Ag. College replaces major

After 152 years, one of the University's first majors is being replaced.

The agronomy major, once a keystone in the University's curriculum, will become the agro-ecosystems science major, said Nathan Hartwig, professor of weed science and the former major's coordinator.

The change is welcome and necessary, said Elwood Hatley, the new major's coordinator.

The Agroecosystems science major, recently approved by the University Board of Trustees, is now accepting students. But no one is currently enrolled, said Hatley, professor of agronomy.

"This (new) major is an ecology major, basically in which we are looking at the total system, when many of our previous majors have been more disciplinary," Hatley said. "It's a holistic approach."

As the University approaches the next century, the skills farmers need to succeed have changed, Hatley said. Students need a broader understanding of food production and management, communication skills and technology.

The program will emphasize computer-intensive studies, such as satellite readings of crop maps, biogenetically engineered products and specialized disease and insect control, Hatley said.

Nathan Hartwig, professor of weed science and the former major's coordinator

"The agronomy major, which has been around since 1855, existed since the department of agronomy was created," Hartwig said. "We needed to make the umbrella a little bigger."

When the University began accepting students, about 50 percent of America farmed, Hartwig said. Currently, that figure stands at about 1 percent, he said. By merging four departments with low enrollments, students interested in crop production and vegetable and fruit cultivation will continue to receive the best possible education, he said.