Gaussoin named to national USDA advisory board

Roch Gaussoin, head of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been appointed to the USDA National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Gaussoin will serve a three-year term on the board.

The board provides advice to the secretary of agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on top priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics. It reflects the broad interests of food, fiber and agricultural stakeholders nationwide, holds regional and national stakeholder listening sessions, and develops consolidated advice based on stakeholder input that is vital to the current and future success of food, forestry and agricultural programs.

The board consists of 25 members, each of whom represents a specific category of U.S. agricultural stakeholders, as mandated by Congress. Gaussoin will represent Category G: national crop, soil, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology or weed science society.

“This appointment is extremely rewarding because throughout my career I have been dedicated to trying to make the world a better place when it comes to plant science,” Gaussoin said. “In this role, I look forward to leveraging the experience that Nebraska has so graciously allowed me to accumulate.”

Gaussoin has worked at the university for 25 years as a professor and extension specialist in integrated turfgrass management and weed science. He has been head of the agronomy and horticulture department since 2011. In 2015, Gaussoin was president of the Crop Science Society of America. He is chair of the Alliance of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Societies. According to Gaussoin, involvement in these societies plays a critical role in fostering the ideas and independent thoughts of the university.

“I appreciate that the University of Nebraska administration team is in full support of participation in scientific and professional organizations,” he said. “Nebraska’s deep agricultural roots makes what we have to say relevant, and active engagement in these groups allows our voice to be elevated.”

As an advisory board member, Gaussoin will also be on the science policy subcommittee, which addresses issues related to science literacy.

Gaussoin earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and a master’s degree in crop science from New Mexico State University, and a doctorate in crop science from Michigan State University.

For more information on the USDA advisory board, click here.