By Blake Jackson
Penn State has appointed John Wallace, an Associate Professor of weed science in its College of Agricultural Sciences, as director of the Penn State Regenerative Agriculture Center. He will lead research and partnerships focused on advancing regenerative farming practices throughout Pennsylvania.
The center will conduct much of its research on 125 acres of college-managed land at Rockview in Centre County. The site will function as a living laboratory for field-scale experiments, demonstrations, and educational activities.
Regenerative agriculture includes practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, diversified crop rotations, and integrated livestock systems. These approaches aim to improve soil health, conserve natural resources, and maintain productive, profitable farms over the long term.
Beth Gugino, Associate Dean for research operations and graduate education in the college and associate director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural State Experiment Station, said Wallace’s research background and relationships with farmers and industry professionals make him a strong fit for the position.
“His research addresses many of the management challenges farmers face as they explore regenerative practices, and he understands the importance of working directly with growers to develop practical, science-based solutions,” Gugino said.
“We look forward to his leadership in strengthening partnerships among researchers, Penn State Extension educators, farmers and agricultural industry partners to advance regenerative agriculture in ways that support farm productivity, profitability and environmental stewardship.”
Wallace leads a statewide research and extension program focused on field crop weed management, including strategies for regenerative production systems. He has served as lead principal investigator on five integrated research and extension projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, securing $4.2 million for agricultural research and innovation.
For eight years, he has also directed an organic cropping systems project examining ways to reduce tillage in organic grain production through diversified rotations and improved cover crop management. The interdisciplinary initiative involves faculty from four college departments, and the field and forage crops extension team.
Its current USDA-funded phase focuses on best management practices for small-grain production under reduced-tillage conditions, alongside opportunities and challenges in accessing food- and feed-grade markets in Pennsylvania.
Wallace additionally serves on the leadership team of the Get Rid of Weeds (GROW) network, which coordinates research and extension efforts to help farmers manage herbicide-resistant weeds through integrated strategies and precision technologies.
He joined Penn State in 2018 and became an associate professor in 2024. Previously, he worked at Cornell University and the University of Idaho. Wallace holds a master’s degree and doctorate in environmental science from the University of Idaho and a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from Penn State.
Photo Credit: penn-state
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education