Amit Jhala, University of Nebraska-Lincoln assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture and Extension weed management specialist, has received an outstanding reviewer award from the Weed Science Society of America.

Jhala received the award at the 58th annual conference of the Weed Science Society of America Jan. 29 in Arlington, Va.

The annual award recognizes a scientist who has reviewed scientific papers submitted to Weed Science Society of America scientific journals: Weed Science, Weed Technology, or Invasive Plant Science and Management. Selection is based on scientific quality of reviews, number of papers reviewed, unbiased decision and timely submission.

Ferguson receives fertilizer industry award

Richard Ferguson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln agronomy and horticulture professor and interim department head, received the Fertilizer Industry Roundtable Recognition Award at the Fertilizer Outlook and Technology Conference in New Orleans Nov. 15.

The Fertilizer Outlook and Technology Conference is jointly sponsored by the Fertilizer Industry Roundtable and The Fertilizer Institute. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in research, Extension and education that centers on fertilizer technology and associated benefits to agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Duerfeldt new ag economist educator

Austin Duerfeldt brings experience in crop production, financial management and public service to his new position as agricultural economist educator for Nebraska Extension in southeast Nebraska.

Duerfeldt specializes in farm accounting, financial analysis, and taxation. His office will be at the Kimmel Education and Research Center in Nebraska City.

Nebraska Farm Bureau hires 3 regional managers

Leann Robitaille of Omaha, Nick Haack of Upland and Heidi Pieper of Farnam have accepted regional manager positions within the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Robitaille will serve as the Southeast regional manager. Haack will manage the newly formed south-central region, and Pieper will serve as the southwest regional manager.

Zalesky named ENREC director

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has named Doug Zalesky director of its Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, located near Mead. Zalesky will begin April 1.

Since 2011, Zalesky has served as director of the Laramie Research and Extension Center at the University of Wyoming. He oversaw its beef unit, swine unit, sheep unit, research greenhouse facility, ranch and lab-animal facilities.

Grotelueschen: Veterinarian of the year

Dale Grotelueschen, veterinarian and director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center (has been named veterinarian of the year by the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Grotelueschen received the award at the NVMA annual convention Jan. 25 in LaVista.

The veterinarian of the year award is presented annually to an NVMA member who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine in the state.