DATE: January 02, 2008
CONTACT:
Fran Wolak, (864) 656-3382
fwolak@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741
spalmer@clemson.edu
Chapin wins Clemson alumni award for public-service efforts
CLEMSON — A Clemson University faculty member has been honored for his outstanding service to the small grain and peanut growers of South Carolina. Jay W. Chapin, a faculty member since 1975, received the Alumni Distinguished Cooperative Extension Public Service Award during a faculty and staff meeting Dec. 19.
Chapin began his career as a cotton entomologist at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville. As needs in agriculture shifted he began working on small grains and then peanuts. By 1983 he had developed active programs involving not only insect management but also agronomic production practices and disease management.
“He has world-class research and extension programs on the control of Hessian fly and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus on small grains and burrowing bug on peanuts,” said John Mueller, Clemson extension plant pathologist.
The American Peanut Research and Extension Society recently awarded Chapin its highest award for research, the Bailey Award.
“His management programs became the standard for extension programs across the Southeast,” said Mueller.
“Dr. Chapin tirelessly worked with agents and growers to bring them up to speed on proper peanut-production techniques,” said Charles Davis, Clemson extension agent. “He knew these farmers needed a rotational crop for cotton and that our soils, most of which had never grown peanuts, would be ideal for peanut production.”
His annual “Peanut and Wheat Production Guides” are used throughout the Southeast, according to Mueller.
“Chapin’s 'Peanut Money Maker' and the 'Wheat Cheat Sheet' are the Bible for most growers,” said Mueller.
Chapin earned his bachelor’s degree in 1970 from Dickinson College. In 1975, he earned his master’s degree from East Carolina University and his Ph.D. from Clemson University in 1978. This is the highest award given to an extension professional.
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