Continuing with our celebration of this year’s CALS Awards recipients, this week we are recognizing Paul Koch, winner of the Donald R. Peterson Farm Technology Transfer Award.

This award is supported by the Donald R. Peterson UW Memorial Fund, a fund established to honor the outstanding service and dedication of Don Peterson during his long career with the UW, including serving as associate dean for extension and director of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.

This year’s recipient is Paul Koch, professor and extension specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology. Since joining the faculty in 2014, Koch has demonstrated both excellence and impact in this research, instruction and extension programming. Trained as a turfgrass pathologist, he bridges disciplinary gaps and collaborates with scientists, commercial industry personnel and the general public.

Koch’s lab motto is “the best research isn’t useful if no one knows how to use it.” He not only conducts research helps growers but also develops technology that allows growers to implement that research. As an example, he was instrumental in the development and implementation of disease-predictive models for turfgrass managers. In 2018, he collaborated with Damon Smith to release the ”Smith-Kerns” model for dollar spot, which helps turfgrass managers reduce pesticide use and cost, improve disease management, and maintain high-quality, functional turfgrass surfaces. The model is one of the most economically important tools for golf course turfgrass and has transformed disease management practices worldwide.

Koch has also focused on improving pesticide selection for turfgrass managers. He co-authored the “Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases,” and to make this data more accessible, he partnered with UW Extension to develop “Turf Pest Management Mobile,” a mobile-friendly website that allows turfgrass managers to quickly access pesticide recommendations. His applied research has provided inexpensive, practical, environmentally friendly solutions.

Koch lives the Wisconsin Idea every day. He anticipates stakeholder needs and is a committed research and extension leader. His approach to integrating research, technology and education have significantly advanced the field of sustainable turfgrass management.