David Russell - profile information
More information about David Russell
- Assistant Extension Professor (Weed Science)
- Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences
More bio information
Education
Ph.D. in Plant and Soil SciencesMississippi State University2017
M.S. in Agriculture, concentration in AgronomyMississippi State University2012
B.S. in Landscape ContractingMississippi State University2009
Bachelor of Landscape ArchitectureMississippi State University2009
A.A.Copiah-Lincoln Community College2005
Professional Experience
- July 2019 – present. Assistant Research and Extension Professor. Department of Crop, Soil, & Environmental Sciences. Auburn University. Appointment: 75% Extension, 25% Research
- September 2013 – June 2019. Extension Associate I – III. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Mississippi State University. Appointment: 100% Extension. Focus Area: Forages and Non-Crop/ROWs
Research
Weed species pressure continues to be a competitive factor affecting producer profits and yields in Alabama cropping systems. I manage an applied, IPM research program that addresses statewide needs in areas of grain crops, forage pasture, non-crop, rights-of-way, and invasive species management. My program’s objectives are to, 1) Increase producers’ knowledge of troublesome weeds that may lead to economic and environmental losses, 2) Increase adoption of integrated, systems-based weed management techniques, and 3) Improve crop yields and animal performance by proactive weed control approaches. My program helps answer producers’ needs in an applied and tangible way through a multitude of replicated field research trials and demonstrations across Alabama.
Extension Experience
Extension
Philosophy:
The central role of teaching through Extension is to educate individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions to improve their livelihoods, families, and communities. My goal is to emphasize the process of experiential learning, which connects the educator’s intentional action and knowledge with the learner’s prior experiences. Understanding the audience and their ideas is crucial for addressing their needs with research-based knowledge. I believe learning is most effectively facilitated and knowledge retained when the teaching experience is meaningful and relevant. Practically, outreach and education are conducted through various outlets such as producer field days, on-site demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, publications, social media, and partnerships with numerous organizations.
Program Overview:
Persistent weed species threaten agricultural productivity by reducing crop quality and yields across various systems, including livestock, forage, soybean, small grains, and corn. Integrated weed management strategies are crucial to effectively tackle these issues, combining herbicides, mechanical methods, cultural practices, and preventative measures tailored to diverse agricultural needs. Since 2019, I have led an effort to put together a science-based team to ensure that our grain crop farmers, forage producers, and state and local departments of transportation reach their full potential in vegetation management while also enhancing the local ecosystems. This multi-disciplinary team and statewide programming is called “Weed Management Strategies for Alabama Cropping Systems”.
The primary objectives of Weed Management Strategies for Alabama Cropping Systems are:
- Educate and Support: Educate agricultural stakeholders through practical demonstrations and research-based practices.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Identify and collaborate with key stakeholders and early adopters within communities.
- Promote Adoption: Encourage the adoption of integrated weed management practices to improve profitability and sustainability.
- Enhance Profitability: Support economic viability through technology adoption and improved agricultural practices.
Honors and Awards
- Achievement Award – National Association of County Agricultural Agents – Alabama state winner. (2024)
- Communication Award – Fact Sheet Category, State Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2023)
- Professional Excellence Award: Applied Research Poster ‐ 3rd place. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2023)
- Auburn Author Award. Alabama Forage Handbook. (2022)
- Communication Award – Course Module Category. Southern Regional Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2022)
- Communications Award: Fact Sheet Category. – State Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2021)
- Communications Award: Feature Story Category. – State Winner. Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2020)
- Sam Pittman Excellence in Vegetation Management Award. Mississippi Vegetation Management Association. Biloxi, MS (2017)
- Communications Award, 3rd place – Publication category. Mississippi Association of County Agricultural Agents. (2017)
- Excellence in Agriculture – Region 4 winner. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Young Farmers and Ranchers. (2017)
Professional Affiliations
- Southern Weed Science Society
- Weed Science Society of America
- National Roadside Vegetation Management Association
- American Forage and Grassland Council
- Alabama Vegetation Management Association
- Alabama Invasive Plant Council
- Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists
