Dr. Robert Hutmacher, California Extension Cotton Specialist at the forefront of disease management and water efficiency issues, was named the 2017 Cotton Specialist of the Year by his industry peers.
Hutmacher, who also serves as center director for the University of California West Side Research and Education Center, was honored during an awards dinner at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in Dallas, TX. The annual award became a featured event at the Beltwide meeting in 1984, and has been sponsored by Bayer since 2008.
Cotton specialists in the 17 states where cotton is grown vote each year on who among them will be chosen for the prestigious award. The recipient’s peers evaluate and select a winner based on a number of considerations, including exceptional leadership and outstanding industry service.
The 2016 recipient of the award – Dr. Gaylon Morgan, Extension Cotton Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife – presented the 2017 award to Hutmacher.
“Bob is a highly respected leader who California growers depend on to navigate the ups and downs of the cotton industry in their state,” Morgan said. “He has helped growers find the path to profitability. That kind of leadership is essential not only in California, but also nationally. He has earned this honor many times over. Bob is well deserving and has been for a long while.”
“Extension Cotton Specialists are the backbone of our industry, providing leadership in our industry and the collaboration our growers need,” said Kenny Melton, Bayer Western Regional Agronomic Manager. “This role is the perfect marriage of science – the research and technology that drives our industry – and art – the management finesse that brings home the crop each season. Bob Hutmacher is a master of defining a grower challenge, rallying all parties to come to the table to address the challenge and then working with growers to put that science to work in their fields.
“Whether the challenge is finding resistance to Fusarium wilt Race 4 or increasing water efficiency, Bob Hutmacher rises to the challenge. It’s an honor to work with him and a special joy to help bestow this award.”
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