Plant and soil scientist earns national honor, office

LEXINGTON, Ky. , (Feb 20, 2009) Michael Barrett, professor and chair of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, recently received the highest honor bestowed by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) for his outstanding contributions to the field of weed science.

Barrett was named a WSSA Fellow, which only one quarter of one percent of the membership can be selected for in any given year.

The award was presented during WSSA’s 49th Annual Meeting at Orlando, Fla. in February.

“Our annual WSSA awards program honors individuals from around the globe who are all-stars in their profession,” said Jeffrey Derr, president of WSSA.  “They conduct breakthrough research, promote weed science education, or devote their time and energy to the profession in other significant ways.”

Barrett, who joined the UK faculty in 1983, expressed his thanks to the WSSA selection committee.

"I remembered being asked on my first job interview what I hoped to achieve in my career and answering that I hoped to gain the respect and recognition by my colleagues in the field of weed science for my accomplishments," said Barrett.  "I am overwhelmed by the realization that this award represents my achievement of that goal."

A further sign of the respect Barrett commands is his election this year as vice president of WSSA.  He will serve as president of the society in 2011.

The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit professional society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment.

Contact: Mike Barrett, 859-257-5020, x80709

Keep the brakes on planting a little longer

Record and near record warm temperatures have many corn producers jumping at the chance to get out in the field and plant corn, but it may be best to wait a little longer, said Chad Lee, extension...
read more

Early summer could come at a price, UK ag meteorologist cautions

Photo depicts damage to apple trees after the Easter Freeze in 2007.

Without looking at the calendar, Kentuckians might easily be fooled into thinking...
read more

The Arboretum gears up to host a Party for the Planet

The Arboretum, on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, is partnering with LG&E and KU Energy LLC to offer a month-long celebration called Party for the Planet 2012, with activities for...
read more