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Robert "Bobby" Grisso, P.E.

Professor
Robert "Bobby" Grisso, Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering Emeritus Faculty
306A Seitz Hall
rgrisso@vt.edu
(540) 231-1980

Education

Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering, Auburn University, 1985

M.S., Agricultural Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1980

B.S., Agricultural Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1978

Licensure

Professional Engineer, Emeritus, State of Nebraska (License No. E-6296)

Experience

June 2001 - 2021 - Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech

July 2018 - December 2019 - Interim Department Head, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech

September 2012 – July 2018 - Associate Director, ANR Extension Programs, Virginia Cooperative Extension

July 1996 - June 2001 - Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska

July 1990 - July 1996 - Associate Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska

October 1985 - July 1990 - Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Nebraska

June 1981 - October 1985 - Research Associate, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Auburn University

November 1980 - June 1981 - Research Associate, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Virginia Tech

June 1980 - November 1980 - Research Specialist, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Virginia Tech

December 1978 - June 1980 - Research Assistant, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Virginia Tech

Selected Major Awards

  • 2014 - Outstanding Alumnus Award, College of Engineering, Auburn University
  • 2013 - ASABE SMV Technologies Ergonomics, Safety and Health Award
  • 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2003, 2002, 1997, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988 - 27 Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
  • 2010 - ASABE Outstanding PM Reviewer, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
  • 2010 - ASABE Standard Developer, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
  • 2009 - Fellow, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
  •  2003 - ASAE Distinguished Lecture Series – Traction and Tractor Performance, American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE)
  • 1997 - Faculty Service Award-Professor, College of Engineering & Technology, University of Nebraska
  • 1997 - Excellence in Team Programming - “NUFACTS”, UNL Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska
  • 1996 - Distinguished Service Award, Nebraska Cooperative Extension Assoc., Specialists’ Section
  • 1994 - Nolan Mitchell Young Extension Worker Award, American Society of Agricultural Engineers

Program Focus

The overall goal of my research is to improve the understanding and the effectiveness of the biomass logistics and harvest efficiency. Bioenergy initiatives require an engineered system to move biomass from the field to the bio-processing plant. To date, no grass-based biomass system has proven effective for commercial development. Machinery management estimates for simulation modeling and observation of other biomass handling systems have been documented to gain insight into what is needed for grass-based biomass system. The goal is to develop simulations to predict equipment and transportation needs to handle biomass from field to SSL (satellite storage location). Additional focus is on tractor performance and updating of the spreadsheet developed in the 80’s. Finally, the use of drone technology to improve crop and livestock production systems are being investigated.

Program Focus

My primary role is to develop programs in the areas of agricultural machinery management, precision farming, and farm safety..  My overall program goal is to improve agricultural profitability through the selection and efficient use of machinery systems used in crop production, while providing a safe working environment, and protecting the environment.

Current Projects

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/author/g/grisso-robert.resource.html

Selected Recent Publications

(* undergraduate student, ** graduate student, *** post-doc)

