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CORVALLIS - Robert M. Morgan of Gleneden Beach is one of 28 men and women recently honored as a 1998 Diamond Pioneers by the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences.

The Diamond Pioneer Registry, begun in 1983 when the college observed its 75th anniversary, honors those 75 and older for their contributions to agriculture and natural resources.

Morgan is being cited for his work in irrigation following his graduation from OSU in 1936. He has been an active member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and as chair of the Northwest Section headed the society's annual meeting in Portland in the early 1950s. He is the inventor of Morgan Rubber Concave Bars for raspbar combine harvesters.

His interest in irrigation evolved from a long career in sales, including serving as national irrigation sales manager for R.M. Wade & Co. in Portland. He was national agricultural sales manager and agricultural sales manager for two irrigation companies based in California. His work in irrigation design and layout took him to countries throughout the world.

In 1987, he was commissioned by the Irrigation Association to write a history of irrigation. Six years of research resulted in the book, "Water and the Land."