Two Mississippi State University row crop researchers recently received recognition at a national conference.

MSU weed scientist Jason Bond was named the 2013 Rice Researcher of the Year at the 2013 Conservation Tillage Systems Cotton and Rice Conference in Baton Rouge, held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Bond has conducted research with an emphasis on rice, corn and cotton at MSU’s Delta Research and Extension Centerin Stoneville for six years.

MSU Extension Service cotton specialist Darrin Dodds was named the 2013 Cotton Researcher of the Year. Dodds, who has worked at MSU for six years, studies cotton variety performance and management, fertility, plant growth regulator use, irrigation management and weed control.

“We are fortunate to have outstanding researchers such as Dr. Bond and Dr. Dodds at Mississippi State,” said Joe Street, MSU Extension Service associate director. “Their work helps keep Mississippi a leader in agricultural production.”

Seven mid-South universities and several corporations sponsor the annual conference.