Murilo Maeda Named 2023 Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year

By Cotton Grower Staff|January 16, 2023

Dr. Murilo Maeda (Photo: BASF)

Dr. Murilo Maeda, former Assistant Professor and Extension Cotton Specialist with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension in Lubbock, was named the 2023 Beltwide Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year during the annual Beltwide Cotton Conferences, held this year in New Orleans.

The award, which is voted on by cotton specialists in the 17 states where cotton is grown, is based on several considerations, including exceptional leadership and outstanding industry service. The award is sponsored by BASF.

Maeda grew up in the cotton industry – from his family’s cotton farm in Brazil to his education and industry service in the U.S. He studied Agronomy and Crop Physiology at Texas A&M University, earning his M.S. in 2021 and Ph.D. in 2015. He joined the AgriLife Extension staff as cotton specialist in Lubbock in 2018 and received the Dr. J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award in 2021.

“Along with solid field knowledge, Dr. Maeda also brought an excellent focus in technology, specifically a focus into drone use for producers,” said Kenny Melton, BASF Agronomic Services Manager. “He does a great job bringing West Texas producers into the 21st century and beyond. Not only does he bring the technology knowledge needed to make advancements, but he also does a great job explaining what he is doing and why so that the producers can have a baseline knowledge as well.”

Maeda recently accepted a position as Breeding Technology Manager for BASF in Brazil.