From PSPA member Mike McGrath

Some of you are aware that our son, Josh McGrath, is a member of PSPA, and has spoken at our meeting in the past. You may not know that Josh’s career in ag research started as a result of his attending one of our field trips (to Remington Farms in Maryland) many years ago. USDA is announcing Josh’s appointment to a position with ARS-USDA. Mom and Dad (and his wife, Kimberly, and his siblings!) are proud of Josh’s lifetime of achievements in agricultural researc

“Appointment of Dr. Josh McGrath as National Program Leader for Soil Processes in the Office of National Programs in Beltsville, MD:

Dr. McGrath most recently served as the Lead for Technology Development at OCP North America (August 2022 – March 2024). Based in Morocco, OCP is the largest phosphate producer in the world. Prior to this, he was an Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky (2014 – 2022)  and the University of Maryland (2006 – 2014). His research and extension programs focused on precision nutrient management and novel conservation practices to increase farm profitability while protecting natural resources. All of his research was farm focused and relied heavily on collaboration with farmers using on-farm trials. 

Josh has worked closely with numerous university and ARS scientists over his career. Some examples include, development of in-situ phosphorus removal structures for agricultural drainage on the Delmarva Peninsula, improved design of poultry litter injectors for no-till production, revision of Maryland’s Phosphorus Site Index, and using innovative research approaches to develop precision fertilizer recommendations. Josh is well known as a frequent speaker throughout the U.S. and internationally to industry, farm, and conservation focused groups. He was born and raised in Smyrna, Delaware, and earned a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, and conducted postdoctoral research at Virginia Tech.

As NPL for soil processes, Josh will apply his expertise to all aspects of the soils within our crop and livestock systems, including soil health, biology, ecology, nutrient management, drought flooding and many other factors that influence production at the atmosphere, biosphere interface.”

Congratulations to Josh for this stellar achievement in support of agriculture throughout the region and the nation.