Martin Williams honored by OSU as 2014 ‘Master Agronomist’

Friday, May 23, 2014

Martin Williams, a Noble County farmer whose expertise has been sought out by government agencies from all over the world, has been named a 2014 Master Agronomist Award recipient by Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The honor is among the most prestigious presented by DASNR, and officially recognizes individuals who have actively participated in agronomic education efforts and contributed valuable public service through their efforts in the disciplines of soil conservation, range management or crop production.

Brian Arnall, OSU Cooperative Extension precision nutrient management specialist, said Williams is always willing to assist OSU researchers and Extension specialists with variety trials and demonstrations.

“He has generously donated land, equipment and his time, energy and effort,” Arnall said. “He has met with scientists, students, agricultural producers and government agencies from all over the world to discuss his farming operation.”

This past year, Williams met with Chinese Extension specialists who wanted to discuss with him the number of acres, time and equipment used to meet the needs of his operation.

“They were amazed about the horsepower, size and acres of the operation,” said Chad Webb, Noble County Extension director and agricultural educator. “Marty generously took the time to stop equipment so each representative could get inside and check over the equipment working in the field that particular day.”

Williams has led classes under the auspices of the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, wherein he has shared insights about his farming system to future producers and research leaders. He has assisted chemical companies in herbicide studies, as well as OSU scientists studying soil fertility, weed control and variety improvement in crops such as wheat, canola, soybean and grain sorghum.

“Marty is passionate in his conservation practices, using no-till since his operation began,” Webb said. “He uses new advances such as the OSU-developed GreenSeeker technology on his sprayer, routinely takes soil samples, uses variable-rate nutrient application technology and employs cover crops in his crop rotations.”

Williams is a producer of seed wheat and raises corn, soybean, canola and grain sorghum.

Recognized by DASNR and others in Oklahoma agriculture as an “excellent manager” in fitting and adapting crops to his herbicide application, Williams was one of the first producers to adapt GreenSeeker technology for his personal use and helped demonstrate the technology to government entities in its early stages of development.

“We feel privileged to have had him serve as a presenter and discussion-panel member during the 2014 Oklahoma No-till conference, adding value to everyone who attended through the sharing of his insights about what he has found to be successful,” said Dave Porter, head of the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

“Martin Williams is an example of the land-grant university system at work,” he added. “Our mission is to help Oklahomans solve issues and concerns of importance to them, their families and communities, thereby helping them improve their quality of life.”

Williams is an active member of the Noble County Tractor Association, collecting and restoring antique tractors as a hobby. He also serves as a sales representative for Dyno-Gro, offering corn, soybean and milo, as well as producing hull-less barley for Oklahoma Genetics Inc.