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Most Americans would agree that agricultural production is essential to sustain the food supply for the United States and much of the world. But turn the topic to how and where that food is produced, and opinions quickly become divided.
A proposal to locate or expand a confined animal feeding operation can be a catalyst for controversy as communities weigh economic development, environmental impact and public opinion.
Purdue Agriculture researchers are leading a landmark Environmental Protection Agency study that will provide the data to establish science-based air emission standards for livestock operations. Without the research, political and social pressures could unduly shape policy regarding farm-air quality. The goal of this effort is to discover how science can aid in developing fair and accurate air-quality regulations (page 8).
Our scientists are national leaders in many important issues related to animal agriculture, including odor-control research and how different diets and management practices contribute to odor.
While national in scope, these discoveries will help individual communities plan for and site these types of agricultural industries. Purdue Extension's Land Use Team is already working with local planning commissions on ways to lessen rural-urban conflict.
Purdue scientists are also taking the lead in another groundbreaking research project, one that will map the soybean genome (page 16). Learning the function of all of the genes will unleash a wealth of opportunities to improve yield, to make healthier food products and to create consumer goods from renewable resources—all to the benefit of producers and citizens.
Other stories in this issue include plant research conducted 30,000 feet above the ground (page 12), entrepreneurs who are revitalizing Southern Indiana's rural economy (page 22) and what the job market holds for new agriculture graduates (page 20). While these articles about Purdue Agriculture's research, teaching and outreach activities are diverse in topic, they have a common origin in our land-grant mission to improve the lives and livelihoods of our citizens.
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