- Email: [email protected]
A Place in the Sun1
A Place in the Sun1 A. j . G .
MAW2
College of Basic Studies, University ojSouth Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620
T
'The presidential address given at the 5Sth annual meeting of the Poultry Science Association. 2 Formerly Head of the Department of Poultry Science, Pennsylvania State University, retired.
of poultry departments in respect to land, stock, buildings, equipment and personnel. He stated "We will command respect only in proportion as we respect ourselves and show that we deserve support and that we know what we require to make a department efficient." It is now a matter of history that separate departments of poultry husbandry were created in most of the states. Several papers published in the journal of the Association in 1917 indicate that a great deal of thought was given to the organization and policies of these early departments. Poultry departments were at this time all things to all phases of the industry. The professors were almost the "high priests" of the industry. With recognition came a realization of the responsibility, well stated by O. B. Kent in his presidential address in 1921 as follows, "We have more men getting greater salaries and with better facilities than ever before. Let's pay dividends." I fully believe Dr. Kent's exhortation has been answered. We have kept to the fore, many firsts can be credited to the poultry scientist. Certainly in breeding, nutrition, disease control and management no species has been subjected to so many changes leading to efficient production as has the domestic fowl. There is no need for me to elaborate on the changes which have come about in respect to the activities of department personnel. With the growth of the industry and federal agencies many matters not strictly instruction, research or extension have been put into other hands. Beyond that we find today that in many parts the activities and programs of depart-
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Kainan University on May 14, 2015
HE privilege of being your president, an honor which I deeply appreciate, carries with it the responsibility of a presidential address, characterized by some as "the ordeal of words." In recent years our past presidents have given us excellent talks on research, undergraduate and graduate training as they pertain to the scientific aspects of our vocation. For a few minutes this morning, I should like to direct your attention to some other phases of our activities. Since most of us are or have been at some time associated with a Department of Poultry Husbandry or Science we might for a few minutes consider the changes taking place in this administrative unit today. Secondly, I wish to speak about some Association matters which I believe should be of concern to us. The founders of our organization, who also worked hard for the establishment of separate departments of Poultry Husbandry in the Agricultural Colleges were seeking to develop independent programs of instruction, an identity for their work, a "Place in the Sun." In 1908 at the first meeting of the International Association of Instructors and Investigators in Poultry Husbandry at Cornell University, Professor Rice, who incidentally gave both the address of welcome on behalf of Cornell and the response for the Association, noted the growing recognition by colleges and experiment stations of the importance of poultry husbandry and emphasized the role the meeting could play in determining the needs
292
A. J. G.
think we can justly say that these aims have been those of all subsequent meetings of our association. Naturally there have been from time to time questions raised as to our objectives and accomplishments. As early as 1916 A. G. Phillips, then President, asked "What has it meant to have this organization among the people of our country? What do we do that is constructive?" He pointed to developments and changes in the industry and indicated that to the college poultrymen belonged the honor and necessity of seeing that the industry was guided properly. At that time the association had or assumed a broad responsibility. Today we are one of many organizations, national, sectional, state and commodity which serve the different interests of the industry. We have, over the years, consciously or not, redefined our role and have tended to limit our activities to those relating strictly to instruction, research and extension. The question we should pose for ourselves today is whether our organization and its objectives are adequate. Have we kept pace with the industry or is our place simply that of a passive scientific society. Are we adequately aiding in the scientific and technological planning needed? Let us look at ourselves. We can be proud of our Journal. The forty odd volumes of Poultry Science are evidence that the Association through our editors has done a good job in providing this medium for the dissemination of the results of the many and varied research studies. We have been fortunate in having Editors who have maintained high standards in respect to the quality of papers published. Perhaps at some future time when an important breakthrough is made, its suggestion will be found in some isolated study made years before and published in Poultry Science. By means of our committees and by in-
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Kainan University on May 14, 2015
