SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A former Extension cotton specialist with a reputation for thorough, concise work and quick reporting was recognized last week as the 2018 Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year, an annual award sponsored by Bayer during the Beltwide Cotton Conference.
Andrea Jones, the first woman to be named Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year, technically was a research associate at the University of Missouri for most of her 18-year tenure.
"She took that position and became the de facto cotton specialist for Missouri through hard work, dedication, and commitment to helping anyone in need," says Darrin Dodds, Extension cotton specialist for Mississippi State University. "She occupied a position within the University but turned it into a defining role for over a decade through her efforts. She is to be commended for not being defined by a title on paper but rather dedicating herself to providing Missouri cotton producers with the latest information in an effort to increase their bottom line."
Essentially, Jones saw a need and filled it.
"Andrea filled an important gap in the cotton specialists by building a strong cotton research and Extension program from scratch in Missouri," says Keith Edmisten, Extension cotton specialist at North Carolina State University. "She was the ultimate team builder in our group and was always willing to participate in Beltwide cotton specialists' projects."
Jones left the University of Missouri in July. She now works in a commercial role.
The prestigious award is voted on annually by Extension cotton specialists who represent every cotton-producing state across the U.S. Cotton Belt. Each year, the recipient's peers evaluate and select a winner based on a number of considerations including exceptional leadership and outstanding industry service. The Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year has been awarded since 1984 and sponsored by Bayer since 1998.
Bayer, with flagship brands FiberMax and Stoneville, recognizes the positive impact third-party research has on sustainability for growers across the Cotton Belt.
"Third-party research to validate variety performance and tackle agronomic issues is essential to a healthy cotton industry in the United States. Our highly credible Extension cotton specialists provides the data, the research and the collaboration our growers need," says Scott Asher, Ph.D., Bayer Eastern Regional Agronomic Manager. "Growers rely on the science our Extension cotton specialists provide and respect their art – the expertise they offer that helps growers bring in a successful crop."
Jones earned a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's from Arkansas State University. In addition to leading variety trials and field days, Jones provided extensive research on irrigation and weed control.
Jim English, director of the division of plant sciences at the University of Missouri, notes that Jones evaluated 718 varieties from six different companies and led 51 cotton trials in her last year at the university.
"And that's a typical year for her," English says. "She is an extremely talented and productive person. She's an awesome presenter and educator and I think people come away with tremendous information. Her leaving was a loss for us, but she's still in the industry and that's what matters."
Past winners include:
Bob Hutmacher – University of California (2017)
Gaylon Morgan – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (2016)
Guy Collins – University of Georgia (2015)
Darrin Dodds – Mississippi State University (2014)
Randy Norton – University of Arizona (2013)
Tom Barber – University of Arkansas (2012)
Chris Main – University of Tennessee (2011)
David Wright – University of Florida (2010)
Dale Monks – Auburn University (2009)
Robert Lemon – Texas A&M University (2008)
Mike Jones – Clemson University (2007)
Randy Boman – Oklahoma State University (2006)
Bobby Phipps – University of Missouri (2005)
Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.
Visit the Bayer Connect - Social Hub for social media, recent news, blog posts, videos and more from Crop Science, a division of Bayer.
Bayer: Science For A Better Life
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2016, the Group employed around 115,200 people and had sales of EUR 46.8 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.7 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.
Contact:
Bayer Media Hotline, 1-862-404-5118, or
Linda Arnold Whaley
Crop Science, a division of Bayer
Tel: (919) 549-2836
Email: Linda.arnoldwhaley@bayer.com
Pam (Golden) Caraway
Rhea + Kaiser
Tel: (850) 758-8700
Email: pcaraway@rkconnect.com
Find more information at www.cropscience.bayer.us.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
©2018 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, X, Y and Z BRAND are (REGISTERED) trademarks of Bayer. (X BRAND is not registered for use in all states.) For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.cropscience.bayer.us.
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jones-named-2018-extension-cotton-specialist-of-the-year-300582720.html
SOURCE Bayer
