Sorghum Producers Honor Scott and Brent Bean
The National Sorghum Producers presented the duo with the Outstanding Achievement Award for their contributions to the industry.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Agriculture
Scott Bean and Brent Bean received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Sorghum Improvement during the Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America. The award honors their decades of work in research and agronomic application for the sorghum sector.
Why it matters
This award recognizes key contributors whose research and practical guidance have shaped the modern sorghum industry. Their efforts have provided farmers with the necessary tools to manage crop challenges and improve production outcomes.
Scott Bean holds a career spanning 30 years with over 14,000 research citations, while Brent Bean has contributed 40 years of service to farmers. The Outstanding Achievement Award has been presented to over 60 individuals since it began in 1961.
The players
Scott Bean
A long-time researcher who has spent 30 years studying the protein and starch characteristics of the sorghum crop.
Brent Bean
An agronomist with a 40-year career who provides farmers with research-based solutions and field guidance.
National Sorghum Producers
An industry organization based in Lubbock that works to improve the viability and profitability of the sorghum industry.
The details
Scott Bean focused his long career on the protein and starch properties of sorghum to aid breeders, while Brent Bean dedicated four decades to translating research into practical solutions for growers. Brent Bean was specifically noted for his guidance during the 2013 sugarcane aphid outbreak.
Timeline
The Outstanding Achievement Award in Sorghum Improvement was established in 1961.
Brent Bean helped farmers navigate a major sugarcane aphid outbreak in 2013.
Scott and Brent Bean accepted their honors in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The presentation of the Outstanding Achievement Award in Sorghum Improvement highlights a long-standing tradition of academic and industry collaboration. By honoring individual researchers, the industry maintains a competitive edge through the integration of scientific innovation and practical farm management.
The work recognized by this award often translates into better crop yields and more resilient farming practices for local sorghum growers. Farmers can expect the findings publicized by experts like the Beans to continue influencing regional planting and pest management strategies.
The takeaway
Advancements in agricultural research often take decades of dedicated study and field application to reach maturity. Local producers benefit when scientific breakthroughs in crop starch and protein are effectively translated into actionable field advice.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and industry developments on the Lubbock Agriculture page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by High Plains Journal.
