Wrather led research that had far-reaching impact on farmers

PORTAGEVILLE -- Dr. Al Wrather said what brought him to the University of Missouri's Fisher Delta Research Center is simple. "It was a job."

Now, 41 years later, Wrather is preparing to leave. Yet, what he leaves behind is much more than a job -- it is a career as a plant pathologist leading research that impacted farmers not only in Southeast Missouri but also across the United States and beyond.

Wrather's work over the past four decades focused on soybeans, rice and cotton, looking for ways to reduce the impact of diseases. Also, he was the leader of the Center's soybean cyst nematode research team.

It was in 1972 after having completed his master's degree, when Wrather learned about the opening at the Delta Center. Over the next several years, he worked at the Delta Center and earned his doctorate in 1980, when he became part of the faculty.

"The opportunity to work here was wonderful and to work with people from other states and work with other nations," said Wrather. "I encountered a lot of folks from different cultures but we were all part of a team."

One of the newest members of the Delta Center's team is Trent Haggard, who is completing his first year as the director. Haggard described Wrather as extremely efficient in his work and the publishing of his findings.

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