Irrigation Researcher Of The Year
Dr. Joseph H. Massey, Research Agronomist USDA-ARS, Delta Water Management Research, Jonesboro, Arkansas has been named the 2023 Irrigation Researcher of the Year at the 26th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, Southern Precision Ag Conference, Southern Soybean & Corn Conference, and the Delta States Irrigation Conference.
Massey earned a BS Chemistry major, Mathematics minor at the University of Central Arkansas. He earned a MS and Ph.D in Agronomy at the University of Arkansas.
Massey joined the newly established Delta Water Management Research Unit in 2015. He has continued and expanded his research focus on helping farmers. Massey has worked on cover crops, irrigation automation, surface water resources, and modeling of rice irrigation systems. The one project that most embodies his pragmatic approach is his effort in early cascade rice irrigation shutoff (ECIS). This project takes an irrigation system that is implemented on approximately half of the rice ground in the US and gives farmers tools to improve this generally inefficient system. The potential for impact to this system is very significant because of the irrigation improvements and the number of farmers it could influence.
Massy also responded to the paucity of theoretical research necessary to optimize the management of Multiple Inlet Rice Irrigation (MIRI). His innovative modeling of rice irrigation systems show that MIRI savings arise from a combination of improved application efficiencies and rainfall capture. The improved efficiencies can be realized through timely irrigation shutoff, such as through pump automation.
Massey is well respected throughout the community for his work ethic and attention to detail. He has been a long-standing member of the steering committee for the Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference and was chair of the committee for two years.
Massey has received numerous awards for his work including: 2020 Conservation Innovation Team Award issued by Soil & Water Conservation Society, 2018 ASABE Blue Ribbon Award for Educational Aides issued by American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2016 Rice Researcher of the Year issued by National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, 2015 ASA Extension & Education Award for Training Video issued by American Society of Agronomy and 2013 Foil Teamwork Award-Rice Collaborators Team issued by Mississippi State University. ∆