CALS Agricultural Research Stations (ARS) recently honored three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the ARS program at its annual Recognition Awards Reception and Dinner on Jan. 17.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Mark Renz (Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences) – Recognition Award for Research
• Bruce Schweiger (O.J. Noer Research Station) – Recognition Award for ARS Staff
• Dan Smith (Nutrient and Pest Management Program) – Recognition Award for Service

Mark Renz – Recognition Award for Research

Mark Renz is a professor and extension weed specialist in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences. His research program focuses on weed management in perennial agronomic crops, such as alfalfa and pastures, and on invasive plants in natural areas. Research goals in his lab are centered on developing information to improve management decisions that maximize benefits to the farmer or land manager while minimizing impacts to the environment. He strives for results that can be utilized by producers and landowners in the state.

Renz contributes to field days and other public events to highlight his work and other station activities. He cooperates on research projects with faculty and other private industry individuals, utilizing these connections to introduce new research faculty to the stations and create future projects beyond his own program. ARS can count on Renz for quality research and as a partner that values ARS as a resource and its staff as valuable partners.

Bruce Schweiger – Recognition Award for ARS Staff

Bruce Schweiger was superintendent of O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research and Education Facility before retiring last July. He started at O.J. Noer as the manager of the Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory in 2013 and became superintendent in January 2017. He led the charge in major renovations to an old irrigation system to improve research capabilities and dealt with the aftermath of area flooding in 2018, which damaged the well pump, irrigation pump, irrigation controls and air conditioning system.

Schweiger worked with many researchers as O.J. Noer hosts 50‐60 research trials yearly. With limited staff and equipment, he helped complete research needs. He maintained relationships with researchers and local equipment dealers to gain cooperation for labor and equipment use donations. He provided many stations with advice on station lawn issues over the years. Schweiger contributed insight during conference meetings and has been a positive voice within the ARS leadership group.

Dan Smith – Recognition Award for Service

Dan Smith is the southwest regional specialist with the Nutrient and Pest Management Program. In his position, he works with producers to better manage crops for fertility and pest management. In addition to his outreach program with crop producers, he is active in research and demonstration plots on the research stations. He utilizes real-life data to support his presentations and recommendations to producers.

Smith is a strong advocate for the research stations and a willing participant in field days, tours and other public events. He has taken the lead in organizing topics, speakers and all other details for events. He communicates to make sure staff know what is needed for the events and helps showcase research at Lancaster and from other UW specialists to the surrounding area. He also volunteers his time for class visits and public tours. Smith truly represents the Wisconsin Idea of promoting the good works of UW–Madison to the rest of the state.