Meeting Minutes June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes | Bill Bowman Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Fargo, ND

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on June 1, 2022. Present: Jim Bahm (online), Doug Bichler (online), Tom Bodine, Rep. Tracy Boe, Pres. David Cook, Lance Gulleson, Larry Hoffmann, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, Mark Urquhart (online), Dean Wehri and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Mark Birdsall, John Dhuyvetter, Sen. Jerry Klein.

Chairman Lovas called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m. She welcomed everyone in attendance and asked for introductions of the group.

Approval of April 6, 2022 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Larry Hoffmann made a motion to approve the April 6, 2022 meeting minutes as presented. Seconded by Lance Gulleson. Motion carried.

Dr. Heidi Pecoraro, Director of the Bill Bowman Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), greeted the group and provided an overview of the VDL.

Administrative Update from David Cook, President of NDSU

President Cook provided an update and noted that since starting three weeks ago, he has connected with the University individuals, groups and stakeholders. He is looking forward to attending Field Days and his role on SBARE.

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

Dr. Lardy provided updates on current projects including Big Data and the strategic planning process which would pull the three divisions together in a meaningful way. He has had discussions with Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald, VP for Research and Creative Activity on some collaborative federal projects. Peltier Complex planning is continuing. The team hopes to begin construction in late June. Preliminary planning is underway for the Ag Field Laboratory project which would replace aging facilities in Waldron Hall, Wiidakas Hall, the Lord Burnham Greenhouses, and the Potato Research Laboratory. Dr. Lardy extended an invite to SBARE for an afternoon social on June 23 to celebrate the Dakota Russet acceptance by McDonalds Company. Neil Fisher, North Dakota Wheat Commission administrator, and former member of SBARE, received an honorary doctorate of agriculture from NDSU at Spring 2022 commencement. Lardy reported that the legislative Interim Ag and Natural Resources committee will be hosted on NDSU campus in September.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage reported that Dr. Carrie Johnson accepted the position of Extension Assistant Director, Family and Community Wellness (FCW), effective June 1. The Extension Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development position search is in process. She thanked board members Julie Zikmund and Larry Hoffman; and Dr. Jane Schuh, Director, Agricultural Affairs, Special Initiatives; for serving on search committees. Flage noted that a search continues for the Agribusiness and Applied Economics Extension Livestock Development Specialist position, adding that generally, candidate pools are noticeably smaller. The county agent positions continue to be filled. Dr. Charlemagne “Charlie” Lim was hired as an Extension Weed Specialist position at the Williston Research Extension Center effective June 6. Flage indicated that counties would be working on legislative updates between July 1 and the end of November 2022, to thank legislators and county commissioners for their support and provide an update on programs and impacts. SBARE members in each region will also receive an invitation to attend these updates. 4-H camp is underway and the new pond is complete. The A01 Foundation provided funding for the camp pond and is using the camp for two weeks this summer.

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. Melissa Schwengler, administrative assistant, left NDSU. The hiring process for a replacement is hoped to be completed soon.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas expressed thanks to Melissa Schwengler for her assistance to SBARE and wished her well. Lovas noted that two new members would be joining SBARE effective July 1; Pam Gulleson and John Nordgaard. They were both in attendance in an unofficial capacity, and she welcomed them to the meeting. Julie Zikmund and Doug Bichler were re-appointed to the board for second terms effective July 1. A draft of the SBARE priorities was distributed to the board and a brief overview of the upcoming Field Days was provided.

Big Data Initiative

Drs. Ana Heilman-Morales and Jane Schuh provided a presentation and discussion on the status of the number one ranked priority from last biennium.

Retiring Member Recognition

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

After the recognition, Tom Bodine, deputy commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture provided a brief update.

NDSU Agricultural Affairs Strategic Plan

Dr. Sam Markell, strategic planning committee co-chair, provided an overview of the strategic plan and engaged the board on some of the goals, key outcomes, measures of success and action items. Markell also serves as co-interim Assistant Director, NDSU Extension Ag and Natural Resources, and is a professor in the NDSU Department of Plant Pathology.

Field Day Schedule Update

Chair Lovas noted that SBARE presence at previous Field Days received a positive response from supporters and stakeholders. She asked for volunteers to attend the 2022 Field Days. President Cook plans to attend Field Days events in addition to other meetings across the state.

Subcommittee Report on Awards and Recognition

The subcommittee consisting of Greg Lardy, Lynette Flage, Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler and Julie Zikmund, met via Zoom on May 5. The group discussed what was currently happening with employee recognition and the consensus was that another award was not needed. A number of ideas; however, were discussed to promote a meaningful relationship with SBARE. Chair Lovas asked that the committee reconvene for further discussion.

MOTION: Lance Gulleson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Dean Wehri.

Chair Lovas adjourned meeting at 1:24 p.m.

After the meeting, board members were invited for a tour of the Bill Bowman Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory hosted by Dr. Heidi Pecoraro.

Respectfully submitted,
Janelle Quam