Bill Lamm, longtime Cooperative Extension agent and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumnus, has received the Excellence in Agriculture Award from the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. He was honored for outstanding contributions to agriculture in the state. State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award in February ceremonies at the Holshouser Building, at the State Fairgrounds.

Lamm, of Goldsboro, earned his CALS bachelor’s degree in 1953 and his master’s degree in 1969.

Wayne County Extension Director Howard Scott said Lamm dedicated his life to improving farming in North Carolina. He first worked as an extension agent for field crops in Wayne County from 1953 until 1973, then became director of the Lenoir County Extension office until his retirement in 1984. Following his Extension career, Lamm worked in the tobacco industry.

A former president of the N.C. State University Alumni Association, Lamm, with his wife, Melda, established an endowment awarding scholarships to CALS students in agronomy and traditional agriculture programs. He served on the CALS Alumni and Friends Society board from 2001 to 2004.

Lamm is just the third person to receive this honor; the previous recipients are Troxler and Dr. Bill Collins, CALS professor emeritus