New dryland cropping systems specialist appointed

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Cody F. Creech will join the faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Center this spring as a dryland cropping systems specialist.

Creech's appointment was announced by Jack Whittier, research and extension director at the Panhandle R&E Center. He is one of several recent additions to the faculty. Creech will replace Drew Lyon, who left for a position in Washington State.

Creech is scheduled to begin May 1. He will be responsible for conducting research and extension programs focused on efficiency, profitability and environmental management of drylands High Plains cropping systems, emphasizing water management, weed control, and soil conservation. He will serve as the faculty supervisor for the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory in Sidney.

As part of a multidisciplinary team at the Panhandle Center, he will partner with other UNL faculty and various organizations, agencies and advisory groups.

"We feel very fortunate to attract Cody and his young family to the Panhandle District," Whittier said. "Cody is a talented young scientist with many skills that will complement our existing team. He has the type of training that will further the dryland cropping work that has been a prominent component of what we as a university strive do in the Panhandle in support of dryland agriculture."

"I'm extremely excited to stay in western Nebraska with my family and learn more about the area," Creech said. "I look forward to meeting and collaborating with growers on innovative research and extension projects that can increase productivity and spark new ideas. This position is important to many growers in western Nebraska and I'm humbled and honored to have been given this opportunity."

Creech is scheduled to receive a doctorate degree in agronomy with a specialization in weed science in May from UNL. His research has involved studies on herbicide application technologies that can be used to improve herbicide applications. He received a master's degree in plant science in 2012 from Utah State University, and a bachelor's degree in business operations management (with a minor in economics) from Utah State in 2008.

While earning his graduate degrees he worked as a teaching assistant and graduate research assistant. He also has experience managing a dryland wheat farm in Weston, Idaho, and as a manager and laborer at a dairy at Cornish, Utah, where he grew up.

The Panhandle Extension District encompasses 16 counties in western and north-central Nebraska.