Dr. Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology and Director of Purdue Pesticide Programs, is the 2024 MRTF Distinguished Service Award Winner. The MRTF Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. It is awarded to individuals who have given of themselves through the years for the betterment of the Turfgrass Industry. The service by these individuals has been in many different forms. Some have used their leadership abilities to serve on the MRTF Board of Directors and steer the Foundation through the changes needed to meet the future. Others have donated their time to work with students and help train them to be future turf industry leaders. Others have worked an entire career dedicated to serving those in the turf industry. Fred has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management and M.S. and Ph.D. in entomology. He has served as the Coordinator of the Purdue Pesticide Program since 1991. Fred is the author of The Grand Old Man of Purdue University and Indiana Agriculture: A Biography of William Carroll Latta, The Queen of American Agriculture: A Biography of Virginia Claypool Meredith, and For The Good of the Farmer: A Biography of John Harrison Skinner, Dean of Purdue Agriculture as well as two other books on pesticide management. He has authored more than 300 publications and become a popular speaker with more than 5,000 presentations given throughout Indiana and the United States. He has received numerous awards from organizations and universities. A celebration of Fred’s service and the MRTF Distinguished Service Award Reception was held at the Indiana Green Expo on January 18 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Indiana Convention Center. Thank you for all you do for the turf industry, Fred!

Fred (right) being presented his award by Bob Avenius (left).