Writers: Pam Dillard, Beth Barbee, (806) 359-5401, p-dillard@tamu.edu
Contact: Thomas Marek (806) 359-5401
ETTER — Karl Johnson from Morse and Jerry Don Glover of Lazbuddie were honored at the annual North Plains Ag Day recently.
Thomas Marek, superintendent of the North Plains Research Field, a unit of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station near Dumas, made the presentations before a crowd of growers, consultants, scientists and students during the noon program.
The research unit bestows the appreciation awards each year at this annual event to recognize exemplary cooperation and support by growers of research and demonstration projects conducted by the Experiment Station, U. S. Department of Agriculture, and Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
Johnson is a Texas A&M graduate and long-time research and Extension program supporter. He was one of the first cooperators in the North Plains Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) network of weather stations. There are 10 units now operating across the Panhandle, inside a farmer’s fields, such as Johnson’s.
“Karl’s always on the record about the benefits of the PET Network,” said Marek, one of the NP-PET team of developers recently recognized by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission with its 1999 Environmental Excellence Award in Agriculture.
“Karl has loaned us land and equipment, then works along side us on much of our research,” said Marek. “He assesses technology and doesn’t settle for less than perfection.”
Johnson is also involved in bindweed and manure utilization studies with Experiment Station scientists.
Glover, executive director of the Texas Corn Producers Board, has farmed for 38 years in Deaf Smith, Parmer, and Bailey counties. Currently he farms 3,600 acres of irrigated land in Parmer County, growing corn, cotton, wheat, green beans, and cattle.
“Jerry Don is not only a Panhandle grower but an advocate of our programs and efforts at the North Plains Research Field,” said Marek. “His personal and professional goal is, and always has been to improve agriculture, and promote our nation’s farmers.”
Glover, a third-generation farmer, is active in National Farmers Union, American Agriculture Movement, and National Corn Growers Association. He has testified before Congress on multiple agricultural issues. He was instrumental in the release of additional USDA Loan Deficiency Payments on corn silage and aflatoxin-contaminated corn in 1998.
Currently, he is involved with efforts to amend federal risk management policy. Marek stated that Texas High Plains corn growers owe Glover a debt of gratitude for his outstanding service.
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