I would like to start with a premise, then discuss a bit of history as it applies to agriculture and food production, then relate food production to a country's total economy, and lastly, relate the profession of a weed scientist to a country's capacity to produce food.

I have enjoyed close and direct association with four different Land Grant Colleges. At the fourth, I served 20 years on the staff and became 50 years of age, giving me the privilege of retiring. If my comments appear critical of Land Grant Colleges as recently administered, these comments are intended to serve as constructive criticism. Contributions of the Land Grant Colleges are basic to our total United States welfare. Our society and our way of life continue to need these contributions. Perhaps the goals and objectives should be changed, but the contributions are still strongly needed.