Volume 31, Number 1

Brenda Schumann editor

Kellye Fondy associate editor

Summer Dean & Steve Estes photo editors

Miranda Eastwood advertising sales

Kassidy Aldridge, Stephanie Armstrong, Tamara Pruessner & Walker Wallace advertising development & graphics

Kori Clark, Bryan Cole, Jeremy Derington, Will Frederick, Kathy Greer, Kellie Krebs, Cade Nobles, Annie Parchman& Phil Trammel page layout

Scarlett Hagins graduate assistant

Dr.Jacqui Laockaby advisor

(l to r) top- Walker Wallace, Summer Dean, Tamara Pruessner, Kathy Greer, Cade Nobles. middle- Stephanie Armstrong, Kassidy Aldridge, Kori Clark, Kellie Krebs, Jeremy Derington, Kellye Fondy. bottom- Phil Trammell, Will Frederick, Bryan Cole, Steve Estes, Miranda Eastwood.

Welcome to another exciting edition of The Agriculturist. This edition’s theme is "Back to the Basics," and in it you will find stories ranging from the newest trends in agriculture to feature articles on some of our outstanding alumni.

The staff of The Agriculturist chose "Back to the Basics" as its theme to show the wide range of current events happening in agriculture while still focusing on the important events of the past. We realize the important steps agriculture has made throughout time and its evolution into what we know as agriculture today. Whether it be the present or the past, agriculture has the same basic themes -- family, hard work, dedication, and an all-out love for the land.

As future agricultural communicators, we believe it is our responsibility to promote all aspects of agriculture and the importance it plays in everyone’s lives. We strongly believe that agriculture is the most vital industry in the world, and it is our responsibility to protect and ensure its continued existence.

As you read through this edition of The Agriculturist, we sincerely hope that you enjoy our version of "Back to the Basics." We know that you will enjoy finding out about the newest research methods, learning about why we’re involved in agriculture, and discovering why we should all return to our heritage and get "Back to the Basics."