LITTLE ROCK — Fruit and Vegetable News has recognized Arkansas Extension Horticulture Specialist Aaron Cato by including him in its 40 under 40 Awards.
Cato, whose work is in integrated pest management, was selected for the honor by a panel of industry experts. The honorees were recognized at the Great Lakes Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Dec. 10.
Aaron Cato has been honored for his work in horticulture. (Image by Ryan Keiffer, U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)
“I really appreciate being recognized by Vegetable and Fruit Growers News, these are national specialty crop trade magazines that I try to read every month,” Cato said. “There are a lot of very impactful extension specialists across the country that share information about emerging pests and new forms of control through these publications.
“I really feel like I am working in the right direction with our specialty crop industry in Arkansas and the Mid-South when being recognized on this scale,” Cato said. “I’m hopeful I can continue this momentum and help reduce pest impact in our region as much as possible for growers trying to make fresh produce more of a reality in the Mid-South.”
Mary Savin, head of the Horticulture Department for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, said the department was very pleased with the recognition.
“Dr. Cato is a strong contributor to the Division of Agriculture, and he is an important resource for stakeholders to address, prevent, and manage fruit, vegetable, and pecan pests,” Savin said. “Dr. Cato produces diverse, relevant, and timely extension programming for horticulture producers in the state and the southeastern region, and he is truly someone to watch and seek for guidance in horticulture pest management.”
Fellow Extension Horticulture Specialist Amanda McWhirt, herself a past 40 under 40 award winner, nominated Cato along with Extension Horticulture Program Associate for Integrated Pest Management, Ryan Keiffer.
“Dr. Cato has done a phenomenal job developing and expanding pest management support to fruit and vegetable producers in the Mid-South and nationwide,” McWhirt said. “He is deserving of this national recognition for his highly impactful program.”
Keiffer said "Dr. Cato's research and extension programs here in Arkansas have highlighted him as a regional authority on fruit and vegetable IPM principles; and I'm very glad to see him recognized by the Fruit and Vegetable 40 Under 40 for his contributions thus far.
“His commitment to delivering research-based information to growers, agents, and industry professionals is unparalleled,” Keiffer said.
“I really want to thank Amanda McWhirt and Ryan Keiffer for putting me up for the award,” Cato said.