MACA Honors Dr. Rodrigo Werle, Associate Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist in the Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison as 2026 Educator of the Year.
St. Louis, MO – The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) has awarded Dr. Rodrigo Werle the prestigious 2026 Educator of the Year award. The honor was presented by MACA President Aaron Deardorff during the association’s Annual Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Dr. Werle is Associate Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist in the Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was recognized for building an integrated research and Extension program dedicated to improving agricultural decision-making through practical, science-based weed management solutions. His work focuses on weed management for corn, soybean, and small grain production systems, emphasizing herbicide stewardship, herbicide resistance mitigation, cover crops, and precision herbicide application technologies. Through WiscWeeds, Dr. Werle partners with farmers, crop consultants, crop protection industry, agricultural retailers, Extension educators, industry professionals, and commodity organizations to ensure research addresses real-world production challenges and is rapidly translated into practical recommendations. His program has become recognized for leadership in herbicide evaluation and resistance monitoring, cover crop-based weed management, and targeted herbicide application technologies.
The Educator of the Year award celebrates individuals who have made substantial impacts through published works, public appearances, and consistent efforts in educating the public on the value of production agriculture.
Dr. Werle has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Since joining UW–Madison, his team has conducted over 500 field and greenhouse research trials, secured more than $5 million in competitive grants and industry support, delivered over 260 Extension presentations, produced 130 educational videos and 70 technical bulletins, and organized 45 field days and educational workshops. His educational philosophy centers on making research accessible, practical, and actionable for agricultural professionals and producers. Equally important to his mission is developing future agricultural leaders. Dr. Werle leads a multidisciplinary team of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, and academic staff, fostering scientific excellence alongside leadership, communication, teamwork, and service. To date, he has graduated 10 M.S. and 7 Ph.D. students, currently advises five graduate students, has mentored numerous undergraduate summer interns and visiting international research scholars, and serves as coach of the University of Wisconsin Badger Weeds Team.
Dr. Werle actively collaborates with agricultural organizations throughout the Midwest and serves on numerous advisory boards and professional committees. He is an Associate Editor for Weed Technology and an active member of the North Central Weed Science Society and the Weed Science Society of America. Outside of work, Rodrigo enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, riding his motorcycle, and celebrating the mentors, colleagues, students, stakeholders, family, and friends who have shaped his life and career.
The Mid America CropLife Association congratulates Dr. Rodrigo Werle on this well-deserved recognition and his ongoing contributions to agricultural education and research.
The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) is a non-profit association of members of the crop protection industry from the 13 Midwestern states. MACA works to research issues relating to crop production and to work together to improve the crop life cycle, via health, safety and public education. Check their web site at www.maca.org