By Blake Jackson
Natasha Rayne, an assistant professor and extension specialist in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, has been named the first recipient of the Keith and Andrea Kelling Faculty Fellow Award. Her fellowship will continue through summer 2030.
The new faculty award was created by emeritus professor Keith Kelling and his late wife, Andrea, to support research focused on nutrient management and/or soil and water management.
The fellowship provides funding to help advance the recipient’s research efforts and recognizes work that benefits both agriculture and environmental stewardship.
The Kellings have longstanding ties to UW-Madison. Andrea earned her B.A. from the university, while Keith received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. there.
Keith joined the faculty in 1977 as a professor and extension soil scientist, becoming widely recognized for his research on nutrient management systems for potato production. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame in 2019.
“We are humbled by and grateful for the generosity of the Kellings. This award will advance research in agricultural nutrient management and help to improve the economic livelihood of farmers while protecting water quality, which is what Keith spent his career working on,” said Doug Soldat, professor and chair of the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences.
Rayne joined UW-Madison in January 2024. Her research includes manure and nutrient availability, crop canopy sensors, variable-rate technology, and nitrogen management in small grains and forages. She will also present at the UW Agronomy and Soils Field Day on August 26, 2026.
Photo Credit: university-of-wisconsin-madison
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