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Bonnie Johnson
November 02, 2026
Media ArticlePenn State has named John Wallace, an associate professor of weed science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, as the new director of the Penn State Regenerative Agriculture Center. In this position, he will lead research programs and partnerships focused on advancing regenerative farming practices across Pennsylvania.
The center's activities will be based on a 125-acre research site at Rockview in Centre County. The property will serve as a hub for field-scale research, demonstrations, and educational programs that promote sustainable agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture includes practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, diverse crop rotations, and integrated livestock systems. These strategies aim to improve soil health, protect natural resources, and enhance the long-term productivity and profitability of farms.
Beth Gugino, associate dean for research operations and graduate education in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said Wallace's experience makes him well suited to lead the center. She noted that his work addresses key challenges farmers face when adopting regenerative practices and emphasized the importance of developing practical, science-based solutions through collaboration with growers.
Wallace leads statewide extension efforts in field crop weed management and oversees an integrated research and extension program focused on regenerative agriculture systems. During his time at Penn State, he has served as lead principal investigator on five USDA-funded projects, securing approximately $4.2 million for agricultural research and innovation.
For the past eight years, he has directed an organic cropping systems research project aimed at reducing tillage in organic grain production through diversified crop rotations and improved cover crop management. The project brings together faculty from four departments and members of Penn State's field and forage crops extension team.
In its current USDA-funded phase, the initiative is developing best management practices for small-grain production in reduced-tillage systems while examining opportunities and challenges in Pennsylvania's food and feed markets.
In addition to his research and extension work, Wallace serves on the leadership team of the Get Rid of Weeds (GROW) Network, a national organization that helps farmers manage herbicide-resistant weeds through integrated weed management and precision agriculture technologies.
Wallace joined Penn State in 2018 as an assistant professor and extension specialist and was promoted to associate professor in 2024. Before returning to Penn State, he held academic positions at Cornell University and worked with the University of Idaho's Invasive Weed Management Program. He earned his bachelor's degree from Penn State and completed both his master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Idaho.
Photo Credit: Penn State
