 Printer Friendly version  Plain text version |
Industry groups express concern over MSU plan
Proposed changes within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) prompted several Michigan agriculture groups to express grave concerns.
The Michigan Milk Producer's Association sent a letter to CANR Dean Jeff Armstrong which outlined its concerns about the proposed merger of the Departments of Animal Science, Food Science and Human Nutrition. The Michigan Cattlemen's Association also sent a letter, expressing similar concerns.
Specifically, said the MMPA letter, the merger offers no savings.
"It appears that the creation of such a large department will actually create the need for more administrative and support staff," the letter said.
MMPA also said that, in its opinion, "the reduced emphasis on animal science may hinder recruitment activities for both faculty and students."
Signed by MMPA President Ken Nobis, the letter points out that "recent department mergers have not been successful.
"The assimilation of the Agriculture Communications Department and the Agriscience Education Department into Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resources (CARRS) has effectively diminished both areas of the college," the letter said. "Prior to the creation of CARRS, the Agriculture Communications Department was one of the best in the nation; today it is merely a shell of its former department."
The Cattlemen agreed that Agriculture Communications has less visibility as a major because the merger "resulted in the disappearance of the Agriscience program."
The Cattlemen expressed concern over the MSU farms, which it called "an integral part of the Animal Science teaching, research and Extension program. It is doubtful that the Food Science and Human Nutrition faculty has an understanding of the important role that the farms provide to MSU."
Michigan Farm Bureau also sent MSU a list of concerns regarding the changes and their impact to agriculture, and vowed diligence to achieve the best outcome for stakeholders.
"Farm Bureau will continue to work with Dean Armstrong and MSU to help develop the best plan for Michigan agriculture," MFB President Wayne H. Wood said.
| Printer Friendly version Plain text version |
