By Blake Jackson
Jim Shirk, a 1993 Penn State graduate, has been recognized with the Lifetime of Service to the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
The honor acknowledges more than 20 years of leadership and advocacy on behalf of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the broader land-grant mission.
Shirk, a Lancaster County farmer, has represented Penn State as its CARET delegate since 2002 - the longest tenure in the university’s history. He received the award at CARET’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.
The organization works with federal lawmakers to promote investment in agricultural research and extension, strengthen food security, enhance water quality, build climate resilience and support economic development.
Over the years, Shirk has championed federal funding for research, education and extension programs, emphasizing the vital role land-grant institutions play in innovation and workforce development. Troy Ott, the Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, highlighted Shirk’s unique perspective.
“As a ninth-generation farmer and accomplished industry leader, Jim possesses a deep, practical understanding of agriculture, grounded in lived experience,” Ott said. “At the same time, he brings a modern and forward-looking vision for how agriculture must evolve to meet the complex challenges of today and tomorrow — whether those challenges involve sustainability, innovation, workforce development, animal health or economic resilience.”
Ott added that Shirk has “an uncommon ability to bridge tradition and transformation, honoring agriculture’s roots while championing its future.”
Nationally, Shirk served as CARET chairman from 2014 to 2016 and spent 16 years on its Executive Committee. Regionally, he led the Northeast Region for 18 years. Shirk has also been active in poultry health initiatives during avian influenza outbreaks.
“Jim has been key in bridging the gap between industry, government and academia to develop and implement practical biosecurity strategies. One of his most significant contributions was his work on a biosecurity proposal for Pennsylvania that aimed to expand Extension’s capacity to provide on-farm education and support,” Boney said.
“Jim’s dedication to animal health, strategic thinking, and ability to unite stakeholders around shared goals exemplify the values of CARET and the land-grant mission.”
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education