The National Cotton Council replaced the in-person 2021 Beltwide Cotton Conference scheduled for New Orleans, La., with a virtual meeting this week because of continued concerns regarding COVID-19.
Therefore, the tradition of naming the Beltwide Cotton Specialist of the Year continued on with a virtual flair Wednesday night. The 2021 award is sponsored by FiberMax Cotton and Stoneville from BASF.
Seth Byrd, Oklahoma State University Extension Cotton Agronomist, received this year’s cotton specialist award Wednesday night among a virtual crowd.
“I’m pretty surprised,” says Byrd. “I don’t think I deserve it. It does mean a lot though. There [are] a lot of big names on that list. I’ve always thought that list [was] the cream of the crop. I don’t think I belong on it now, but hopefully one day I’ll earn it. I appreciate it.”
Industry leaders, sponsors, correspondents and friends all shared their congratulations with Byrd during the event.
“I just want to congratulate Dr. Byrd on this award,” says Jeff Edwards, professor and head for the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Oklahoma State University. “We are so fortunate to have him in Oklahoma working for cotton farmers. He’s been such an asset to the cotton industry here in the Southern Plains.”
“[It’s] very evident that you enjoy your work because it shows in the high level of engagement you have every day when you show up, how you interact with growers, colleagues and your peers,” says Steve Nichols, BASF head of agronomic services for cotton. “You represent Oklahoma State University and the growers in that region with strong leadership and a level of professionalism that is hard to match.”
The 2020 Cotton Specialist of the Year award winner was Dan Fromme, a former associate professor and state corn and cotton specialist at Louisiana State University AgCenter.
Byrd headshot courtesy: Oklahoma State University.
