Tim Walker, associate research professor and agronomist at Mississippi State University’s Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, Miss. was recently named the 2012 Rice Researcher of the Year at the 15^th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference.

Walker has worked at the DREC since 2002. He holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Mississippi State and a Ph.D. in agronomy from there.

Walker has been involved with the development and release of several rice varieties at the DREC.

His research focuses on defining optimum nutrient rates and timings for newly released rice cultivars. He has also been involved in evaluating soil test methods and recommendations for high-yielding rice and soybean crop systems and on utilizing crop management techniques.

Walker oversees best management practices for newly released rice cultivars and nutrient management techniques. He is continuing his research on the potential of using precision agricultural tools.

He belongs to the American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, as well as the Southern Branch of the ASA. He is very active in the Rice Technical Working Group and was secretary/program chairman for the 2010 meeting hosted by Miss. He serves as president of the RTWG for its 2012 meeting in Hot Springs, Ark. Walker is also a graduate of the Class of 2005 Rice Leadership Development Program.