Hanson Wins Top Honors in Weed Science

Brad Hanson, a professor of Cooperative Extension in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, has received the Outstanding Extension Award from the Weed Science Society of America. 

Hanson’s work with weed management in tree and vine production and his recent efforts with broomrape management in California were two key aspects for his selection. Hanson has been a member of the WSSA since he was a graduate student and is a co-author on more than 50 papers presented at WSSA meetings over the years. 

“Each year, our societies recognize the top individuals who do their utmost to advance weed science research, the best management practices and public knowledge about weeds and invasive species,” said Hilary Sandler, outgoing WSSA president. “It’s an honor to recognize members who have made exceptional contributions during 2025.”

Hanson leads the UC Davis Hanson Weed Management Lab, which researches crop injury caused by herbicides, herbicide-resistant weeds, parasitic weeds. and applied weed management in orchards, vineyards and annual crops

“This society is an important connection point for academic, government and private sector researchers from the U.S. and around the world to interact,” said Hanson. “Meeting my colleagues and seeing the kinds of weed management and weed biology research that is going on in their programs is very energizing and brings new ideas, perspectives and sometimes collaborations back to my program in California.” 

Hanson earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture at Iowa State University and his master's
and doctoral degrees in weed science at the University of Idaho. He led a USDA-ARS weed and nematode research program near Fresno, Calif., before joining the faculty at UC Davis in 2009. "Brad’s research is often done in direct collaborations with farmers, industry stakeholders, student and postdoctoral scientists, and UC farm
advisors with the ultimate goal of reducing the impact of weeds and weed control practices on cropping system productivity," the WSSA wrote about his career.

Hanson previously won the WSSA Outstanding Early Career Weed Scientist in 2014 and the Western Society of Weed Science Early Career Award in 2011. He was named Fellow of the Western Society of Weed Science in 2023. This latest honor was bestowed at the organization’s annual meeting in Raleigh, N.C., in February.