The Texas Plant Protection Association (TPPA) hosted its 29th annual conference, “Weathering Uncertainties in Texas Agriculture through Science, Technology, and Policy,” Dec. 5-6, at Bryon, Texas. More than 300 people attended the sessions, led by about 50 agricultural industry, Texas AgriLife Extension, and Texas AgriLife Research professionals.

 At TPPA's Awards Luncheon, the Norman Borlaug Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Farm Press Senior Content Director Ron Smith by Dr. Ron Lacewell, association member and Texas A&M AgriLife assistant vice chancellor for federal relations at College Station.

 Lacewell says, the award is the association’s most prestigious. “Regardless of where Ron is located, Texas agriculture looks to him for the reporting of technology, management strategies, regulations and policy implications."

 The award is named for Dr. Norman Borlaug, the agronomist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate who has been called “Father of the Green Revolution,” “Agriculture’s Greatest Spokesperson,” and “The Man Who Saved a Billion Lives.” Borlaug completed his career as a member of the Texas A&M University staff, serving as a distinguished professor of international agriculture.

 “At a time when the news media is going through tremendous transition, and in many circumstances situations of providing questionable, accurate reporting, Ron Smith and Southwest Farm Press continues its long legacy of providing timely, accurate information for farmers and ranchers throughout the Delta and Southwest," says Blair Fannin TPPA member and media relations and public affairs staffer for Texas A&M AgriLife Communications. "All in all, Ron Smith’s career achievements fulfill the hallmarks associated with the Norman Borlaug Lifetime Achievement Award. I’m sure many a farmer and those throughout the agricultural industry will tip their cap with great gratitude.”

 See Ron Smith awarded TPPA’s most prestigious honor. https://t.co/zgeFxKTQnn