Joern to receive Spirit of the Land Grant Mission Award
Brad Joern is the 2011 recipient of the Purdue Spirit of the Land Grant Mission Award. (Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Agronomy professor Brad Joern, who has made a name worldwide as an expert on nutrient management, has been selected to receive Purdue University's 2011 Spirit of the Land Grant Mission Award.
The award recognizes the accomplishments of a faculty member in the College of Agriculture, College of Health and Human Sciences or School of Veterinary Medicine whose work exemplifies the university's land-grant mission of discovery, extension and learning.
Joern developed the Manure Management Planner, a computer program designed to help farmers optimize nutrient applications and minimize risks of nutrients reaching water sources. It is the only program used to generate nutrient management plans supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and it is available for use in 36 states.
"Brad Joern's research has advanced our understanding of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer movement through our environment and how fertility management and livestock diet manipulation can reduce the environmental effects of these important plant nutrients," said Chuck Hibberd, director of Purdue Extension and associate dean of agriculture. "He has transformed his research into Extension programs and resources that inform farmers, industry and government across the U.S. He is considered a national leader in comprehensive nutrient management planning. We are extremely proud of Dr. Joern and his impact on nutrient management across the U.S."
Joern also is a pioneer in the understanding of phosphorus movement through soil and how that can affect the environment, and how diet manipulation can reduce phosphorus excretion from livestock and poultry.
"Dr. Joern has made a tremendous impact on farmers across the United States," said Karen Plaut, director of Agricultural Research Programs and associate dean of agriculture. "In particular, his work with animal scientists to determine how diet impacts nutrient utilization has helped farmers enhance their stewardship of the environment."
A program honoring Joern will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Dean's Auditorium of Pfendler Hall. Joern will present a seminar at 2:30 p.m. titled "Bar Stools and Basket Weaving: Partnering to Develop Sustainable Crop and Livestock Production Systems," followed by a reception at 3:15 p.m.
Joern will receive a commemorative plaque, $10,000 to support his program and a $1,500 cash award.
Writer: Brian Wallheimer, 765-49602050, bwallhei@purdue.edu
Sources: Chuck Hibberd, 765-494-8489, chibberd@purdue.edu
Karen Plaut, 765-494-8362, kplaut@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page