Present and Future Trends of Grassland Research in the United States

WHEN your chairman asked for a description of grassland research in the United States, present and future, the mere thought of the task brought me a picture of a flea contemplating an elephant. Grassland agriculture is so large and varied in its entirety, is spread over so many disciplines, and is so complex in the interrelationships of the biological, social and economic communities that I can only hope to comment on how this flea views the rapidly changing giant. Grassland agriculture is not new in the United States, although intensive research on grassland problems dates back only about four decade.s. No one more vigorously protected his range than did the American cowboy, yet in most instances he was fighting the wrong spoilers. Most of his heritage of thick prairie grass sods were lost to either the plough or poor grazing management. Today most Americans think of the range as a place to ride, getting their impression from television movies. A growing number, however, realize the great importance of our grasslands, both range and pasture, as crops that do much to serve our growing popul,ation better every day. As each segment of grassland farming has progressed, the real problems have become apparent in increasingly more rapid succession. Each new finding inspires new opportunities to improve the contribution oif grass to daily living. By far the most important single research development in recent years is the extent to which sophisticated, problemoriented scientistshave co-ordinated their investigations as a team effort. Co-operative research by competent men in many disciplines has opened broad new horizons of opportunity previously closed to the individual working almone. And this includes co-operation with and within industry as well as public-supported institutions. The result has been that the role of the grassland farmer has changed from that of a labourer to a business manager. More than any other farming today, and in the future, the primary function of the farm and ranch operator will be t,o