After completing a 33-year career as an Iowa State extension agronomist, Regis Voss’ dedication and achievements have been recognized with a distinguished award.

Voss is the recipient of the 1998 Iowa Master Farmer Exceptional Service Award, which is sponsored by Wallaces Farmer magazine, for making significant contributions to Iowa agriculture.

The Master Farmer Awards have been highlighting achievements in “Good Farming, Clear Thinking and Right Living” since 1926. However, Voss is only the seventh person to receive the Exceptional Service Award, according to a press release.

Voss said he is proud to receive such a prestigious award.

“I was overwhelmed, because the award really comes from the people I have served and worked for, not the people I have worked with,” he said.

Voss was nominated for the Exceptional Service Award by friends, co-workers and farmers who sent letters of support and encouragement to Wallaces Farmers.

Rob Swoboda, managing editor of Wallaces Farmer, said Voss’ support system and his exemplary career path made him an easy selection.

Voss is known for his vast knowledge of the areas of soil testing, fertilizing and liming. Throughout his career, Voss worked closely with the crop subject matter content for educational program activities of both area and county extension personnel.

In addition, he also has authored and co-authored various extension publications, papers and articles.

While completing his own research, Voss worked on advisory committees and professional agronomy organizations and oversaw the advance degree work of graduate students, the press release stated.

“He has devoted his life to serving Iowa farming and agriculture. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” Swoboda said.

Voss graduated in agronomy from ISU in 1952, and returned four years later to complete his master’s and doctorate degrees.

He began working as an extension agronomist for ISU in 1964. After retiring from the position in 1997, Voss coordinated research on a precision farming project.

Garren Benson, who was Voss’ colleague at ISU for many years, said Voss made his mark as an agronomist.

“His suggestions and advice were always given with the goal of looking out for what was in the best interest of the farmer,” Benson, professor of agronomy, said.

Voss and his wife, Mardi, keep busy with their three children and six grandchildren, and remain active in the Ames community.

He has served as president of FarmHouse fraternity and Alumni Board, and as chairman of the Ames Kiwanis Agriculture Committee.

Voss said winning the Exceptional Service Award is an honor and a testament to years of hard work.

“It gives me a warm feeling that makes 30 years of working worthwhile,” he said.