Mark Risse
Mark Risse, professor and extension engineer, has been an integral part of The University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences for the last 14 years. Focusing on agriculture pollution prevention technologies and water resource management, he conducts high-impact programs to meet the needs of the local and national communities. Risse also serves as the extension coordinator for the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
Among Risse’s accomplishments is his work with the State of Georgia to implement a comprehensive agriculture pollution prevention program (AgP2) that provides technical assistance and applied research for farmers, commodity groups, and state and federal government organizations. Within this program, AgP2 staff members have assisted more than 5,000 producers and individuals in improving the environmental soundness of their structures and management practices. The team has developed and implemented innovative programming related to nutrient management planning and environmental management systems for agriculture, in addition to developing environmental assessment tools to help ensure the sustainability of Georgia’s agriculture.
Regarding animal waste management and water quality, Risse has established The University of Georgia’s AWARE team (Animal Waste in Research and Extension), which organizes conferences and field days, and provides input for regulatory services in Georgia. He serves on the board of directors for the National Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center and chairs its outreach and education committee. Recently, Risse was awarded a USDA grant to develop the National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center (www.extension.org) that hosts monthly Webcasts viewed by hundreds of technical specialists around the country.
Risse also coordinates water resource programs for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and represents Georgia on regional and national water resource teams. Through these efforts, he has delivered 100 in-service training courses for extension agents and other professional groups. He represents The University of Georgia on numerous state committees and task forces and leads the state effort to develop a Water Conservation Implementation Plan for Georgia’s agriculture. Northeast District Extension Director John Parks notes that Risse’s achievements have “improved the efficiency of his co-workers, the productivity of agriculture, and the well being of numerous citizens.”