Meeting Minutes December 7, 2021

December 7, 2021 Meeting Minutes | Dickinson, ND

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on December 7, 2021. Present: Jim Bahm, Mark Birdsall, John Dhuyvetter, Doug Goehring, Lance Gulleson, Larry Hoffmann, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, Mark Urquhart and Dean Wehri. Present via zoom: Sarah Lovas and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Doug Bichler, Rep. Tracy Boe, Dean Bresciani.

Vice Chairman Bahm called the meeting to order at 8:04 a.m. (mountain time). He welcomed everyone in attendance and asked for introductions.

Approval of November 2-3, 2021 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Sen. Jerry Klein made a motion to approve the November 2-3 meeting minutes as presented. Seconded by Mark Birdsall. Motion carried.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas was present via zoom and advised that Vice Chairman Bahm will guide the session. As an input session, it is a time to listen and learn from the public about their needs and ask questions to understand the issues. Chair Lovas offered thanks and appreciation for all the stakeholders that have come before the board as the input is extremely valuable. The board will continue to receive input until January 5, 2022. She reminded SBARE board members that President Bresciani will host them for a reception at his home on January 11, 2022.

Mary Helvig, Coordinator for the Agricultural Research Fund

Ms. Helvig requested the board discuss/approve updating policies and procedures so the following can be included in the Eligible Uses of Funds section: (1) For projects that require matching funds-Equipment requests are acceptable, as long as the project is presented as a whole, and that the researcher reports on their research findings. (2) For projects that do not require matching funds (Animal Ag and New & Emerging Crops)-The research portion of the project must be fully funded by another entity in order for the researcher to ask SBARE for funds to purchase equipment. The project has to be a research project and not solely a project to purchase equipment. The equipment must be tied directly to the research.

The request was that a committee be formed to review the details of the requested changes and then bring that information back to the board for discussion as well as to make approvals or changes.

MOTION: Mark Birdsall made a motion to form a committee allowing Dr. Lardy’s office to review the changes and provide suggestions. Seconded by Mark Urquhart. Motion carried.

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

Dr. Lardy advised that the special session wrapped up last month and he was happy to report that the funds included $8.029 million for the Ag Experiment Station to fund projects at four Research Extension Centers. He expressed thanks to Senator Klein as well as the North Dakota Senate and House for their support and efforts.

The planning process for the Peltier complex continues to move forward. A successful and well-attended ground-breaking ceremony was held on November 19. Fundraising for the building will continue until December 31. Fundraising efforts in 2022 will include equipment and other fixtures for the building. NDSU faculty, staff, and students appreciate all support for those involved.

NDSU continues to move forward to comply with federal government on vaccine mandate. Later in the meeting, NDSU was informed that a federal court had issued a temporary injunction barring implementation of the vaccine mandate. NDSU will follow guidance issued by the State Board of Higher Education related to this ruling.

Administrative positions update: Dr. Leon Schumacher, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Chair, will start January 3, 2022 and Dr. Guillermo Scaglia, Animal Sciences Head, will start March 31, 2022. Other searches continue including the Carrington Research Extension Center Director and the Agricultural Experiment Station Associate Director position.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage indicated they are receiving many questions from staff regarding the vaccine mandate and they are responding as best as possible. She gave an update on the levy mills. They are working to inform local advisory councils that understand extension work in the counties with the mill levies. There are many new hires for county and administrative roles and administrative changes for two permanent assistant directors (currently filled on an interim basis by Carrie Johnson – Family and Community Wellness and LeighAnn Skurupey – 4-H Youth Development), which will include a national search after the new year. A search will begin for an Interim Assistant Director of Agriculture & Natural Resources as Dr. Charlie Stoltenow has accepted a position as Dean and Director of Nebraska Extension. A reception will be held for Dr. Charlie on December 20.

Resolution

MOTION: Mark Birdsall made a motion to support a resolution for Dr. Charlie Stoltenow to show appreciation for his dedicated support and service for SBARE over the years. Seconded by Chair Sarah Lovas. Motion carried.

Update from Tom Bodine, Office of the ND Agriculture Commissioner

Resolution

MOTION: Mark Birdsall made a motion to support a resolution for Senator Warder to recognize him for all his work in support of SBARE. Senator Jerry Klein seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Testimony / Input Session

• 8:45 a.m. Elizabeth Nesham - ND Stockmen's Association
• 9:00 a.m. Scott Monke, President - U.S. Durum Growers Association
• 9:15 a.m. Representative Mike Lefor
• 9:30 a.m. Senator Rich Wardner
• 9:45 a.m. Jerry Bergman, Director - Williston Research Extension Center
• 10:15 a.m. Wes Frederick, Vice Chair - ND State Soil Conservation Committee
• 10:30 a.m. Christopher Schauer, Director - Hettinger Research Extension Center
• 10:45 a.m. Kendall Nichols, Director of Research - ND Soybean Council
• 11:00 a.m. Becky Peterson - ND 4-H Foundation Board
• 11:15 a.m. Rebecca Phillips, Ph.D. - Ecological Insights Corporation
• 11:30 a.m. Shelley Lenz, DVM, Ph.D. - State Ave Veterinary Clinic
• 11:45 a.m. Tamra Heins, State Executive Director - ND Pork Council
• 1:00 p.m. Casey McCollum, Plant Perfect - VIRTUAL
• 1:15 p.m. Ted Becker - Rocking 05 Nursery

MOTION: Motion by Senator Jerry Klein to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mark Birdsall. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned 1:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Schwengler