Distinguished Alumni Advance Crop Science Globally

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln recognizes four distinguished alumni with the 2025 Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. Thomas S. Payne, Calvin O. Qualset, James “Jim” S. Schepers, and the late James “Jim” Specht are honored for their contributions to agriculture, research, and community service. The awards will be presented at the department’s Spring Banquet at the Nebraska East Union on April 15, 2026.

Calvin Qualset, an internationally recognized geneticist and plant breeder, improved cereal crop productivity and sustainability. At the University of California, Davis, he helped develop more than 24 wheat, barley, oat, and triticale varieties, doubling wheat yields and tripling acreage in California. He also played a leading role in conserving crop genetic diversity and served as founding director of the UC Genetic Resources Conservation Program.

Thomas Payne strengthened the genetic foundation of wheat globally through his work at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). He led the world’s largest wheat germplasm collection and the CIMMYT International Wheat Improvement Network, which tests thousands of wheat lines across more than 700 sites in over 90 countries. Payne also served as assistant and interim director of the Wheat Program and as CIMMYT Board secretary.

James Schepers contributed to soil science and precision agriculture, focusing on nitrogen management in crops. His research developed an active crop canopy sensor to monitor plant chlorophyll and guide in-season nitrogen applications. This work improves fertilizer efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and increases farm profitability.

James Specht, a soybean genetics expert, advanced understanding of soybean physiology and genetics. He contributed to the first molecular marker–based genetic map of soybean and studied yield response to water availability. Specht’s research guided earlier planting strategies, improving soybean yield and water efficiency across the Midwest.

“These alumni have made extraordinary contributions to agriculture science and research,” said the Agronomy and Horticulture Alumni Advisory Council. Full biographies are available.

Photo Credit: university-nebraska-lincoln