ments are being critically examined. This is not because departments, as such, have failed in living up to their responsibilities. It is rather due to situations which have developed in recent years. The reduction in number of students interested in the field of poultry husbandry, for example, has posed problems in the instructional field. Of necessity courses have had to be dropped. New courses have had to be developed of a general nature based on a discipline approach and involving other animal species. Reports on curricular reorganization have been given to us at recent meetings and tonight we have a special session on this topic. We certainly hope such changes will meet the needs of students in the immediate future. What is important is the awareness of the need for change and that steps are being taken to meet the need. Another factor which is affecting department organization is the degree to which the increase in information relating to all disciplines is leading to more cooperation between the personnel of different departments. This is evident for example in an area such as food technology in which many departments can cooperate in organizing a curriculum particularly for the basic courses. What the administrative unit is called is not important so long as its operation provides the courses needed by the student in his specialty, enables the researcher to develop and pursue his interests and facilitates the extension of new techniques to the industry. I'm sure the challenges of the future will be met just as the early difficulties were met by those who fought for an identity. Professor Rice at the 1908 meeting, previously mentioned, also outlined the several purposes of the meeting as: better understanding of methods of teaching, research and extension; organization of workers for greater unity and efficiency; and consideration of questions of policy and practice. I
MAW
A PLACE IN THE SUN
sentatives of the Animal Science and Dairy Science Societies. Your Secretary, Editor and President attended this meeting and a full report has been made to your executive. The exchange of information relative to committee organization and activities, publications and finances was found to be most helpful. Briefly a start has been made to develop united action by our groups on legislation affecting the activities of our members or the industry. Plans have been made to continue such meetings in the future. Our association will, I am sure, be able to extend its activities and influence as conditions in the future warrant. If we have a deficiency at the present time I feel it falls in the category of policy considerations relating to the programs and activities which I have mentioned. Your executive in session at the annual meetings has many routine matters to consider and usually there is not enough time to deal with basic policy matters which may need attention. I am suggesting to the executive that a small committee on policy be established. The members of which would meet on the day preceding our meeting to consider matters of policy and items referred to them by the executive falling in that category. I leave with you the advice of the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, "It takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else you must run at least twice as fast as that."
NEWS AND NOTES U.S.D.A. NOTES He received a B.S. degree at the University of In recognition of distinguished service over a Wisconsin in 1929, a M.S. degree at Kansas State period of 25 years or more, the American Society College in 1930, and a Ph.D. degree from the of Animal Science has conferred the title of Fellow University of Wisconsin in 1941. After serving upon Ralph E. Hodgson, Director, Animal Hus- a year as Assistant Dairy Husbandman at Kansas bandry Research Division, Agricultural Research State College in 1930, Dr. Hodgson was Agent in Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dairying, Bureau of Dairy Industry, U.S. DepartHe was born July 20, 1906 in Arena, Wisconsin. ment of Agriculture. Following this, he served as (continued on page 367)
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Kainan University on May 14, 2015
dividual representation, we are cooperating with industry groups in many ways. We have given some attention to the critical need for trained men both for industry and institutional positions but I ask, have we done enough? Your committee on youth activities is attempting to develop a program which would alert and interest high school students in the careers available in our industry. Such a program requires money and we must interest other organizations in this endeavor. It seems to me that this is a place where the Poultry Science Association should be a leader. Our relations to industry organizations and other associations which are similar in organization and have objectives like ours could be strengthened. As you know, our industry committee has been most active in seeking to bolster our financial position through advertising. The very excellent brochure which you have received in your packet is proof of this interest. I wish at this time to extend our grateful thanks to the committee and especially to Gordon Rapp who conceived the idea, had the brochure designed and printed at no cost to the association. In respect to other societies similar to ours we have had during the past year communications with the American Society of Animal Science in regard to legislative matters of common interest. In order to explore more fully the possibility of united action on certain matters a meeting was held on July 29 of this year with repre-
293
MAW2
College of Basic Studies, University ojSouth Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620
T
'The presidential address given at the 5Sth annual meeting of the Poultry Science Association. 2 Formerly Head of the Department of Poultry Science, Pennsylvania State University, retired.
