When I chose this subject I had no ambition to shoulder the burden of a critical survey of agricultural economics today—years after the founding of our Association. Others have found that such an undertaking requires an extensive committee, large funds, and years of work. Nor was I prompted by misgivings about our profession’s performance in the pursuit of truth or the services it renders. Repeatedly, in recent years, I have seen the work done by American and Canadian agricultural economists from observation points in other parts of the world. I am the more profoundly impressed by what has been achieved within one generation, how much is going on, and how much better public service may confidently be expected in coming years.