Knake: Weed Science Pioneer
June 4, 2009 Former professor of agronomy and weed science Dr. Ellery Knake died March 1, 2009. CropLife® magazine’s own Dick Meister, editor-at-large, writes the following about him.
Ellery Knake: 1928 — 2009
“He brought out the best in others.”
Ellery Knake was an outstanding Ag scientist, whose work in research and Extension changed and improved farming nationwide. But, more than that, he was a wonderful teacher who brought out the best in others.
He was one of that vanishing breed of Ag scientists who could not only find solutions to problems through their research, but had a flaming desire to convince farmers to adapt to new, more economic, and sustainable practices.
Ellery started in Illinois as a vo-ag teacher after World War II, then got his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois in Agronomy in l960 with a thesis on the competitive influence of giant foxtail on corn and soybeans. That led to a long and distinguished career as a weed scientist who had influence far beyond the borders of his home state of Illinois. In l975 he became president of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) where he was one of the pioneers in the emerging field of weed science which has become one of the most important disciplines in the evolving technology of agriculture.
He wrote frequent articles on new and improved weed control practices for Farm Chemicals magazine (now named CropLife), carrying his message to dealers, distributors, consultants, and others managing inputs to farmers. He provided enthusiastic leadership for new weed control technology for conservation tillage systems, and he pioneered the establishment of thresholds for several hard to control weed species which opened the door for adoption of IPM practices.
For many years, we brought out an annual Weed Control Manual and Ellery was on the board of Editors. He was marvelous in his encouragement and he offered wise advice for every step of the way. He liked to see vital information condensed into chart form for quick retrieval which also was the aim of the Manual. He had a keen understanding of the need for simplicity, that making things too complicated drove users away and slowed down acceptance.
Ellery was an innovator. He saw how new improved practices could make life better out on the farm, cut down waste, and be helpful to the environment. Before the term sustainability became a popular word, Ellery was practicing this philosophy way back in the l970s and l980s.
He was a man with compassion, quiet dignity, and humor. Ellery was fun to be with, and never allowed even the most serious discussion by the board of editors of what to include in the Weed Control Manual without a humorous quip that made everyone smile. And he was generous with his praise, always complementing us on our ability “to get out the Weed Control Manual in a few months when it takes two years to clear everything at the university.”
He enjoyed a good story, loved lemon sherbet for dessert, and had interesting ideas about a wide variety of subjects. His favorite quote was by Abraham Lincoln who said “ … I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I plucked a thistle and planted a flower, wherever I thought a flower would grow.”
To visit him in his office was a surprise. One would expect to find his desk neat and tidy. Just the opposite, piles of papers everywhere. One could hardly locate Ellery behind the stacks. But he had his own GPS system, and could find what he wanted in minutes, despite the mess. But beware to the person who unknowingly changed the sequence.
It was vintage Ellery when he concluded his address as president of the WSSA. He said “Regardless of your specific calling, I would admonish you to take pride in your profession and in your own accomplishments. The purpose of life is to accomplish something that outlives you. And in achieving your goals, I hope that … you can be of service so that we all might better serve mankind.”
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