Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022

April 6, 2022 Meeting Minutes | Carrington, ND

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on April 6, 2022. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, Mark Birdsall, Dean Bresciani, John Dhuyvetter, Doug Goehring, Lance Gulleson, Larry Hoffmann, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, Mark Urquhart, Dean Wehri and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Rep. Tracy Boe.

Chairman Lovas called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. She welcomed everyone in attendance and asked for introductions of the group.

Approval of March 2 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Larry Hoffmann made a motion to approve the March 2, 2022 meeting minutes as presented. Seconded by Jim Bahm. Motion carried.

Administrative Update from Dean Bresciani, President of NDSU

President Bresciani provided an update and stated that NDSU enrollment is up with the growing freshman class. He advised that a successful fundraising campaign just finished, which will allow for scholarships to be provided so NDSU will be competitive with other schools.

Administrative Update from Greg Lardy, VP for Agricultural Affairs, Dean, Director, Director

The strategic plan for Agricultural Affairs is nearly finalized. It will be posted on the VP’s web page once completed. Thanks to Drs. Christina Hargiss and Sam Markell, committee co-chairs for their work. Dr. Lardy has been working with VP for Research, Colleen Fitzgerald to develop a plan for engagement with the federal delegation on research priorities. Work continues on plans for the Peltier Complex. Inflation in construction costs continues to be a concern. We are also working with architects on space utilization plans for an agricultural field laboratory facility. Dr. Cook will be attending the REC field day sin July. Dr. Lardy also thanked Tim Faller and Blaine Schatz for their work with the Plains Equipment Group and their dealers for the equipment lease. Plains dealers have been bending over backwards to get the equipment need for the upcoming field season. Issues with NDSU soybean variety 21008 were discussed. Steve Sebesta with Foundation Seed is communicating with growers regarding the variety.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension

Lynette reported that Julie Zikmund was re-elected to serve as the NE representative. And, Pam Gulleson, was elected for the SE region. The Assistant Director Family and Community Wellness (interim Dr. Carrie Johnson) and the Center for 4-H Youth Development (interim Dr. LeAnn Skurupey) interviews will begin soon. Two interim Assistant Directors for Agriculture and Ag Natural Resources were hired. Both Dr. Sam Markell and Dr. Mohamed Khan will serve for the next 5-6 months, sharing the responsibilities. They are located in Morrill Hall. This will give them each the opportunity to learn more about the position as we learn more about their skill sets. The permanent search will begin in April, which will be chaired by Dr. Jane Schuh.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas thanked Carrington for hosting SBARE. Mark Birdsall and Lance Gulleson will be terming out; therefore, their replacements (John Nordgaard and Pam Gulleson) will be sent to the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) for approval. Julie Zikmund and Doug Bichler were re-appointed and their names will also be sent to the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) for approval.

Chair Lovas reminded the board about the prioritization process and encouraged discussions on the bundles that were created for Extension, Agriculture Experiment Station (AES) and Capital Project. Another vote will take place and then discussion about whether or not to have cut lines.

Chair Lovas wanted to take a moment to recognize President Dean Bresciani as this is his last SBARE meeting. His support for NDSU and NDSU Agriculture has been tremendous over the years and she expressed her gratitude as well as some favorite memories of him. She noted that great advances in agriculture took place under his leadership. Former chairs, including Mike Beltz, Rod Howe, and Mark Birdsall. and others in attendance also took a moment to thank him and wish him well. Dr. Lardy and Chair Lovas presented Dean Bresciani with Bison statue to thank him for his dedicated service to SBARE.

Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) Land Purchase Update (via Zoom)

Dr. Christopher Schauer, Director HREC, is working to secure the appraisals for the property in Hettinger. He asked for the appropriate way to continue to look for senator to carry the bill. He will continue to negotiate with land owner (who is in Arizona). The land owners’ appraisals and the appraisal that Dr. Schauer received had a disparity; therefore, he will continue to work through process, and will continue to keep board in the loop on how things are going.

Farm/Ranch Safety Initiative

Angie Johnson, state farm safety coordinator, gave a presentation on farm safety and offered some tips and educational information to the board. During her presentation, she advised that there are limited trauma centers in North Dakota; however, she works with different partners such as NDSU, Sanford Trauma Center, UND Medical Sciences Department and NDSU Extension. Her work contributions will be published in a prestigious journal.

Preparation for the 2023 Legislative Session

Greg, Sarah and Lynette discussed the priority list and how to effectively communicate with everyone, to be good advocates for the Agricultural Experiment Station as well as Extension.

It is important to also continue to communicate with staff on the legislative process and how it actually works to ensure everyone is informed. It was a helpful process for the staff to have the ability to watch the committee meetings online. Remote will continue to be offered.

The Field to Fork idea was very effective. Ag comm assisted in creating a video where different people were able to share a brief statement about their work, which was put together in a video format that was presented. It was different, easy to listen to and really helped people gain a better understanding of the different areas. It was a very informational narrative.

Sarah challenged the board to get out and share what SBARE is, does, how it impacts ND and the personally as well as how AES and Extension affect operations. She asked them to get out and have conversation - hit on high points, be short and let others have the opportunity to ask questions.

Discussion of Awards for Faculty and Staff

Chair Lovas is looking for ways to ensure faculty and staff feel valued, recognized and heard. She appointed a committee of Doug Bichler, Julie Zikmund and Jim Bahm to research this and offer suggestions. She asked that they consider what is already in place and see what can be done to enhance that or think of new ideas. Input from Greg and Lynette will be provided.

Chair Lovas adjourned meeting at 11:59 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Schwengler