A historical event for A&M-Commerce took place on Sept. 13 when the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock held a hearing on campus. “This is the first time a House or Senate committee has met on campus. This is an historical event and you honor us by being here,” President Keith McFarland told the House Agriculture Committee members.

The Ag Committee members heard about an A&M-Commerce course which gives students the opportunity to grow crops. In Plant Science 220, “Crop Production Practicum,” students grow crops, such as wheat and cotton, on 10-acre plots near Commerce. After hearing about this course, the committee members expressed support for an A&M-Commerce administration proposal for state funding to expand the project so more students may participate.

“You have some really good work going here and we want to support it. We think it’s really important,” committee chairman David Swinford said. During the hearing which lasted a little more than two hours, 12 persons testified. President Keith McFarland gave an overview of the University followed by a presentation on the department of agricultural sciences by head Don Cawthon.

The hands-on course was discussed by ag sciences faculty member Don Reid and Texas Agricultural Extension Service entomologist Jim Swart. The Ag Committee had been conducting public hearings in various parts of the state with the Commerce hearing in legislator Betty Brown’s home district. Leading the hearing was Brown from Terrell.