of poultry departments in respect to land, stock, buildings, equipment and personnel. He stated "We will command respect only in proportion as we respect ourselves and show that we deserve support and that we know what we require to make a department efficient." It is now a matter of history that separate departments of poultry husbandry were created in most of the states. Several papers published in the journal of the Association in 1917 indicate that a great deal of thought was given to the organization and policies of these early departments. Poultry departments were at this time all things to all phases of the industry. The professors were almost the "high priests" of the industry. With recognition came a realization of the responsibility, well stated by O. B. Kent in his presidential address in 1921 as follows, "We have more men getting greater salaries and with better facilities than ever before. Let's pay dividends." I fully believe Dr. Kent's exhortation has been answered. We have kept to the fore, many firsts can be credited to the poultry scientist. Certainly in breeding, nutrition, disease control and management no species has been subjected to so many changes leading to efficient production as has the domestic fowl. There is no need for me to elaborate on the changes which have come about in respect to the activities of department personnel. With the growth of the industry and federal agencies many matters not strictly instruction, research or extension have been put into other hands. Beyond that we find today that in many parts the activities and programs of depart-
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Kainan University on May 14, 2015
HE privilege of being your president, an honor which I deeply appreciate, carries with it the responsibility of a presidential address, characterized by some as "the ordeal of words." In recent years our past presidents have given us excellent talks on research, undergraduate and graduate training as they pertain to the scientific aspects of our vocation. For a few minutes this morning, I should like to direct your attention to some other phases of our activities. Since most of us are or have been at some time associated with a Department of Poultry Husbandry or Science we might for a few minutes consider the changes taking place in this administrative unit today. Secondly, I wish to speak about some Association matters which I believe should be of concern to us. The founders of our organization, who also worked hard for the establishment of separate departments of Poultry Husbandry in the Agricultural Colleges were seeking to develop independent programs of instruction, an identity for their work, a "Place in the Sun." In 1908 at the first meeting of the International Association of Instructors and Investigators in Poultry Husbandry at Cornell University, Professor Rice, who incidentally gave both the address of welcome on behalf of Cornell and the response for the Association, noted the growing recognition by colleges and experiment stations of the importance of poultry husbandry and emphasized the role the meeting could play in determining the needs
292
A. J. G.
think we can justly say that these aims have been those of all subsequent meetings of our association. Naturally there have been from time to time questions raised as to our objectives and accomplishments. As early as 1916 A. G. Phillips, then President, asked "What has it meant to have this organization among the people of our country? What do we do that is constructive?" He pointed to developments and changes in the industry and indicated that to the college poultrymen belonged the honor and necessity of seeing that the industry was guided properly. At that time the association had or assumed a broad responsibility. Today we are one of many organizations, national, sectional, state and commodity which serve the different interests of the industry. We have, over the years, consciously or not, redefined our role and have tended to limit our activities to those relating strictly to instruction, research and extension. The question we should pose for ourselves today is whether our organization and its objectives are adequate. Have we kept pace with the industry or is our place simply that of a passive scientific society. Are we adequately aiding in the scientific and technological planning needed? Let us look at ourselves. We can be proud of our Journal. The forty odd volumes of Poultry Science are evidence that the Association through our editors has done a good job in providing this medium for the dissemination of the results of the many and varied research studies. We have been fortunate in having Editors who have maintained high standards in respect to the quality of papers published. Perhaps at some future time when an important breakthrough is made, its suggestion will be found in some isolated study made years before and published in Poultry Science. By means of our committees and by in-
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Kainan University on May 14, 2015
ments are being critically examined. This is not because departments, as such, have failed in living up to their responsibilities. It is rather due to situations which have developed in recent years. The reduction in number of students interested in the field of poultry husbandry, for example, has posed problems in the instructional field. Of necessity courses have had to be dropped. New courses have had to be developed of a general nature based on a discipline approach and involving other animal species. Reports on curricular reorganization have been given to us at recent meetings and tonight we have a special session on this topic. We certainly hope such changes will meet the needs of students in the immediate future. What is important is the awareness of the need for change and that steps are being taken to meet the need. Another factor which is affecting department organization is the degree to which the increase in information relating to all disciplines is leading to more cooperation between the personnel of different departments. This is evident for example in an area such as food technology in which many departments can cooperate in organizing a curriculum particularly for the basic courses. What the administrative unit is called is not important so long as its operation provides the courses needed by the student in his specialty, enables the researcher to develop and pursue his interests and facilitates the extension of new techniques to the industry. I'm sure the challenges of the future will be met just as the early difficulties were met by those who fought for an identity. Professor Rice at the 1908 meeting, previously mentioned, also outlined the several purposes of the meeting as: better understanding of methods of teaching, research and extension; organization of workers for greater unity and efficiency; and consideration of questions of policy and practice. I
MAW
A PLACE IN THE SUN
sentatives of the Animal Science and Dairy Science Societies. Your Secretary, Editor and President attended this meeting and a full report has been made to your executive. The exchange of information relative to committee organization and activities, publications and finances was found to be most helpful. Briefly a start has been made to develop united action by our groups on legislation affecting the activities of our members or the industry. Plans have been made to continue such meetings in the future. Our association will, I am sure, be able to extend its activities and influence as conditions in the future warrant. If we have a deficiency at the present time I feel it falls in the category of policy considerations relating to the programs and activities which I have mentioned. Your executive in session at the annual meetings has many routine matters to consider and usually there is not enough time to deal with basic policy matters which may need attention. I am suggesting to the executive that a small committee on policy be established. The members of which would meet on the day preceding our meeting to consider matters of policy and items referred to them by the executive falling in that category. I leave with you the advice of the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, "It takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else you must run at least twice as fast as that."
NEWS AND NOTES U.S.D.A. NOTES He received a B.S. degree at the University of In recognition of distinguished service over a Wisconsin in 1929, a M.S. degree at Kansas State period of 25 years or more, the American Society College in 1930, and a Ph.D. degree from the of Animal Science has conferred the title of Fellow University of Wisconsin in 1941. After serving upon Ralph E. Hodgson, Director, Animal Hus- a year as Assistant Dairy Husbandman at Kansas bandry Research Division, Agricultural Research State College in 1930, Dr. Hodgson was Agent in Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dairying, Bureau of Dairy Industry, U.S. DepartHe was born July 20, 1906 in Arena, Wisconsin. ment of Agriculture. Following this, he served as (continued on page 367)
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Kainan University on May 14, 2015
dividual representation, we are cooperating with industry groups in many ways. We have given some attention to the critical need for trained men both for industry and institutional positions but I ask, have we done enough? Your committee on youth activities is attempting to develop a program which would alert and interest high school students in the careers available in our industry. Such a program requires money and we must interest other organizations in this endeavor. It seems to me that this is a place where the Poultry Science Association should be a leader. Our relations to industry organizations and other associations which are similar in organization and have objectives like ours could be strengthened. As you know, our industry committee has been most active in seeking to bolster our financial position through advertising. The very excellent brochure which you have received in your packet is proof of this interest. I wish at this time to extend our grateful thanks to the committee and especially to Gordon Rapp who conceived the idea, had the brochure designed and printed at no cost to the association. In respect to other societies similar to ours we have had during the past year communications with the American Society of Animal Science in regard to legislative matters of common interest. In order to explore more fully the possibility of united action on certain matters a meeting was held on July 29 of this year with repre-
293