Purdue ag economist wins Hovde Award for rural service

The award, announced Saturday (Dec. 9) at the Indiana Farm Bureau convention in Indianapolis, honors Purdue staff with a record of outstanding achievement and service to rural Indiana.

"Marshall Martin has dedicated his career to helping farmers improve their net farm income. He has a unique ability to make Purdue's vital research work available to the agricultural community in practical, real-world ways," said Don Villwock, president of Indiana Farm Bureau.

Martin, who is the associate director of Purdue Agricultural Research Programs, was recognized for his efforts to help a variety of audiences better understand economic issues that affect agriculture through his work in Purdue Extension, as a faculty member, in his publications and in the news media.

"Marshall's efforts to educate students and the general public on some controversial and complicated issues have been very well received," said Randy Woodson, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. "He explains issues in a balanced manner that includes thoughtful analysis."

Martin's efforts to help explain biotechnology to people from many backgrounds include co-authoring the book "Agricultural Biotechnology: Issues and Choices," co-producing the videotape "Agricultural Biotechnology: You Be the Judge" and writing a set of award-winning Purdue Extension leaflets.

He also was recognized for his leadership and work with colleagues in engaging the public.

"His behind-the-scenes efforts to help others develop and deliver quality Extension programming have made the entire institution more responsive to current problems," said Sally Thompson, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics.

An award-winning professor, Martin also has taught more than 2,500 students and served as the major professor for more than 40 graduate students.

"He is an outstanding professional who has provided exemplary service to the agricultural community of Indiana," said one of Martin's former students, Andy Miller, who is now director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman appointed Martin to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Biotechnology Task Force. He also served as a member on the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges Biotechnology Committee and as the Purdue representative to the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council.

The Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau and carries with it an $800 cash prize.

The award was inspired by Hovde, who believed that higher education should be within the reach of everyone. He demanded excellence in teaching, research and service and was dedicated to the university's role as a land-grant institution. Hovde served as Purdue president from 1946 until he retired in 1971.

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Lew Middleton, (317) 692-7818

Randy Woodson, (765) 494-8392

Sally Thompson, (765) 494-4191

Note to Journalists: A photo of Marshall Martin is available from the Indiana Farm Bureau by calling Lew Middleton at (317) 692-7818.

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu

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