Dr. Kurt D. Nolte

Inducted in 2016

Mar 7

Winslow - Navajo County

Inducted in 2016

His work, lettuce, and other vegetables represent agriculture's past, present, and future. Dr. Kurt Nolte, a scientist, educator, and powerful advocate for agriculture in the Yuma area, is often referred to as the father of Agriculture in the southern portion of Arizona. His influence and advocacy have significantly shaped the agricultural landscape in the region.

Dr. Nolte's roots in agriculture run deep. Born in California's Coachella Valley, he grew up on a ranch where his family owned 80 acres of homestead agriculture land. His early experiences with the daily rigors of farming instilled in him a profound understanding and appreciation for the industry. He recalls, "Agriculture has been part of my life since I was a young boy, dealing with all the necessary things that farming involves."

His family was a beneficiary of the World War II Homestead Act. At the time, the federal government had a program allowing people to occupy and own parcels of land under the Homestead Program. The 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, the Coachella Valley was known for its table grapes and citrus. The area has since diversified, but Dr Nolte is grateful for his grounding in citrus and grape Industries.

“Like many young people back in the 1970s, I decided to go to school, so I went to the University of California. I obtained two bachelor's degrees, thinking I would return to the farming operation and continue the tradition of growing vine and tree crops. Along the way, I discovered I liked academics and enjoyed learning many different things. I ended up working in citrus but in another avenue. He was more involved in citrus at the marketing and distribution level.” Kurt's academic journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and thirst for knowledge. While working for Sunkist Growers in California, he attended school at night to earn another bachelor's degree in computer programming. His quest for knowledge led him to Florida, where he earned his master's in plant science and a PhD in cellular and molecular biology. His return to Yuma, initially intended as a return to California led to his pivotal role at Arizona Western College and later at the University of Arizona.

Kurt's significant role in promoting agritourism in Yuma is a testament to his dedication to the region's agriculture. His efforts have not only educated people about Yuma's vital role in producing 90% of the leafy greens grown in the country during the winter months but also attracted visitors to experience the region's agricultural heritage firsthand.

A quote from the Yuma Visitors Bureau said Kurt’s move from a Lettuce Day skeptic to a Lettuce Day partner host demonstrates a degree of his commitment to public education and Outreach and to sharing the story of Yuma agriculture with the broadest popular audience his work with the University of Arizona includes his role as the Yuma Agricultural Center Director Yuma County Extension director in Arizona vegetable producer specialist he was awarded a distinguished service award from the Yuma fresh Association in 2010 in the exemplary service award from the USDA National statistics service in 2010.

Kurt's role in the Yuma area is complex. He is a region and state vegetable specialist. He has the skills to assist others who produce Arizona-grown vegetables. He teaches young and old students mainly in the evenings to help prepare them for the future in Arizona agriculture. He served as the director of the extension office in Yuma and was appointed as an Economic Development coordinator/director for Yuma County. His role is two-pronged: one is to measure the economic and social impact of extension programming among the entire facility in Yuma, and two is to provide a means to attract new companies and businesses to the Yuma area to invest in agriculture. Yuma is unique in its excellent environment for growing crops in summer and winter. They currently have ample supplies of quality water and a robust labor supply. In many cases, people across the planet do not necessarily link Yuma as the epicenter for vegetables or crop production. There are many things related to Fresh Produce that we do integrate our academic extension and research programming within the industry, which is a vital piece to Arizona and a big part of what he does.

In February 2016, Kurt was appointed economic development director for the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This has allowed Kurt to increase his focus on developing technologies regarding drones and commercial agriculture in recent years. His staff has been on the leading edge of fixing wing and rotary wing drone usage. They are determining which centers work best on various drones. The research produces increasingly beneficial results for the Yuma area farmers that they can apply to other state regions.

The Yuma Visitor Center and the University of Arizona all have the same goal: to promote agriculture from their perspective and try to attract companies and industries to invest in Yuma. With that, jobs and tax revenue for the citizens will be created. It's a complicated job that requires a lot of hats, and it's gratifying on a personal level for me; however, my overall impact involves enhancing Arizona's agriculture productivity and efficiency for the betterment of our great state.