Meeting Minutes June 10, 2025

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on June 10, 2025. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, Mike Clemens, Pres. David Cook, Doug Goehring, Pam Gulleson, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, Rep. Alisa Mitskog, John Nordgaard, Mark Urquhart, and Julie Zikmund. Absent: John Dhuyvetter, Sen. Jerry Klein, and Scott Ouradnik.

Chair Lovas called the meeting to order at 12:31 p.m.

Approval of May 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Mark Urquhart made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mike Clemens seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Administrative Update from David Cook, President of NDSU

President Cook provided an update on several key topics, including the impact of the recent legislative session on NDSU's budget, progress on the New Horizons program, the awarding of Challenge Grants, and ongoing development at the Research and Technology Park. He also highlighted that three major studies on higher education policies and funding that are currently underway as part of the Interim Higher Education Committee work. Additionally, he noted that the university continues to adapt to changes in the federal landscape that affect research grant funding.

Administrative Update from Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier VP for Agriculture, Dean, Director, Director

Dr. Lardy updated on implementing budget for the legislation 2025-2027 biennium that contained cuts to both Extension and AES. Part of this changes included the OMB FTE position consolidation that changes fund use of vacant positions. He noted that the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) has been rolled out.

He announced that there are several searches in the works for the search for Bolley Agricultural Laboratory facilities manager, Plant Pathology Chair, Assistant Director of Field Operations for AES, and the Williston Research Extension Center Director. Additionally, Dr. Xin (Rex) Sun has been appointed as the inaugural holder of the endowed chair of the Peltier Institute for Advancement in Agricultural Technology at North Dakota State University.

He shared the success of Bison to the Bakken course that 37 NDSU students participated in to have the opportunity to explore western North Dakota’s ‘All of the Above’ approach to energy sector development. Students connected with top employers and discovered internship and job opportunities.

Dr. Lardy noted the various adjustments NDSU Agriculture has made as a result of federal stop orders. Finally, he announced the $2.6 million in challenge grants that NDSU Agriculture received as part of the most recent legislative session.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage provided an overview of key developments influencing Extension funding. She highlighted recent legislative support for a carbon and biofuel specialist position and a $2.4 million grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation to support the Aging in Communities program. She also addressed budget reductions resulting from the latest legislative session.

Dr. Flage shared that she recently visited Extension offices across 14 counties. She also announced the upcoming 4-H Leadership Showmanship Event, scheduled for the morning of Saturday, July 26. Additionally, she noted Extension's involvement in the upcoming Ag Summit hosted by the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber, where the FARMS program will be featured in an informational presentation.

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

Dr. Casey shared updates on the searches for the Veterinary Toxicology Resident and the Bolley Facilities Manager positions. He also discussed the potential impacts of recent legislative decisions regarding the management of funds tied to open FTEs. He explained to potential changes at the federal government that could affect research operations, including how Hatch capacity funds are allocated.

Updates from Commissioner Goehring, Agriculture Commissioner, Department of Agriculture

Commissioner Goehring updated the board of the outcomes in the Department of Agriculture from the legislative session as well as updates from meetings in Washington D.C.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas reminded the board to submit for reimbursement for board related expenses to Erin McCall as soon as possible. She expressed her thanks to Mary Helvig of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives for her support on the Agricultural Research Fund (ARF) Committees.

Lastly, she expressed her gratitude to the board and NDSU team for their participation and dedication during her time on the board.

Agricultural Research Fund (ARF) 2025-2027 Contract Approval

MOTION: Doug Bichler made a motion to approve the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives contract to manage the ARF Committee upon the updating of Dr. Lardy’s title to “Joe and Norma Peltier VP for Agriculture.” Jim Bahm seconded. Motion approved.

Field Day Schedule

The Board reviewed the scheduled NDSU Field Days.

SBARE Elections

Chair Lovas announced the recommendation from the Nominating Committee comprising herself, Representative Mitskog, and Senator Jerry Klein to nominate Pam Gulleson as Chair and John Nordgaard as Vice Chair of SBARE.

MOTION: Alisa Mitskog made a motion to adopt the report as presented. Julie Zikmund seconded that motion.

Mike Clemens voted to cast a unanimous vote to appoint Pam Gulleson as Chair and John Nordgaard as Vice Chair to SBARE. Mark Urquhart seconded. Motion passed.

Acknowledgment of Outgoing Members

Chair Lovas welcomed in inaugural Chair Gulleson (I) and Vice Chair Nordgaard (II) to the leadership of SBARE. She also welcomed Scott Huso and Jason Schmidt, and wished the best of luck to Mark Urquhart as he concludes his term.

MOTION: Sarah Lovas made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mark Urquhart seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall