09/01/1991

Head of AU Research Station in Headland Retires

HEADLAND, Ala.—Henry Ivey, superintendent of the 532-acre Wiregrass Substation, retired effective Sept. 1, after 29 years of service at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station facility.

Ivey joined the research team at the Wiregrass Substation as an assistant superintendent in January 1965. In 1985, he was named superintendent. During his tenure, Ivey further developed the reputation of the Substation as a top peanut research center in the world. His insights into peanut production played a key role in implementing research to develop plant-based nematicides to replace those taken off the market and for developing innovative rotation programs to allow growers to maintain high peanut yields and quality.

In the past few years, Ivey has been instrumental in implementing cotton research work, as cotton rapidly replaces other crops grown in rotation with peanuts in the Wiregrass.

"I can't imagine me having any other career than this one. I've always had a fascination with the land, and the time I spent away from farming and agricultural research convinced me that this is the career and the life style for me," Ivey said.

The Auburn researcher grew up near the small rural town of Sprott in Perry County. One of four children, he grew up on a cotton and cattle farm--a childhood ideally suited to his future work.

Growing up, Henry was influenced a great deal by a favorite uncle--Uncle Val, who attended Auburn during the depression and later taught vocational agriculture and worked as a county agent in Conecuh County. So, when he finished Suttle High School, Henry enrolled in Auburn, majoring in agriculture.

By his own admission, Henry made the wrong end of the dean's list and nearly took an early exit from Auburn. In September 1959, all that changed! "I made the smartest move I've ever made; I married Bobbie Hopkins, and with her help I began to make the good end of the dean's list," Ivey recalled. Three children, three grandchildren and nearly 36 years later, Bobbie and Henry are still married, and he still attributes his many successes to her.

In addition to his work at the Wiregrass Substation, Ivey also served five years at the Tennessee Valley Substation in Belle Mina. For a few months he worked in the ag chemical business, but quickly found that wasn't his forte. So, in 1965, when a position opened at the Wiregrass Substation, Ivey restarted his Auburn research career.
Ivey came to the Wiregrass Substation at the height of the chemical pesticide boom, and he lists development of chemical farming as one the major research highlights of his career. "The proper use of chemicals had a major impact on increasing yields and quality of peanuts, which directly and positively affected the lives of people in our area of the state," he explained.

"Now, we are involved in developing genetically improved plants. The next generation will be genetically incorporating disease, insect, and weed control into the plant--and we are already seeing some of this type work," Ivey noted.

In retirement, Ivey hopes to travel more and spend more time with his children and grandchildren. He also plans to expand his civic activities and spend time working on his farm in Henry County.

The Ivey's have three children: Marla Ezell, who lives in Dothan; Varina O'Neal, who lives in Durham, New Hampshire; and Henry W. Ivey III, who lives in Dothan. They also have three grandchildren Drew and Wesley Ezell and Ivey O'Neal.

"In addition to strong family support, I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful, talented people over the years. Good people and a little common sense have made my job here at the Wiregrass Substation easier," Ivey recalled. "I just can't imagine being this satisfied with my career had I done anything else," he concluded.

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By:
Roy Roberson