College Farm Procedures OK

I am compelled to correct some factual errors presented by Bryce C. Bateman in his Jan. 10 Letter to the Editor headlined “College Farm in Bad Shape.”

Bateman’s letter begins with a discussion of the death of a calf. While the event is too complex to explain in limited space, let me assure you that normal animal husbandry practices were followed in attempting to deliver the second of a pair of twin calves. However, despite the efforts of a highly trained farm staff, the calf, incorrectly positioned in the birth canal, was stillborn.

The veterinarian, who is always on call, reviewed what happened and concluded that the stillbirth was unavoidable.

Bateman states that “the pastures have not been planted or watered in more than two years except to accommodate a movie set.” In truth, all costs for the “Toys” movie set, including water, were paid for by the production company; no college funds were used.

Bateman’s statement that “the college, and particularly the farm, is in financial difficulty” is accurate, since most of its funding comes from the state.

Therefore, the college faces difficult decisions. Should we spend declining funds on educating our students for new jobs and job advancement, or should we spend such limited funds on keeping the fields green for aesthetics?

The agriculture program is an ongoing concern, sheep and cattle still graze in the pasture, the horse population continues to support the highly successful equine program, and swine are still in residence. However, the bird, opossum and gopher populations are declining, primarily because of predatory cats from the surrounding neighborhood.

If our neighbors are serious about saving the Pierce College farm, they should enroll in our agriculture classes, which will then increase both our enrollment and our funding. They might also support the farm by making tax-deductible donations to the foundation for Pierce College and indicate on the check that the donation be used to maintain the farm.

PHILIP L. STEIN. Stein is dean of academic affairs at Pierce College .