Ron Smith, Editor of Southwest Farm Press, received the West Texas Agricultural Chemicals Institute’s “Special Award” recently in Lubbock.

Each year since 1968, the WTACI has presented awards to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the agriculture industry of West Texas. The Commercial Award is presented annually to a person directly employed in the industry. The Institutional Award is given annually to a person representing a state, federal or private agency or an institution of higher education. The Environmental, Innovator and Special awards are given when the board sees an opportunity to recognize a person or entity providing distinctive and exemplary service with great impact to the industry.

“Ron Smith is a true friend to agriculture, and he has built an incredible reputation among the agricultural industry in this area for his quality reporting and excellent articles,” WTACI President Shawn Wade of Plains Cotton Growers said. “This Special award recognizes the dedication he has to serving agriculture with his exceptional talents and abilities.”

In addition to Smith’s Special Award, WTACI recognized Terry Campbell, General Manager of Americot, with the Commercial Award and Randy Rivera, who recently retired from the Texas Department of Agriculture, with the Institutional Award.

WTACI is an unincorporated organization of dealers, industry representatives, agricultural producers, scientists, educators, and agribusiness members who support education and research programs promoting safe and effective use of agricultural chemicals and protection and preservation of the area's natural resources.