Rock Named Cotton IPM Agent

McAllen Monitor

June 12, 2008 - 5:44PM

WESLACO - Texas AgriLife Extenion officials recently announced that LeeRoy Rock has been named integrated pest management entomologist for Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties.

A native of Brownsville, Rock will be closely working with cotton and grain producers of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, said Extension district administrator Ruben Saldaña. Rock assumed his duties June 1.

"We are fortunate to have a person of LeeRoy's expertise fill this position," Saldaña said. "I have every confidence he will carry on the tradition of excellent service Valley growers got from Manda Cattaneo, and John Norman before her."

Rock replaces Cattaneo, who relocated to West Texas earlier this year to assume a similar position there. She had served Valley growers since 2005, having replaced Norman when he retired after almost 30 years on the job.

"I hit the ground running," Rock said. "I've been boning up on the science of cotton and grain cropping systems. I've also been meeting growers, thanks to introductions made by (private consultants) John Norman and Web Wallace, who have graciously taken me under their wings."

After graduating from James Pace High School in Brownsville, Rock attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he earned his bachelor's degree in agronomy in 2005. He earned his master's in plant and soil sciences there a few weeks ago.

"Given my background in agriculture-related science, I think this position offers me a great opportunity to help my community, something I've always wanted to do," he said.

Rock is the son of Edelmira Rock and the late Albert E. Rock of Brownsville.