer profitability.
The National Conservation System Cotton and Rice Conference is one of four-conference event that took place Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. The Southern Corn and Soybean Conference, the Southern Precision Ag Conference and the Delta States Irrigation Conference occurred simultaneously at the Crown Plaza in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
AbouttheDivisionofAgriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu