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Discovery outside the lab
I start this by telling you that I do live in Nebraska, but I am not a University of Nebraska graduate. In fact, if you don't know, I am still attending the secondary college of my choice, the school of hard knocks. The reason I feel compelled to tell you that is because I want you to know that these sentiments are not some emotional tie to my alma mater. In the past few years, I have had the great opportunity to spend a tremendous amount of time on college campuses around the nation, frequently working with Block and Bridle members. The time spent has been a tremendous confidence booster for me about the future of agriculture in the United States. They continually help me remember that the best products being produced on U.S. farms and ranches are kids not commodities. The really interesting thing about my visits is that I am typically in and out, but with short visits and frequent returns you can get a real feel about the spirit and enthusiasm that exists. I don't think that I am the only one who had sensed a lag in enthusiasm from Nebraska kids in their desire to be a part of the UNL system in years gone by. During the last school year, I was on the campus in Lincoln three times. A change in the outlook from the entire Animal Science Department was clearly evident. There is a fresh new outlook, particularly in the animal science programs. Without giving it much thought, I know of two young ladies who came to college with non-ag majors, but because of their interaction with faculty in the program, switched to animal science in their second year. What initiated this new level of excitement within the UNL Animal Science Department? My assessment lands credit for that in the hiring of Don Beermann as department head in 1999. So you can image my confusion when I learned that he was reassigned from his position Aug. 1. Upon further investigation, I believe he was removed because of his commitment to animal science and the future of agriculture in Nebraska. Dr. Beermann was willing to stand up to the Vice Chancellor of Agriculture who wanted to cut faculty positions in the Animal Science Department. Don Beermann was willing to put his neck on the line and stick to his guns on what he thought was important for the future of the state of Nebraska from an agricultural perspective. This seems like a good time for a quick history lesson about land-grant universities born out of the Morrill Act of 1862. Passage of the First Morrill Act (1862) reflected a growing demand for agricultural and technical education in the United States. While a number of institutions had begun to expand upon the traditional classical curriculum, higher education was still widely unavailable to many agricultural and industrial workers. The Morrill Act was intended to provide a broad segment of the population with a practical education that had direct relevance to their daily lives. The Nebraska situation is a sign of the times in my opinion. What is the purpose of a land-grant college today? Who will continue to conduct research that benefits the citizens of this country? I was told that the change in Nebraska was made because "we want to try different things." "Different things", from my perspective, seems to be more closely tied companion animals than to food animals. Yes, many people have pets but everyone has to eat! The state of Nebraska is, first and foremost, an agricultural state. In excess of $11 billion dollars in farm revenue and one of every three jobs are related to agriculture. Even with the growth in the ethanol sector, 66 percent of the state's farm revenue comes from livestock agriculture. Everyone in and around the state who has first hand knowledge of this incident is concerned that this department change is a step back from our investment in young people and research as it relates to the future of livestock agriculture in the state. I don't care what state you are in, if this can happen in Nebraska, your research institution is subject to similar changes. I personally believe in the future of land grant universities and livestock agriculture but the time has come for more of us to stand up for what we think is right without regard for what might happen to us personally. Don Beermann has found the ultimate method of bringing light to a serious nationwide problem and it shouldn't take you much lab time to uncover the potentially devastating results for yourself. Editor's note: Trent Loos is a sixth generation United States farmer, host of the daily radio show, Loos Tales, and founder of Faces of Agriculture, a non-profit organization putting the human element back into the production of food. Get more information at www.FacesOfAg.com, or e-mail Trent at trent@loostales.com. Date: 9/4/07
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