Oregon State University Extension has named a new crop specialist, a man they say is as experienced with the academic side of the job as he is working hand-in-hand with grass seed farmers.

Paul Marquardt will begin his job in March, when he is expected to graduate with a doctorate in weed science from Purdue University in Indiana.

The Corvallis Gazette-Times reports ( http://bit.ly/W10MYc) Marquardt grew up in the Pacific Northwest and did several internships in the area, most recently in apple orchards in Washington State in 2003.

The Linn County Board of Commissioners strongly supported filling the position, even though Oregon State and the Extension Service have experienced budget cuts.

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Information from: Gazette-Times, http://www.gtconnect.com