Robert E. Norris

Highlights

Lake County Agricultural Agent

University of Florida Extension Service

Bio

Robert E. “Bob” Norris was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911. He came to Florida as a young boy in 1917. Norris attended the University of Florida, where he received his B.S. in 1934.

He spent over 29 years as a Lake County Agricultural Agent, where he became well known as “The Dean of Florida County Agents.” He was affiliated with the University of Florida Extension Service for over 30 years. He pioneered work in citrus production management, offering over 100 field demonstrations. He worked to improve the practical application of many practices, including high analysis fertilizing, hedging and pruning citrus, herbicide usage, cover crop management, grove rejuvenation, controlling citrus insects and diseases, and countless other practices that are still used by the industry many years later.

His contribution to citrus was recognized when he was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 1973.