Ag irrigation researcher Freddie Lamm passes away

Freddie Ray Lamm, PhD, PE, a technical lifetime member of the Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, passed away in Overland Park, Kansas, on May 26, 2022.

Born Sept. 11, 1955, in Boonville, Missouri, Lamm grew up on a farm outside of Wooldridge, Missouri, according to his obituary. He attended the University of Missouri and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s in agricultural engineering. While working at the Kansas State University’s Colby Branch Experiment Station, he earned his doctorate in agricultural engineering and subsequently earned his professional engineering license.

In 2022, Lamm completed his 43rd year of working at the Kansas State University Northwest Research-Extension Center. During his tenure, he was involved with irrigation research and made contributions to the advancement of subsurface drip irrigation. Lamm also authored or co-authored hundreds of articles, technical papers and press articles.

Lamm served on the IA’s Irrigation Foundation Board of Trustees, Research Committee and Technical Program Committee. He received the IA’s Person of the Year Award in 2012 and was named a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in 2015.

He contributed to philanthropic efforts including the College View Baptist Church, Colby After School Program, Thomas County Genesis Food Bank, Jana’s Campaign and donated proceeds from his published works to farmers.

Lamm’s funeral was held May 31. Memorials may be made to the Genesis Food Bank or the Colby After School Program and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.