346 A_~IERICAN POTATO JOURNAL [Vol. 47

E L M E R C. P I F E R H O N O R E D

President Munro, ladies and gentlemen: It is indeed an honor and my pleasure to present to you Professor Elmer Pifer for the award of Honorary Life Member in The Potato Association of America.

Elmer has been working on potato problems in Pennsylvania since 1947, when he joined the Penn State staff as extension agronomist. He has attended many PAA meetings, and has often presented the results of his fertilization studies to the membership. His early interests in soil conservation and teaching have been reflected in his contributions to improved production management practices for potatoes in Pennsylvania. Extensive use of soil testing procedures by Pennsylvania growers reflects

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Elmer 's efforts in this direction. He retired in June 1969, having served on the Penn State staff for 22 years.

Elmer was chairman of the Extension Programs Committee of PAA, and has been a steady participant and supporter of the Association. His talent in the conduct of interpersonal relations was recognized when he was a member of the Pennsylvania Potato Industry Goodwill People-to- People Mission to Western and Eastern Europe. He is an active member of the American Society of Agronomy and other technical and honorary professional groups in addition to the Potato Association of America. He is the author of numerous publications and articles on potato production in Pennsylvania.

Elmer 's wife, Nancy, is with him tonight, sharing this moment of recognition as she has shared so much in the years leading to it. The Pifers have a son James, a daughter Patricia Jean, both Penn State graduates, and four grandchildren.

Ehner - - we congratulate you, and thank you for your lifetinae career of service to your family, friends, colleagues, and to our industry. We hope you will continue to be interested in potatoes and in The Potato Association of America, and we look forward to many more meetings with you in attendance.

Mr. President, I am pleased to present Mr. Elmer Pifer for Honorary Life Membership in the Potato Association of America.

ORA SMITH