Milos Zaric began Jan. 18 as an assistant professor and precision application technology specialist in agronomy and horticulture at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte. Zaric has a 50% research and a 50% extension appointment.
Zaric is engaged in a multifaceted endeavor to enhance the precision of pesticide application technology, which involves accumulating extensive data to better inform stakeholders and the industry.
“We are committed to informing growers about the advanced tools available to them,” Zaric said. “Among our ongoing projects, one significant area includes enhancing decision-making processes for selective spraying platforms available in the U.S.”
This encompasses adjusting algorithms to varying wind speeds and nozzle orientations in response to wind direction. Additionally, Zaric is evaluating the pros and cons of different application parameters in pest control to improve efficacy and environmental safety.
Originally from the Republic of Serbia, Zaric said he had the privilege of having grandparents who were farmers. They managed a diverse 60-acre farm and cultivated wheat, triticale, barley, corn and a variety of specialty crops like dry beans, pumpkins and potatoes. They also maintained a greenhouse for tomatoes, peppers, onions and cucumbers, both for household use and for sale at the greenmarket.
“My curiosity in this field began as I observed the challenges they faced,” he said. “Every summer, for a break between semesters, I would travel to the countryside to assist my grandparents with various tasks.
“Realizing my limited knowledge in addressing these challenges, I was motivated to grow my understanding of agronomical issues.”
This experience led him to enroll in an agricultural high school and eventually pursue a degree in agronomy, focusing on plant protection at the University of Belgrade under the supervision of Professor Sava Vrbničanin.
“My goal was to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to provide solutions to the problems faced by growers like my grandparents,” he said.
Zaric earned a Bachelor of Science in agronomy and a Master of Science in weed science from the University of Belgrade Faculty of Agriculture in Serbia. He also received a Master of Science and a doctorate in weed science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His advisers were Greg Kruger and Sam Wortman, respectively.
His journey to Nebraska began in 2015 with a research internship under the guidance of Greg Kruger, a weed science and application technology specialist in agronomy and horticulture at the time at the WCREEC. Zaric said this experience was pivotal to his career, as he was offered a chance to return to Nebraska to pursue a master’s degree after he completed the internship.
He started his master’s degree in weed science in 2017, focusing on pesticide application technology. Recognizing the significance of pesticide application in agriculture, Zaric saw this as an excellent chance to enhance his knowledge and skills in this area.
“Over the last few years, I have become increasingly fascinated by the advanced levels of technology available and how they can be integrated into the existing cropping systems in Nebraska and elsewhere,” he said. “This blend of education and practical experience has been instrumental in shaping my career path.”
Zaric says he finds Lincoln and North Platte remarkable places — each unique within the state.
“The diverse climatic conditions across Nebraska, characterized by an east-to-west precipitation gradient and a north-to-south temperature gradient, foster a unique and varied agricultural landscape,” he said. “This diversity not only leads to a wide range of crops and associated farming and ranching practices but also presents fascinating and diverse scenarios for research, along with significant challenges to be addressed.
“These challenges, such as managing water resources efficiently, adapting to climate variability and controlling pests, add complexity to agricultural practices and research. The dynamic nature of these environments is not only engaging for scientific inquiries but also crucial for devising effective strategies to overcome these agricultural challenges, thereby significantly impacting the local farming and ranching communities through extension.”
In his free time, Zaric is involved in the art of artisan craftsmanship, particularly in the scope of fermentable beverages and foods. This passion has extended to his recent endeavor of learning the details of cheese making.
“This hobby allows me to apply scientific principles in a creative and practical way,” he said. “It is a fulfilling activity that provides a wonderful counterpoint to my academic pursuits, blending the precision of science with the traces of culinary creativity.”