  • Cundiff. J.S., R.D. Grisso, J.P. Resop, and J. Ignosh. 2023. Load-out and hauling cost increase with increasing feedstock production area. AgriEngineering, 5(4), 1694-1712. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering5040105
  • Resop, J.P., J.S. Cundiff, and R.D. Grisso 2022. Central control for optimized herbaceous feedstock delivery to a biorefinery from satellite storage locations. AgriEngineering, 4(2), 544-565. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4020037
  • Cundiff, J.S. and R.D. Grisso. 2021. Load and unload technology to improve round-bale hauling efficiency. AgriEngineering, 3(3):584-604. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3030038
  • Grisso, R..D., J.S. Cundiff, and S.C. Sarin. 2021. Rapid truck loading for efficient feedstock logistics. AgriEngineering 3(2): 158-167. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3020010
  •  Cundiff, J.S., R.D. Grisso, and J. Fike. 2020. Feedstock contract considerations for a Piedmont biorefinery. AgriEngineering, 2(4): 607-630. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering2040041
  •  Grisso, R.D., E.G. Webb and J.S. Cundiff. 2020. In-field performance of biomass balers. AgriEngineering, 2(4): 568-580. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering2040038
  •  Grisso, R.D., J.S. Cundiff, and E.G. Webb. 2020. Predicting field efficiency of round baling operations in high-yielding biomass crops. AgriEngineering, 2(3):447-457 https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering2030030
  •  Grisso, R.D., J.S. Cundiff, and K. Comer. 2020. Multi-bale handling unit for efficient logistics. AgriEngineering, 2(2):350-366  https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering2020023
  •  Grisso, R.D., and J. Fike. 2020. Management Tips for Round Bale Hay Harvesting, Moving, and Storage. VCE Publication 442-454 (BSE-332P) revision, July 1, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., and J. Fike. 2020. Determining Forage Moisture Concentration. VCE Publication 442-106 (BSE-330P) revision, July 2, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Machinery Safety on the Farm. VCE Publication 442-092 (BSE-324P) revision, posted May 28, 2019, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Safe Operation of Compaction Tractors. VCE Publication 442-093 (BSE-313P) revision, posted April14, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Using Tractor Test Data for Selecting Farm Tractors. VCE Publication 442-072 (BSE-329P) revision, posted May 26, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Predicting Tractor Diesel Fuel Consumption. VCE Publication 442-073 (BSE-328P) revision, posted May 13, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. “Gear Up and Throttle Down” to Save Fuel. VCE Publication 442-450 (BSE-326P) revision, posted May 13, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Five Strategies for Extending Machinery Life. VCE Publication 442-451 (BSE-327P) revision, posted May 13, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., and J. Fike. 2020. Large Round Bale Safety. VCE Publication 442-455, (BSE-331P) revision, posted May 26, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Assistive Technologies in Agriculture. VCE Publication 442-084 (BSE-325P) revision, posted May 13, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Preventing Secondary Injuries in Agricultural Workplaces. VCE Publication 442-085 (BSE-316P) revision, posted April 16, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., and S. Mariger. 2020. Arthritis and Farming. VCE Publication 442-083 (BSE-317P) revision, posted April 20, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., J. Perumpral, D. Ohanehi, J. Goatley, K. Jamison, C. Sutphin, D. Swafford, and H. Estes. 2020. Powered hand tools safety: lawn care training guide. VCE Publication Number: BSE-50P (BSE-322P) revision, posted April 28, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., J. Perumpral, D. Ohanehi, J. Goatley, K. Jamison, C. Sutphin, D. Swafford, and H. Estes. 2020. Hand tools safety: lawn care training guide. VCE Publication Number: BSE-51NP (BSE-323P) revision, posted April 17, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., J. Perumpral, D. Ohanehi, J. Goatley, K. Jamison, D. Swafford, C. Sutphin, and H. Estes. 2020. Guidelines for protecting youth workers. VCE Publication Number: BSE-46NP (BSE-314P) revision, posted April 17, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., J. Perumpral, D. Ohanehi, J. Goatley, K. Jamison, C. Sutphin, D. Swafford, and H. Estes. 2020. Rotary mowers safety: lawn care training guide. VCE Publication Number: BSE-110P (BSE-315P) revision, posted April 16, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D., J. Perumpral, D. Ohanehi, J. Goatley, K. Jamison, C. Sutphin, D. Swafford, and H. Estes. 2020. Tractor safety: lawn care training guide. VCE Publication Number: BSE-48NP (BSE-321P) revision, posted April 7, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Respiratory Protection in Agriculture. VCE Publication 442-601 (BSE-286P) revision, posted February 28, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Farmer’s Lung: Causes and Symptoms of Mold and Dust Induced Respiratory Illness. VCE Publication 442-602 (BSE-287P) revision, posted February 28, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Fine Tuning a Sprayer with “Ounce” Calibration Method. VCE Publication 442-453 (BSE-320P) revision, posted April 16, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2020. Plumbing Systems of Agricultural Sprayers. VCE Publication 442-452, (BSE-319P) revision, posted April14, 2020, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso, R.D. 2019. Droplet Chart/Selection Guide. VCE Publication, 442-031 (BSE-149P), posted August 13, 2019, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
  •  Grisso R.D., S. Askew, and D. McCall. 2019. Nozzle: Selection and Sizing. VCE Publication, 442-032 (BSE-262P) revision, posted August 13, 2019, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA