Meeting Minutes July 26, 2024
July 26, 2024 Meeting Minutes | Fargo, ND
The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on July 26, 2024. Present: Jim Bahm, Tom Bodine, Mike Clemens, Pres. David Cook, John Dhuyvetter, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, Rep. Alisa Mitskog, John Nordgaard, Scott Ouradnik, Mark Urquhart, and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Doug Bichler, Commissioner Doug Goehring, and Pam Gulleson.
Chair Lovas called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
Approval of June 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Julie Zikmund seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Administrative Update from David Cook, President of NDSU
President Cook updated the board on several events hosted on campus including Governor’s School, ND FFA State Convention, Navy week, TEDx week, and the beginning of the Richard Offerdahl ‘65 engineering building construction. He also thanked the NDSU Research Extension Centers (RECs) for their efforts in putting on field days.
Administrative Update from Greg Lardy, VP for NDSU Agriculture, Dean, Director, Director
Dr. Lardy thanked the board members who attended the NDSU REC Field Days. He noted building updates that were showcased, including the Central Grassland REC Livestock Facilities groundbreaking, and the Hettinger REC Livestock Facilities ribbon cutting. He shared that Dr.
Benjamin Geaumont, research Associate Professor at Hettinger REC, is working with the Presidential Library in Medora, ND to propagate native seeds for the sod roof.
Dr. Lardy updated the board on several searches on campus for NDSU agriculture: Associate Dean, Director of Agriculture Communications, internal search for Interim Assistant Director for the ND AES under Dr. Casey, and internal search for the Assistant director for AES to work with Blaine Schatz.
He also highlighted the launch of a new communications initiative called “Boots on the Ground”. This will highlight staff and faculty across all of NDSU Agriculture.
Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension
Dr. Flage thanked the various leaders have taken the time to come and show at the 4-H Showmanship event at the State Fair the following weekend.
She noted that Extension is preparing for the legislative session by scheduling informational sessions with legislators across the state.
Administrative Update from Frank Casey, Associate Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station
Dr. Casey gave updates on the research and development side of the FARMS initiative (https://www.farmsfeedstheworld.com/). He announced that a Food, Energy, Water, and Security (FEWS) director search is currently underway.
Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair
Chair Lovas thanked the board members who were able to get out to the NDSU REC Field Days as well as those who hosted.
She asked Jim Bahm to give Ag Coalition updates, and he noted the following important dates:
- Next Ag coalition meeting is 9:00 a.m. December 3, 2024 in Bismarck.
- In January, they will begin their weekly breakfast meetings with legislators.
- Ag Coalition social is scheduled January 16, 2025, 5-7 p.m. in Bismarck.
New Business
Dr. Shana Forster, North Central REC Director, updated the board on details around a potential land purchase adjacent to the North Central REC in Minot.
MOTION: Sen. Jerry Klein made a motion to allow Dr. Shana Forster to begin negotiations on land for sale adjacent to the North Central REC. Jim Bahm seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Nesson Valley Capital Project Update
The sub-committee tasked with reviewing the Nesson Valley Capital Project reported details to the board. The committee reviewed options to revise the original building plans, which would require a change of intent from the legislature.
MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion to have the legislature change the intent of the original project of the Nesson Valley build in Williston, ND. The new intent would include a heated shop, break room, and two bathrooms. There will be efforts to raise up to 1.7 million dollars to aid in finishing the project in addition to the carry-over of previously appropriated funds. The project is to be headed by Dr. Samuel Funk, Williston Research Extension Center (WREC) Director. Seconded by Sen. Jerry Klein. Motion passed.
Update on Capital Construction (Bolley Agricultural Laboratory)
In appreciation for his eight years of dedicated service to SBARE, an engraved Bison statue was presented to Larry Hoffmann and he was thanked on behalf of the board.
Chair Lovas welcomed Mike Clemens, in attendance, as the new Ag Coalition appointee starting July 1.
Review of Field Days Schedule and Assignments for Attending
Chair Lovas discussed with the board the NDSU REC field days calendar and reviewed SBARE member attendance.
Mike Ellingson, Director of Facilities Management, shared with the board the updates and timeline on the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory construction at NDSU.
MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion to remove the second request (Fully Fund Field Lab Facility) from the SBARE capital priority list due to the construction coming in under budget.
Seconded by Sen. Jerry Klein. Motion passed.
MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sen. Jerry Klein seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall