Reid Retires: CCRI event set to honor popular professor

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

David Foster, a recent TAMU-C graduate, prepares a sample of milo to be tested for moisture. Dr. Donald Reid (right) advises Foster on the procedure. -- Staff photo by Kramer

August 26, 2004 - The Cereal Crops Research Incorporated (CCRI) will be hosting a community fish fry on Aug. 30, to celebrate and honor Dr. Donald Reid, a retiring professor from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Reid, a member of CCRI, helped in efforts to form the group in the 1980s. The group was established in 1987 to aid area producers. The program has grown steadily over the years and currently assists area growers and students who desire to learn about crop production.

"This is undoubtedly the most grower-driven research project in the state. We have brought assistance to the growers. We are free to do any research we choose, but we request guidance from local growers to make sure that what we are doing is something of value to them," said Reid.

The CCRI keeps growers abreast of new production practices and answers their questions. The group also focuses on soil fertility.

Wheat production is the primary focus of CCRI. This year, following disease pressure in wheat crops, the group is conducting research on diseases in soft red winter wheat versus hard red winter wheat.

Reid plans to continue this research and aid in student research, despite retiring from teaching at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

"I will continue to work with student farming projects. I anticipate doing that as long as I enjoy it and until it gives my new teaching replacement a chance to spend their efforts on teaching," said Reid.

"I haven't done anything I have enjoyed as much as teaching. Had I been of great wealth, I would have done the same thing," he added.

Reid, who has served the agricultural industry for 38 years, has witnessed the change and impact of area agriculture and knows the important role the CCRI has carried since its creation.

"This has been a traditionally underserved area, because there wasn't a nearby research station. Our efforts have been highly regarded because some felt like we were the guys generating local information for their benefit," said Reid.

Dr. Pat Bagley, department head of Agricultural Sciences at Texas A&M University-Commerce will speak at the Aug. 30 fish fry. He is appreciative of Reid's efforts in teaching and research.

"Dr. Reid has been a huge asset to our teaching and research program over the years here at A&M-Commerce. He has helped build a research program, with the help of other university personnel, growers in the area, and research support groups, that has been highly productive and helpful to area producers. We are fortunate that Dr. Reid has chosen to continue to work for the university and industry on a part-time basis in his retirement and to continue to help train leaders of the future," said Bagley.

While Bagley is proud of Reid, Reid is proud that he has made a difference.

"I am most proud that some growers think we helped them make a living. Some of the kids think we have taught them some thinking skills to help feed their families. I don't think I could ask for more than that," said Reid.

James (Jim) Swart, an Extension entomologist and CCRI leader, has worked to organize the fish fry in Reid's honor. Swart said the fish fry events have traditionally been a way to bring together community leaders who were interested in the efforts of the CCRI. It is hoped this event will accomplish the same task, and honor Reid at the same time.

"There will likely be about 200 community leaders, agribusiness people, and former students there," said Swart. Guests were invited by invitation.

Reid said he hopes the event will allow him the opportunity to thank all of those who have supported the CCRI through the years.