Jim Swart, executive director of the Cereal Crops Research Incorporated (CCRI) and retired Texas AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent, has been named Wheat Man of the Year for 2016.

Swart accepted the award, presented annually by the Texas Wheat Producers Board, during the annual Ag Technology Conference in Commerce, a conference he planned and implemented for years. The award is one of the highest honors given by the board and the association. Swart was recognized for his dedication to the improvement of agriculture in Texas and the wheat farmers in his region.

“He has always been eager to support our producers and wheat programs,” said Ben Scholz, president of the Texas Wheat Producers Association. “Jim’s work to improve production practices will have lasting impacts on the Northeast Texas wheat industry. His interest in bringing collaborative projects to Northeast Texas with AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M-Commerce has benefited producers tremendously. His efforts have helped find either new methods of treatments and/or the least-cost products, while working with our industry suppliers.” 

Swart’s research has provided critical information on weed control, insect and disease management, fertility, cultivar selection, harvest aids and other production and management

technology. He has led collaborations between Texas A&M Commerce, Cereal Crops Research Inc., and Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension with the focus of improving agricultural productivity in Northeast Texas.

Swart also has worked closely with a student practicum program at Texas A&M-Commerce in which students plant, manage, harvest and market a crop. The unique educational program provides ag students with hands-on experience useful in numerous ag-related careers.

Swart received a Bachelor of Science degree in entomology and a Master of Science degree in integrated pest management from Michigan State University. He moved to Texas in 1983 and worked as an Extension specialist until his retirement two years ago.

The Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association expressed their gratitude to Swart for his accomplishments in advancing agricultural production methods and serving producers in Northeast Texas.

Jim’s rapport with farmers and ag industry leaders has been instrumental in improving production practices, introducing new products and solving problems in a timely manner.

The Texas Wheat Producers Board is a statewide board funded by a voluntary 2 cent per bushel checkoff program. Checkoff funds are used for research, market development and education to further the wheat industry in Texas. The Texas Wheat Producers Association is a voluntary membership organization of wheat producers in Texas. The association provides growers a concentrated, organized voice in political matters affecting the production and marketing of their crops. For more information, visit http://www.texaswheat.org.