ORONO — Jaime Garzon, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension dairy forage educator, was recently honored with the Gerald O. Mott Award. The award recognizes Garzon’s outstanding academic achievements, contributions to research and education, and dedication to the agricultural community.

The award is presented annually by the Crop Science Society of America to individuals who have made significant advancements in forage and grassland agriculture. Named after a renowned forage scientist, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in research, teaching and outreach in the field.

Garzon received the honor for his research on ecosystem services of overseeding aeschynomene, a warm-season legume commonly known as deer vetch, in bahiagrass pastures. His project focused on assessing the benefits in terms of nutrient cycling, forage quality and performance, nitrogen fixation, soil microbial communities, litter decomposition and nitrous oxide emissions.

Through his research and extension efforts, Garzon has provided valuable insights and practical solutions to dairy farmers, helping them improve forage quality, increase productivity and enhance the overall sustainability of their operations.

“Jaime Garzon’s dedication to dairy forage education is truly commendable,” says Hannah Carter, Extension dean and associate provost for online and continuing education at UMaine. “His expertise and passion for the field have made a significant difference in the broader agricultural community and we’re excited about the work he has started with dairy farmers here in Maine. We are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the Gerald O. Mott Award. The award is something that I wasn’t expecting,” says Garzon. “Forage and grassland agriculture play a vital role in the dairy industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its advancement.”

Since he began his role with the Extension in 2022, Garzon observed a lack of recent research on legumes in Maine and initiated research projects to address this gap. He is currently conducting research at the Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport and at Rogers Farm in Old Town, focusing on the performance of clovers, birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa. The study aims to determine which of these crops performs better under conventional and organic management. Garzon hopes that thorough and up-to-date research on legumes will provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for farmers to optimize their operations.

Garzon plans to develop a comprehensive Maine forage handbook within the next three years that will provide fact sheets and practical guidance on forage management.

He also intends to hold a hay contest in 2024. Aimed at promoting healthy competition through rigorous judging, including nutritive testing of hay samples, Garzon hopes to encourage the production of high-quality hay throughout Maine. Garzon’s ultimate goal is to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to improve their hay production practices and ultimately enhance their overall productivity and profitability.

For more information about the award, contact Jaime Garzon, jaime.garzon@maine.edu or 207-581-2956.

 

 

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