AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Simer Virk knows a thing or two about agricultural technology. A specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, Virk has given more than 250 talks on the topic. Plus, he has authored or coauthored more than 250 pieces about it.

That work made Virk stand out from the crowd and earned him a prestigious national honor from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. On July 16, during the group’s annual international meeting in Toronto, Canada, Virk accepted the Larry W. Turner Young Extension Professional Award.

“This award truly means a lot,” Virk said. “It is both humbling and rewarding to receive recognition from the professional society and my peers for the Extension work that I am passionate about and enjoy doing every day.”

Award-Winning Work

Specifically, Virk was honored for his work in advancing agricultural machinery systems and technology adoption in the Southeast.

Along with an Alabama Extension appointment, Virk is an associate professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University. His applied research focuses on using advanced machinery systems and precision agriculture technologies in row crop production. This includes planting and spraying systems, variable rate technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, remote-sensing, yield mapping and data management in agriculture.

Virk credits his Extension training and accomplishments to other Extension professionals across the country, as well as others he has worked with over the years.

“I am thankful for great mentors and colleagues who have shaped my career in Extension,” Virk said. “I also appreciate numerous agents and growers who collaborated and helped me pursue opportunities to evaluate and advance different agricultural technologies on their farms. To me, Extension is all about working with and helping growers. To be recognized for doing that is truly special.”

Becky Barlow, Alabama Extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resources, said Virk has made important contributions since joining Alabama Extension last year.

“Simer brought a wealth of knowledge when he became part of our staff, and he’s already made a difference in the lives of Alabama farmers and others in the agricultural industry,” Barlow said. “I know he will continue to do so alongside all our specialists and agents. I commend him for all the hard work he’s put in that earned him this distinct honor.”

More Information

The Young Extension Professional Award was first presented in 1973. Award criteria takes into account personal character and outstanding achievements in the fields of agricultural and biological engineering. It is awarded by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, which has 7,500 members across almost 100 countries.

Read more about Virk’s background and work with Alabama Extension in, “Discover Smart Farming with Simer Virk.”