April 23, 2010

Drew Lyon, UNL extension dryland cropping systems specialist at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, received the Outstanding Weed Scientist Award from the Western Society of Weed Science. Lyon was recognized at the society’s recent annual meeting in Hawaii for his professional achievements and the impact of his programming.

An extension dryland cropping systems specialist at the UNL Panhandle Center since 1990, Lyon was named the first Fenster Professor of Dryland Agriculture in 2008. This endowed faculty position supports research and extension programs that enhance the profitability and sustainability of dryland agriculture in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Lyon’s varied educational programs in western Nebraska include web sites, educational sessions and conferences, field days, technical publications, and research presentations and papers.

His research and education program addresses dryland cropping systems intensification, improved control of winter annual grass weeds in winter wheat, more efficient use of precipitation, and methods for increasing the profit potential of dryland crops. He also has led efforts to encourage the adoption of hard white wheat. He is the faculty supervisor at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney.

The Western Society of Weed Science, started 70 years ago, fosters and encourages education and research in weed science and cooperation among state, federal and private agencies; aids commercial, private and public agencies in the solution of weed problems; supports legislation governing weed control programs and weed research and education programs; and supports the Weed Science Society of America.