Prof. Baard obtained the degrees B.Sc. Agric (1960), B.Sc. Agric Honours (1963) and M.Sc. Agric (1964) from the University of Stellenbosch.  He started his career as a plant pathologist (Highveld region) at the Agricultural Research Station in Potchefstroom in 1961.  In 1962 Schalk was appointed as lecturer in Plant Pathology at UFS.  His research focused on crown rot of wheat, Verticillium wilt of cotton and leaf spot diseases of groundnut.  In 1979 he graduated with a Ph.D. thesis, ‘Studies on the survival of Verticillium dahliae in soil’, from UFS.  At this time his research emphasis shifted to blackhull of groundnut.  Following his appointment as head of department in 1988, Schalk was promoted to professor in 1989. 

He retired from UFS in 1995 and moved to Stilbaai where he pursued his hobbies of fishing, gardening and carpentry.  Schalk was a founder member of the SASPP and served the society in many ways.  He will especially be remembered for his expertise, mentorship and training of students in the complex field of soil-borne diseases.  Schalk is survived by a son, Igor and daughter, Cara-Lu.