Meeting Minutes April 11, 2024
April 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes | Zoom
The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on April 11, 2024. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, Pres. David Cook, John Dhuyvetter, Doug Goehring, Pam Gulleson, Larry Hoffmann, Scott Ouradnik, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, John Nordgaard, Mark Urquhart, and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Sen. Jerry Klein, Rep. Alisa Mitskog.
Chair Lovas called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
Approval of February 21, 2024 Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Larry Hoffmann made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. John Nordgaard seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Administrative Update from David Cook, President of NDSU
Dr. Cook provided enrollment projection updates for next fall semester. NDSU is navigating FASFA delays as well as the Minnesota tuition changes (Minnesota Promise). Goals are in place to expand online availability to remain competitive while emphasizing the invaluable experience of in-person classes. He noted that several neighboring state universities are drastically changing policies around in-state students. Additionally, various strategies are being implemented for NDSU’s long-term sustainability. Dr. Cook announced that as a result of the funding from the Legislature and generous philanthropic donations, the Engineering Building will be break ground this year.
Administrative Update from Greg Lardy, VP for Agriculture, Dean, Director, Director
Dr. Lardy gave several updates on capital construction projects. The groundbreaking of the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory and the dedication of the Peltier Complex is planned for June 12. Dr. Lardy gave several updates on NDSU and REC Capital construction projects.
Dr. Lardy informed the board of the work underway with the State Board of Higher Education and the Envision 2035 agriculture subcommittee with John Nordgaard, Jim Bahm, Dr. Cook and other committee members from across the state. The five main areas of critical importance have been identified include precision agriculture/data analytics; livestock development; consumer preferences and demographics, and climate sustainability and resiliency.
Dr. Lardy announced that funds have been provided for the NDSU Food, Energy, and Water Security Initiatives with Dr. Coleen Fitzgerald, VP for Research and Creative Activity, to bring more federal funding to address major concerns across North Dakota and nationally. This includes funds from the USDA Economic Research Service to create a National Agriculture Policy Center at NDSU. Dr. Sandro Steinbach of the Agribusiness and Applied Economics department will lead the project. Two-million dollars annually from the Economic Research Service to support the center.
Dr. Lardy announced that the Agriculture Communication director search is underway with a goal to have a permanent director this summer. The position is currently held by interim co-directors, Elizabeth Cronin and Kelli Anderson. Discussion has continued with the NDSU Office of the Provost regarding opening the search for the associate dean position.
Dr. Lardy announced that CAFSNR will have a completely online Agriculture Science bachelor’s degree available fall of 2024 and a master’s of Agricultural Science available fall of 2025.
Dr. Lardy shared that NDSU received $2.2 million of the Challenge grants to match donations.
Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension
Dr. Flage reminded the board of the Extension Leaders Showmanship event on July 27th. The Next Chapter Program works with 4-H to recruited young students to NDSU. Extension is doing preadmission of 8th graders. The inaugural year will bring 70 students to campus to tour and to prepare them for college and careers. She noted that National Science Foundation’s FARMS is underway to make several key hires to support the engine.
Dr. Flage announced several upcoming retirements; Dr. Dave Franzen – Extension Soil Health, Dr. Ken Hellevang – Extension Ag Engineer, Greg Endres - Cropping Systems Specialist, and Andrew Thostenson – Pesticide Specialist. Dr. Brady Goettl will be replacing Dr. Franzen and will start in May.
Administrative Update from Frank Casey, Associate Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station
Dr. Casey noted that there was a FARMS kickoff event in Washington D.C. with the other ten award recipients. In April 2025, Fargo will be hosting the University and I Consortium which will have many industry leaders in attendance. There will be many opportunities to highlight NDSU key facilities and SBARE.
Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair
Chair Lovas thanked the board for their work developing the priority lists. Additionally, she thanked the NDSU administrative team for the background work and support. She reminded the board of the next meeting on June 19 and noted that the board is welcome to attend the Legislative Interim Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting on June 20 at the Louise S. Barry Auditorium, Richard H. Barry Hall, North Dakota State University. Additionally, a July 26 SBARE meeting will be held at the North Central REC in Minot the day before the 4-H Showmanship Event on July 27. SBARE members are welcome and encouraged to attend the fair event.
Chair Lovas announce and congratulated Dr. Greg Lardy as the inaugural recipient of the Joe and Norma Peltier Endowed Vice President for Agriculture.
Presentations
Several groups/individuals were invited to present to the Board supplemental information from their respective input testimonies. The presenters included Dr. Chris Augustin (Director of the Dickinson REC), Dr. Leon Schumacher (Chair of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department), Dr. Guillermo Scaglia (Head of the Animal Sciences Department), Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald (Vice President for Research and Creative Activity), and Marc Wallman (Vice President for Information Technology).
Report on Governor's Strategy Review
Drs. Lardy, Flage, and Casey presented to the board key information from the Governor’s strategy review on March 27, which essentially was preliminary work for the upcoming legislative session. They noted the goals for the next three biennia for Extension (EXT), Ag Experiment Station (AES), and the Northern Crops Institute (NCI).
Review Final Priorities
Chair Lovas noted that finalized priority lists will be available to the board soon.
MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to adjourn the meeting. John Nordgaard seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall