a Letter from Jim Marion

My term as Director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) will have expired by the time this issue of Highlights is published. Dr. Ron Shumack will be Interim AAES Director until the new Director arrives on campus in early January.

My thoughts for this issue of Highlights are very simple and practical. The message theme is that agricultural programs at Auburn are important to Alabama and the rest of the world and that the AAES is a vital part of these programs. AAES has a rich history dating back to the year 1883. For every dollar spent during these 115 years, the Station has contributed multiple dollars back to agricultural producers, agribusiness firms, and Alabama citizens.

Just as higher education is one of the best investments that society can make for its people, agricultural research is likewise the best investment our state can make for agriculture. Agriculture is Alabama's largest economic sector and the AAES helps drive this economic sector.

It is encouraging to see supporters of Auburn's agricultural programs rally in a strong and unprecedented manner to support agriculture.

My hat is off to faculty and staff and to those many organizations and individuals who have helped keep the state's agricultural programs as healthy and productive as they are today.

The future should be even better if AAES faculty and staff will stay highly productive and work closely with all those now rallying to support agriculture. In this process, let us not forget the history of AAES nor diminish the future role of the Station in keeping agriculture healthy at Auburn and in Alabama.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful support given me as ag program leader at Auburn. Continue that support with your new Director and it will pay dividends for years to come.