Obituary

Herbert Hinman

Herbert Robbins Hinman, Professor Emeritus & Extension Economist in Agricultural Economics at Washington State University, died peacefully at home Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. Herb received his B.S. (1965) and M.A. (1966) in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University.  He received his Ph.D. (1969) in Agricultural Economics from Penn State University. He was employed by the USDA (1969-1980), working at Cornell University, Washington D.C., and then spending five years in Ghana, West Africa, working with the agricultural extension officers. Receiving an invitation to join the WSU faculty in 1980, Herb subsequently spent 28 years as professor before medical reasons force a retirement at age 65.  Herb led the Farm and Ranch Management extension program until he retired in 2008. His research focused on production and finance, environmental and resource economics. He prepared or supervised the production of many of the enterprise budgets for farm management. Herb died four days prior to the 32nd anniversary of his familial kidney transplant in 1989. His new kidney worked until the end but the immunosuppressive agents required to prevent rejection took a toll on his body over the ensuing 30-plus years. Known for humorous poems, loving pranks and his persistence in whatever challenges came his way, he was definitely “a character like none other!” and will definitely be sorely missed by all.