Russell R. Hahn, a leader among weed scientists and fondly known as the “weed warrior” across upstate New York, died Dec. 2, 2024, in Sayre, Pennsylvania. He was 81.
Born Sept. 19, 1943, in Sutherland, Nebraska, Hahn grew up on the family farm southwest of Paxton, Nebraska, where his early experiences would shape his lifelong dedication to agriculture. Hahn received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in agronomy and weed science from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 1964 and 1968 respectively. He later received his Ph.D. in weed science from Texas A&M University in 1974 and joined the faculty of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in March of that year.
Throughout his tenure as professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Soil and Crop Sciences Section, at Cornell, which spanned more than four decades, Hahn emerged as a leading authority on herbicide-resistant weeds, becoming an influential voice in the field of weed management. His research and extension work were instrumental in helping farmers understand and address the growing challenge of herbicide resistance.
He had a particular talent for explaining complex concepts of weed resistance to chemical controls in practical terms that farmers could readily apply. Through his field research and countless presentations across New York state, Hahn equipped growers with effective strategies to both manage existing resistant weed populations and implement preventive measures to delay the development of resistance in their fields.
His expertise in weed management and his deep commitment to helping farmers address challenges made him a trusted authority in his field. Gary Bergstrom, professor emeritus in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, and a longtime colleague of Hahn’s, said: “Russ was one of the best known and respected Cornell faculty among growers and agricultural communities in New York state. Since his retirement from Cornell, growers around the state have routinely inquired about Russ at meetings and field days.”
Throughout his career, Hahn earned numerous prestigious recognitions. He served as president of the Northeastern Weed Science Society and was named a fellow of the society. His contributions to the field earned him the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) Outstanding Extension Award and fellow status. He also served as associate editor of WSSA’s journal, Weed Technology. At Cornell, he received the Research and Extension Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension/Outreach from CALS and was recognized on two occasions by the New York State Association of County Agricultural Agents for his dedication and service to field crop producers across New York state.
Antonio DiTommaso, professor in the SIPS Soil and Crop Sciences Section and associate director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, remembered Hahn as someone who “took his responsibilities as an extension weed scientist in New York to heart and always placed sharing his vast weed science and herbicide knowledge with his growers as a top priority.” His influence extended beyond direct farmer interactions, as he mentored younger faculty members, including DiTommaso, and helped them build connections within the agricultural community.
Hahn’s commitment to agricultural education went beyond his formal duties. He was dedicated to including colleagues in field days and grower and industry meetings, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. His real-world experience and insights enriched the teaching of weed science and integrated pest management at Cornell, providing valuable examples that helped students better understand the practical applications of their studies.
Throughout his career, Hahn maintained strong connections with the farming community, never losing sight of his own roots on his family’s farm in western Nebraska and identifying closely with the welfare of farmers. Hahn’s signature saying, “So many weeds, so little time,” captured his dedication to his work and his characteristic sense of humor and wit.
Anahita Verahrami is a leadership communications specialist for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
