Sorghum producers honor Scott Bean and Brent Bean for research
National Sorghum Producers, based in Lubbock, Texas, presented Scott Bean and Brent Bean with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Sorghum Improvement at the Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America. The award recognizes their research and contributions to the sorghum industry.
Scott Bean has spent three decades advancing the industry’s knowledge of sorghum proteins and how they change during processing. His work has connected scientific research to practical applications, giving breeders and processors tools to evaluate sorghum. His research has received more than 14,000 citations during his 30-year career, helping expand sorghum’s potential for product development.
“Much of Scott’s research focused on sorghum proteins and how they change during processing. He helped explain how starch influences food quality, digestibility, and fermentation,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “That science supports use in many different areas, especially in the gluten-free foods industry. We all really appreciate Scott’s work on that.”
After earning degrees from Texas Tech University and the University of Nebraska, Brent Bean spent four decades turning agronomic research into practical solutions for farmers. His work guided growers through challenges, particularly during the 2013 sugarcane aphid outbreak. Throughout his career, he has shared research with farmers through hundreds of publications and monthly updates.
“When I look back at Dr. Bean’s career, he certainly published a number of items talking about growth and development of sorghum. This continues to be a passion of his today: talking about growth stages, heat units and what it really looks like from a crop standpoint,” Lust said. “I appreciate his boldness and willingness to say, ‘This is the right thing to do for farmers, and we are just going to do it.’”
Since 1961, the Outstanding Achievement Award in Sorghum Improvement has recognized pioneers who have helped shape the sorghum industry. More than 60 individuals, including Scott Bean and Brent Bean, have received the honor for their contributions to sorghum improvement.
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