Meeting Minutes July 29, 2022

July 29, 2022 Meeting Minutes | North Central Research Extension Center (NCREC), Minot, ND

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on July 29, 2022. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, Tom Bodine, Pres. David Cook, John Dhuyvetter, Doug Goehring, Pam Gulleson, Larry Hoffmann, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, John Nordgaard, Mark Urquhart, Dean Wehri and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Rep. Tracy Boe.

Prior to the meeting, board members met at 8:15 a.m. for a tour of the NCREC weed science research plots and seed cleaning facility led by Director Shana Forster. Upon return of the tour, Chair Lovas called the meeting to order at 9:27 a.m. She thanked Shana and the NCREC staff for the tour and Shana presented a bit of history of the NCREC land base and Poor Farm. Members and those in attendance gave introductions and discussed their experiences in the various 2022 REC annual field days they were able to attend.

The board welcomed special guest Maci Wehri, 2022 North Dakota Miss Agriculture USA. Maci, daughter of SBARE member Dean Wehri, received a sponsorship from the Stockmen’s Association that enabled her to attend the national competition in Ohio where she was crowned Miss Agriculture USA June 19, 2022. She is the first winner from the Midwest and looks forward to educating others on her platform of farm safety.

Approval of June 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Mark Urquhart made a motion to approve the June 1, 2022 meeting minutes as presented. Seconded by Larry Hoffmann. Motion carried.

Administrative Update from David Cook, President of NDSU

President Cook opened discussion on his role in SBARE and looked to the board for feedback regarding the appropriate level of advocating that would make him most effective. He discussed the current funding formulas and informed the board changes will be coming in the future.

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

Dr. Lardy discussed the bidding climate challenges the Agricultural Experiment Station is facing with multiple capital projects. Due to the rising inflationary pressures, Dr. Lardy recommended SBARE to consider adding a 14% inflationary cost to the 2023-2025 SBARE ranked capital project request. He explained the 14% would be consistent with the State Board of Higher Education inflationary increase approval.

MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to support adding the 14% inflationary cost to the 2023-2025 capital project request. Seconded by Larry Hoffmann. Motion carried.

Dr. Lardy reported that David Ruhland, Director of the Agriculture Budget Office, has accepted the position of Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his last day will be August 5th. A search committee is in process of conducting an internal search for an Interim Director. A search for a permanent Director will soon follow.

Jerry Bergman, Director of the Williston Research Extension Center, announced his retirement effective October 31st. A search for the permanent School of Natural Resource Sciences (SNRS) director will begin and Dr. Lardy thanked Dr. Frank Casey for his service in that role.

Peltier Complex planning is continuing.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage reported the Extension Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development position search is closing early August. The Agribusiness and Applied Economics Extension Livestock Development Specialist position, Jon Biermacher will begin August 15th. She gave a brief update on the progress of the animal agriculture work group.

Dr. Flage discussed a letter that was sent to SBARE members from the Sargent County Board of Commissioners in July of 2022. The letter discussed concern of replacing the Sargent County Extension Agent position who had recently retired. Dr. Flage explained to the board that she has been in touch with the Sargent County Board of Commissioners and is currently evaluating that position based on the county’s needs. She gave a brief overview of the process her department goes through to ensure their goal of an Extension presence in every county.

Administrative Update from Frank Casey, Associate Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station

Dr. Casey noted that the NDAES is tech lead on a large grant from the USDA, is partnering with Mississippi State on a precision ag project, and is continuing interactions with Grand Farm.

The Agricultural Research Fund (ARF) policies and procedures have been reviewed in collaboration with Ona Vig, Ag Budget grants and contracts officer; and Mary Helvig, coordinator for the ARF; and the format revised. Dr. Casey will review the revisions later in the meeting.

An offer has been accepted in the search to fill the administrative assistant position, previously held by Melissa Schwengler. Erin McCall will start September 6.

Land Purchase HREC

Discussion took place regarding a land purchase opportunity with landowners in Hettinger, negotiated at $1,700/acre.

MOTION: Dean Wehri made a motion to support the HREC land purchase. Seconded by John Dhuyvetter. Motion carried.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas expressed thanks to those that helped administer the 2022 REC annual field days, she also thanked those involved in administrative support and SBARE acknowledged Dave Ruhland for his budgeting support the past 15 years.

She thanked President Cook for hosting the NDSU/SBARE reception at his home on August 29. This gathering will provide an opportunity to learn about NDSU and SBARE legislative priorities for the upcoming session.

Recognition Committee Report - Bahm, Bichler, Zikmund

Julie Zikmund spoke on behalf of the recognition committee and provided blank “Thank You” cards to the board. She handed out a supply as an opportunity to catch someone doing good things and acknowledge them with a personalized hand written note. The purpose of the cards is to promote a more meaningful connection with stakeholders outside of SBARE. Chair Lovas thanked the committee for the work they have done.

Agricultural Research Fund (ARF) Report - Frank Casey

Dr. Frank Casey presented the board suggested revisions to the ARF policies and procedures; and criteria for proposal selection. Dr. Casey reviewed the documents in collaboration with Ona Vig, Ag Budget grants and contracts officer; and Mary Helvig, coordinator for the ARF. Casey asked the board to consider a motion to adopt the recommended revisions in the current version to ensure consistency between policy and practice.

MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to review the revised version and submit an electronic vote to adopt the recommended revisions as presented. Member votes and additional comments are due by August 19. Seconded by John Nordgaard. Motion carried.

Retiring Member Recognition

In appreciation for his eight years of dedicated service to SBARE, an engraved Bison statue was presented to Mark Birdsall and he was thanked on behalf of the board.

The Board had lunch and discussion with local area Legislators.

Chair Lovas reminded the board the legislative Interim Ag and Natural Resources committee will be hosted on NDSU campus on September 7.

After the meeting, board members were encouraged to attend the 3:00 social for the ND Leaders Showmanship Competition at the ND State Fairgrounds.

MOTION: Sen. Jerry Klein made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Pam Gulleson. Chair Lovas adjourned meeting at 1:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Cherie Fischer