Bruce Schultz
The LSU AgCenter has named Don Groth as the new resident coordinator of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station.
Kurt Guidry, director of the LSU AgCenter Southwest Region, made the announcement Oct. 3) at a meeting of the Louisiana Rice Research Board.
Guidry also announced that Dustin Harrell is the station’s research coordinator, a position Groth previously held.
“We’re excited about having both of these outstanding scientists in their new roles,” Guidry told the board.
Groth has worked at the rice station for 34 years. He replaces Steve Linscombe, who retired Oct. 1.
Groth earned his bachelor’s degree in botany from Eastern Illinois University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Iowa State University.
“I’m eager to work with the rice industry and continue the success of the station,” Groth said.
Harrell, the extension rice specialist and research agronomist, obtained his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in agriculture science, his master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in soil fertility and his doctorate from LSU in soil fertility and chemistry.
He has worked at the rice station since 2006. Previously, he was a high school science teacher and a soil scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I look forward to the opportunity to help provide leadership for the rice station going forward,” Harrell said.
Rogers Leonard, LSU AgCenter associate vice president for plants, soils and water, said Groth and Harrell will continue the tradition of excellence at the station.
Groth will have administrative oversight for all fiscal and physical resources at the station. “His institutional history with the faculty and staff of the station will make the transition from Linscombe’ s leadership much easier,” Leonard said.
Harrell will be the station’s research coordinator in support of all research efforts of faculty with projects at the station.
Both scientists will maintain most of their current responsibilities for research and extension activities, Leonard said.