Dallas Peterson honored to lead the Weed Science Society of America in 2015
MANHATTAN, Kan. – With many summer days spent digging musk thistle out of pastures or cutting shattercane out of sorghum on the small family farm near Leonardville, Kansas, Dallas Peterson, K-State Research and Extension weed management specialist, gained an appreciation for proper weed management at an early age.
It is this first-hand knowledge, and more than 25 years spent as an extension weed specialist, that led to the opportunity for Peterson to serve as Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) 2015 President.
Peterson was nominated and elected to presidency by the WSSA members. Each electee goes through an automatic four-year sequence serving as vice-president, president-elect, president and past-president following the initial election as vice-president.
“It’s an honor,” Peterson said, “ to be elected by your peers to help lead the organization into the future.”
Founded in 1956, WSSA is a non-profit professional organization that fosters an awareness of weeds and their impact on the environment. With approximately 2,000 members from around the world and employed in a diverse set of professions, the organization provides science-based information to the public and government policymakers while promoting research, education and outreach activities.
“As an extension specialist I’m on the front line of weed management by working to inform growers, crop advisors and the public on best management practices” Peterson said.
In this leadership role, Peterson will work with the WSSA Board of Directors and Executive Secretary to oversee the society activities throughout the upcoming year.
Peterson received his bachelor’s and master’s at K-State before receiving his doctorate from North Dakota State University in 1987. He served as a weed specialist for two years at North Dakota State before returning to Kansas and joining the agronomy faculty at K-State in 1989.
Story by: Kaitlin Morgan
