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September 6, 2007
agriculture department implements state-of-the-art technology
In response to changes in the agricultural sector, the University of
Louisiana at Monroe is instituting a new technology initiative in the
Department of Agriculture.
The decision to incorporate new and practical applications of biotechnology,
mapping software, and GPS/GIS technologies into the Agribusiness curriculum
demonstrates ’s participation in the latest industry developments. The
university is committed to exposing its students to state-of-the-art
demonstrations in field laboratory situations and experiences related
to farm management, said James Casey, head of the Department of Agriculture.“This development in our program keeps the students competitive in an
increasingly difficult marketplace.”
To provide the necessary technology demands of Agribusiness, the university
will no longer commit financial resources to non-academic activities, such
as breeding and boarding thoroughbred horses, activities which have not been
financially feasible in the past. With assistance from prominent community
members, the horse herd will be winnowed and the proceeds used to fund the
department’s technology initiative. The remaining horses will still
contribute to the running of the animal science minor, as well as to courses
in equine therapy in continuing education.
Jeffrey Cass, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, calls this new programming the“best possible outcome” for students pursuing a career in Agribusiness and the
most efficient stewarding of state dollars. “The university is first and
foremost an academic enterprise,” Cass said, “and we must honor that trust
that the taxpayers have given us by maintaining quality programs with all
available resources."
For more information, call Casey at (318) 342-1768 or e-mail him at jcasey@ulm.edu or call Cass at (318) 342-1754 or e-mail him at jcass@ulm.edu.
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