1894 – 1965
Professor of Agronomy, Extension Specialist
Nicknamed “Mr. Extension Agronomist”

Marched to the Beat of Agriculture’s Drum

Beeson first worked in sales, then seven years as a high school teacher and principal and two eradicating barberry. He joined the Purdue staff in 1924. He’s best known for teaching—through demonstrations, short courses, winter schools and published circulars—with lessons that focused on crop production.

He rode the Purdue Soil Testing Special, a train that traveled the state. He reviewed soil samples farmers brought to him for recommendations on lime, fertilizer and crop rotation. He also directed corn and soybean yield contests at state grain and seed shows.

Beeson was involved in the seed certification program from 1924 to 1962. He helped found the American Soybean Association. And he served as a 4-H club leader.

Education
                        Winona College, education studies
                        Wabash College, education studies
1922                B.S., Purdue University, agriculture
1927                M.S., Purdue University, agriculture

Purdue Years
1924 – 1962

Career Highlights
1922 – 1924    Indiana Leader, Barberry Eradication Program,
                          U.S. Department of Agriculture
1924                Extension Agronomist, Purdue University
1928 – 1962    Indiana Crop Improvement Association, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
1929                Indiana Corn Growers, Secretary
1934                American Soybean Association, President
1951                Indiana Crop Improvement Association Crops and Soils Merit Award
1958                American Society of Agronomy, Fellow
1959                U.S. Department of Agriculture Superior Service Award