Effective poultry programming in the next century. Introduction

Abstract

The symposium, coordinated by the PSA Extension Committee, is intended to stimulate productive discussions regarding the future, and component roles, of the land grant university system. To retain a strong infrastructure for our agricultural system, we must effectively meet challenges to the entire system, and recognize that the land grant university system has been, and will be, basic to the success of agriculture. Topics to be discussed include user fees for outreach and extension programs, balancing applied and basic research programs, and distance education opportunities. Many other topics are of great importance, such as recruitment, youth programs, the tenure system, personnel and program evaluation, and the capacity to inform the public regarding controversial issues. Societal changes have resulted in confusion between the role of stakeholders and shareholders in determining the proper focus of university programs. Although basic research is essential, it appears to many persons to be the idol of the land grant university system. Extension, applied research, and teaching programs are perceived to be a drag on such a system because little or no revenue is realized from this work. It is essential that we create respect and equality for research, teaching, extension, and youth programs, and recognize the importance of integrating all aspects of the land grant university system into aggressive and timely programs that address the needs of commodity and societal clientele.