Michigan State University - Red Cedar Log Yearbook (East Lansing, MI)

Page 18 text:

Agriculture economics majors study the financial side of farm management to determine how costs can go down and sales and production rise. Opportunities in this field also exist in the extension work which the School of Agriculture carries on to a very great degree throughout the state. Artists can find a spot in the School of Agriculture as well as in the other schools. The curricula in landscape architecture and urban planning require an artistic talent as well as the ability to think creatively. Designing and improving landscape plans, the student becomes familiar with the flora in the area and the methods necessary to preserve it. Much of the activity of the ag school is hidden from the student's view. Michigan State College owns about 4,000 acres of property. Only 480 acres make up what is popularly referred to as campus The rest of the land is spread out to the south and the School of Agricul- ture occupies most of it with the college farms. fi l' l I l l l I l Farm machinery courses provide men with a better understanding of farm lx equipment and maintenance. Qi l l l l g V W rvvvvfrnlrn .9 . guy Tv! 'Ulf 'vl'lr is j pm .film lim T1 lv J iv 4: ,lid ' 'Uni ff gggafggrgg, u 14 . , Wagga A 'ik 4, 1 4 A scale model of a dairy barn and yard are examined by two ag students. Studying models helps in planning layouts.

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It's old. The School of Agriculture is IOO years old. It's the oldest agriculture school of its kind in the world. From it came the idea that produced the great land-grant school system which developed universities in every state in the union. Under the direction of a well-trained staff and with the aid of the finest research facilities, the School of Agricul- ture trains men and women to run scientifically the agriculture and farm industry of the state and nation. Students in the ag school are given the background for advanced study in the two years of general courses which they all take. Emphasis is placed upon the sciences dur- ing this period because science is the basis for successful farm management. Specialization is afforded the junior and senior in the School of Agriculture. Over 30 training areas, from agricultural economics to poultry husbandry, constitute the various curricula in the school. Interest in animals is promoted in one of the animal sciences. Animal husbandry gives students the chance to learn about the care and feeding of animals. breeding practices and stock raising. Chickens and other poultry come in for close study in the poultry husbandry depart- ment. Egg production is of prime importance for the poultry raiser and this is not neglected in the intensive research products which the department undertakes. Dairy production means more than milking cows. The science of correct diet and proper care may increase milk production considerably which will increase dollar profits. Horticulture offers another opportunity for the ag major. The science of plant life is important in any economy which depends upon wood products and grown food to a great degree. Pomology, floriculture and food technology are possible curricula in this department. Planting and pruning pro- cedures are emphasized in these courses and the proper care of plant life to protect it from parasitic diseases is emphasized. ' ' 1 Ps Soil science experiments are performed by this student who tests the effect upon soils of chemicals. Landscape architecture students examine the model of one of their de- signs, pointing out the use of shrubbery. 13 ,fl 0 li' In 'D Q

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:I ,,1',::2:E::: 1 W' i p if , .2 fi . I f , tr 1, K H' ff as 5 'r I at 35 . E -rt 5 M- ' .W 'V p. WldalnWhiIeFme-PondemsaPlrae-SugarPine f A F i h The wood technology curriculum acquaints students with different wood materials and their uses. Using these farms as laboratories, ag majors get a taste of what their future life will be like. They come in con- tact with the same problems they will face as farmers and the solution of the problems here may save them money and time later. For almost a century now the School of Agriculture has been training men and women in the science of agriculture. It will probably continue for a century more and then another century. As long as man depends upon the gifts of the earth for survival, training in utilizing this earth to its maximum advantage will demand technical education. 'ia st.-,, A student works industriously on a design for a park. Practical training like this is emphasized in park management. X Li Seeds are basis of all agriculture. Studying seeds is one of the most im- portant jobs in agricultural work. I5