Auburn’s John Fulton to Use Alfa Professorship to Advance Alabama Agriculture

AUBURN, Ala., Feb. 26 -- Auburn University issued the following news release:

John Fulton, a professor in the Auburn University Department of Biosystems Engineering and specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, has been awarded the Alabama Farmers Federation Agriculture Professorship, College of Agriculture Dean Bill Batchelor has announced.

"During his time at Auburn University, Dr. Fulton has embodied the university's threefold mission of research, instruction and outreach," said Batchelor. "It is fitting that someone whose work has done much to advance agriculture in this state would be the first honoree of this professorship."

A member of the College of Agriculture faculty and an Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station researcher since 2004, Fulton's work has focused on machine systems, precision agriculture and agricultural and forestry cellulosic biomass. He leads the Alabama Precision Ag Program and has successfully transferred knowledge gained through on-farm research into outreach efforts throughout the Southeast.

"The Alfa Professorship represents an opportunity to further advance Alabama agriculture by helping growers statewide improve their farm operations through new management strategies," said Fulton. "Auburn University must provide scientific solutions to the new challenges farmers confront, followed by high-value Extension activities. This position addresses these needs directly."

Fulton earned both his master's and doctorate degrees from the University of Kentucky. In addition to numerous recognitions from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the Alabama Association of Agricultural Agents and Specialists, he was recently named the 2013 Educator of the Year by PrecisionAg.com.

Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell welcomed Fulton's appointment.

"We appreciate the College of Agriculture establishing this professorship in recognition of the Federation's support of agricultural research, teaching and Extension at Auburn," Parnell said. "We look forward to working with Dr. Fulton to improve productivity, profitability, efficiency and conservation on Alabama farms."

This position will enable Auburn University to work closely with the members of the Alabama Farmers Federation to enhance agricultural productivity in the state. The professorship is a three-year appointment.

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