Ben A. Madson

Profile photo of Ben A. Madson

In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus, Department Chair, Director of Agricultural Field Stations
1887-1974

BEN A. MADSON

Birth: March 19, 1887, Jewel Junction, Iowa
Death: January 12, 1974, Davis, California

Education

  • B.S., Chemistry, Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), 1907

Employment

  • Assistant Chemist, Iowa State College
  • Chief Chemist, Iowa Sugar Company
  • University of California, Berkeley, Assistant in Agronomy, 1910-1914
  • UC Davis, 1914-1954
    • Professor of Agronomy
    • Chair, Division of Agronomy (1927-1948)
    • Director, Agricultural Field Stations (1948-1954)

Honors, Awards and Professional Societies

  • Fellow, American Society of Agronomy
  • Member, Society of Plant Pathologists
  • Member, American Society of Range Management
  • Order of the Golden Fleece, California Wool Growers Association
  • Davis Citizen of the Year (1952)
  • Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of California (1965)

Research Contributions and Impact

Ben Madson was instrumental in shaping the future of agricultural research and education at the University of California, Davis, and across California. A pioneer administrator, he led the effort to consolidate and formalize the administration of UC’s outlying Agricultural Field Stations after being appointed Director in 1948, dramatically improving research coordination and service delivery statewide.

In the field, Madson contributed to the development of improved cereal crop varieties adapted to California conditions, promoted better grazing practices for semi-arid rangelands, and advocated for soil and water conservation techniques that laid the groundwork for sustainable farming in the state. His influence extended beyond academic research into practical applications that directly benefited farmers.

His administrative leadership also strengthened the infrastructure for experiment station research through periods of war, economic hardship, and agricultural expansion.

Publications and Scholarly Leadership

  • Contributor to early rangeland improvement and agronomic crop studies
  • Leader in organizing the system of UC Agricultural Field Stations across California

Teaching and Mentorship

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Madson taught virtually every course offered by the Division of Agronomy at various points, adapting to the department’s evolving needs. Known as "Prof" to thousands of students, he was deeply respected for his breadth of knowledge, steady leadership, and encouragement.

His teaching spanned both two-year and four-year students, helping to build Davis’ agronomy curriculum into a more scientifically rigorous program. Many of his former students became prominent figures in California agriculture and beyond.

Collaboration and Community

Ben Madson was not only a university leader but also a dedicated civic contributor. He served on the Davis City Council from 1939 to 1947 and again from 1957 to 1960, as Mayor of Davis from 1947 to 1948, and as City Treasurer in 1951. His contributions to the Davis Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club reflected his broad commitment to the community.

Known for his quiet integrity and practical expertise, Madson's influence extended to research, education, local government, and statewide agricultural development. He remained active well into his later years, including taking up golf at the age of 80.

Legacy

Madson is remembered as one of the last great generalists at the University of California—a man whose personal knowledge spanned the full breadth of California's diverse agricultural landscapes. His scholarship fund, established through his will, continues to support students studying agronomy, range management, and international agricultural development.

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