Dr. David Barker

On a worldwide basis - grasslands are the largest land use for production agriculture - it’s a very important agroecosystem within the US & worldwide for plant production, livestock production, food production & environmental protection.

I currently have a student working on a Grazing Management Systems Project - they're validating a model that predicts the impacts of pre-grazing & post-grazing pasture mass on production.

I'm also working on the Ecology of Native Species - Trifolium stoloniferum (aka running buffalo clover). This is an endangered species that we are working out methods to ensure it grows & propagates.

Once I received my masters, I worked for the Federal Research Agency of New Zealand (Ag. Research) for 18 years. An opportunity arose to get my PhD in Nebraska, so I moved to the US. After college my family & I briefly returned to New Zealand before I accepted my current role here at OSU.

None currently

The Tri-Societies Meeting (ASA, CSSA, SSSA) because it encompasses all the agronomic industries (from turf to forages to crops to sustainable systems) plus it provides the chance to network with other people from all around the US & abroad! 

Additionally, this conference has a very active program for undergraduate students (SASES). Fun fact, since 2010 a cohort from the OSU Crops & Soils Club have attended these meetings.

The re-evaluation of the sustainable plant systems program!

I enjoy backpacking & mountaineering - I'm even the advisor for the Mountaineers Club here at OSU!