PULLMAN, Wash. — Colleagues paid tribute to Roger Veseth at the Direct Seed Cropping Systems Research Field Day at the Palouse Conservation Field Station.
Veseth held a joint appointment as extension conservation tillage specialist with Washington State University and the University of Idaho from 1987 until his death last year.
The Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association presented the 2003 Direct Seed Innovator Award to Veseth’s widow Claire and her children Rachel, Brian, Julia and Anne.
“Roger was a critical player in helping our association focus on the four critical factors that need to be managed as a system in direct seeding: tillage intensity, residue management, rotations and pest and nutrient management,” said John Aeschliman, association president.
“Roger not only advocated the importance of systems as part of a farming strategy, but he lived his daily life in a systems approach where excellence was the standard in every role he played in life.”
Aeschliman added, “In a world more dominated by focus on the dollar, Roger brought a humble balance of personal substance and business common sense to our cause. We wish to thank you Claire and your family for allowing Roger to be a part of our lives and our passions.”
The family also received the Conservation Stewardship Award from the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District.
Larry Cooke, past president of the Inland Empire Soil and Water Conservation Society, announced the kickoff of a drive to raise funds for a scholarship to honor Veseth’s memory. He said the scholarship will enable youth from the Inland Empire area to pursue college or educational activities in the field of natural resources.
Veseth died last September at the age of 51 as a result of injuries suffered in a sledding accident in March.
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