Alabama’s Charles Burmester named Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year

Charles Burmester, Extension agronomist-cotton, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University, has been recognized by his peers from across the Cotton Belt as 2001 Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year. The award was presented at the Extension Cotton Specialists’ annual banquet January 10 during the Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

January 11, 2001
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Charles Burmester, Extension agronomist-cotton, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University, has been recognized by his peers from across the Cotton Belt as 2001 Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year. The award was presented at the Extension Cotton Specialists' annual banquet January 10 during the Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

The annual award and banquet, sponsored by Uniroyal Chemical, has been and continues to be a feature event at Beltwide Cotton Conferences since 1984. Extension cotton specialists representing every cotton-producing state select a recipient every year based on leadership and service to the industry.

"Charlie is one of a kind. You just don’t meet people who are more sincere than Charlie," says Keith Edmisten, Ph.D., North Carolina State University. "He works diligently to help cotton producers in Alabama with both his research and Extension programs. I still have Charlie’s phone number memorized; I like to use his expertise and get his advice from time to time. Charlie never toots his horn and although he doesn’t know it, a lot of other people toot it for him. He is one of those folks you are just proud to know."

In his present position since 1987 and with Auburn dating back to 1977, Burmester has spent most of his career in the Tennessee Valley of Alabama, with a brief assignment as an Assistant County Extension Agent. He has experienced the necessity for accurate and timely dissemination of crop production information to Alabama growers. Funding for his current position is 50 percent research and 50 percent Extension appointment, although he has assumed responsibilities of two 100 percent Extension agronomy positions in northern Alabama.

Burmester is a 1977 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and Soils. His Master of Science degree was received from Auburn in 1979 in Soil Science. He is supported by his wife, Bobbi, and two sons, Ben and Scott.

"Alabama growers have a tremendous amount of respect for Charlie Burmester," says Mike Patterson, Ph.D., Auburn University. "They trust him because they know he has their best interest at heart.

"He’s honest, straightforward and even-tempered," he continues. "I’ve never seen him get mad. They don’t come any better than Charlie Burmester."