Robert Hutmacher, PhD, has been named the 2017 Cotton Specialist of the Year, an award sponsored by Bayer.

Hutchmacher is an Extension Cotton Specialist at the forefront of disease management and water efficiency issues for California growers. He was selected based on peer evaluations in the areas of leadership and outstanding industry service.

“Extension Cotton Specialists are the backbone of our industry, providing leadership in our industry and the collaboration our growers need,” says Kenny Melton, PhD., Bayer Western Regional Agronomic Manager. “This role is the perfect marriage of science – the research and technology that drives our industry, and art – the management finesse that brings home the crop each season. Dr. Robert Hutmacher is a master of defining a grower challenge, rallying all parties to come to the table to address the challenge and then working with growers to put that science to work in their fields. Whether the challenge is finding resistance to Fusarium wilt Race 4 or increasing water efficiency, Dr. Hutmacher rises to the challenge. It’s an honor to work with him and a special joy to help bestow this award.”