John P. Beasley, Jr.
2006 D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Extension
Department: Crop and Soil Sciences
John P. Beasley, Jr. is a professor and Cooperative Extension peanut agronomist in the crop and soil sciences department of the University of Georgia. He is based at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' Tifton campus.
Dr. Beasley's applied research program focuses on peanut management and economically competitive production systems. Additional research includes evaluation of plant growth regulators and physiological responses of peanuts to climatic conditions and pesticide applications.
His priority is to develop educational programs and use technology transfer methods to deliver peanut production information to county Extension agents and peanut producers in Georgia. He works closely with other UGA Extension and research faculty on the UGA Peanut Team, which works together to develop and deliver peanut production information that makes Georgia peanut producers more productive and profitable.
In 1979, Dr. Beasley received his bachelor's of science in agronomy and soils from Auburn University. He then went on to obtain his master's of science in agronomy with a concentration on peanut breeding from Oklahoma State University in 1981 and a doctorate in crop science with a concentration on cotton breeding and genetics from Louisiana State University in 1985.
Dr. Beasley was hired as an assistant professor and Extension peanut agronomist for the University of Georgia in 1985. In 1991 he was granted tenure as an associate professor and in 1996 was promoted to professor.
Dr. Beasley has won numerous awards, including being named a fellow of both the American Society of Agronomy and the American Peanut Research and Education Society. He was awarded the Award of Excellence in Education (Extension) by the American Peanut Research and Education Society, the Career Award in Technology Transfer by the Southern Branch — American Society of Agronomy, the Early Career Award in Technology Transfer by the Southern Branch — American Society of Agronomy, the Distinguished Service Award by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association and the Valor Award by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation for dedicated service to peanut producers and the peanut industry. He has also been honored for outstanding educational materials.
Dr. Beasley has served UGA, the American Society of Agronomy and the American Peanut Research and Education Society on numerous committees. He served a three-year term on UGA's Promotion and Tenure Committee, including serving as chair in his final year, and represented the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on the UGA University Faculty Council for a three-year term. He has also served as interim department head for the crop and soil sciences department.