Dr. Robert Duncan has joined the Texas AgriLife Extension Service as assistant professor and state small grains specialist, according to agency officials.

“Rob will conduct educational programming and applied field research related to small grains and cool-season oilseeds statewide,” said Dr. Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension program leader and associate department head for soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Duncan recently completed his doctorate at the University of California-Davis. He grew up on a farm that produced a wide range of small grains and oilseeds. He has an extensive background and field experience in plant breeding, plant pathology, crop protection and crop improvement, Miller said.

“I’m extremely pleased to have this opportunity to service the needs of Texas agriculture and address the challenges in small grains and oilseeds production,” Duncan said. “These commodities are vital components of agricultural production in the state.Through educational activities and practical field research, I am confident that we can enhance the production of (these commodities) in Texas.”