An Iowa State agronomy professor has been recognized for his professional and teaching achievements in the field.

Kenneth J. Moore was awarded a fellowship from the American Society of Agronomy. Moore said the award was recognition for his research in how forage grasses affect the overall quality of forage acreage and its effects on grazing lands. The award also recognizes his current work, which applies the research to develop grazing areas.

“The award recognizes professional achievement and meritorious service,” Moore said. “It’s always great to be recognized by your peers.”

Since receiving the award, Moore is planning further research into studying different species of grasses and the effects of mixing legumes with traditional pasture grasses. Through these areas of research, Moore hopes to develop more ecological approaches to pasture management and develop more complimentary grazing areas.

The fellowship is an annual, lifetime award given to less than 1 percent of the group’s active membership each year. This year fellowships were awarded to 31 agronomists.

Though Moore has only been at ISU for two years, he has an extensive background in agronomy. He is a graduate of both Purdue and Arizona State and previously worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service in Lincoln, Neb. He has received professional recognition in the past as associate editor of the magazines Agronomy Journal and Crop Science.

He has been recognized as the Outstanding Young Scientist from the American Forage and Grassland Council and the Crop Science Society of America. He has also received a merit award from the American Forage and Grassland Council.