Meeting Minutes June 14, 2023

June 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes | Fargo, ND

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on March 9, 2023. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, John The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on June 14, 2023. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, John Dhuyvetter, Pam Gulleson, Larry Hoffmann, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, Rep. Alisa Mitskog, John Nordgaard, Mark Urquhart, and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Pres. David Cook, Doug Goehring, and Dean Wehri.

Chair Lovas called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m.

Approval of March 9, 2023 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Larry Hoffmann made a motion to approve the March 9, 2023, meeting minutes as presented. Seconded by Jim Bahm. Motion carried.

Agricultural Research Fund (ARF) Contract Approval

MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion to approve the renewal of the ARF contract as presented. Seconded by Pam Gulleson. Motion carried.

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

Dr. Lardy announced that there are several searches underway for administrative positions. The interim Associate Dean position was filled by Dr. Carrie Hammer of the Animal Sciences Department; she will begin June 16, 2023. Dr. Carrie Johnson has agreed to serve as acting director for Agriculture Communication. The search has begun for an interim director as the former director, Kristen Harner, accepted a new position. Additionally, a search will relaunch for the Williston Research Extension Center (REC) director position. Dr. Schauer has been the acting director in addition to his position as the director of the Hettinger REC.

Dr. Lardy gave an update that the construction of the Peltier Complex building is estimated to be completed in April 2024. Upon its completion, several departments will be moving into the complex.

Dr. Lardy shared that there have been ongoing changes implemented due to declining enrollment in the College of Agriculture Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR). The NDSU Transform initiative reorganization decisions have been finalized. The following programs/units will be joining CAFSNR: Center for 4-H Youth Development, Agricultural Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences Education, on July 1, 2023.

Additionally, the new College budget model will be implemented on July 1, 2023. Dr. Lardy explained that this model functions on a tuition revenue structure. As a notable event to take into consideration, he explained that the State of Minnesota has passed a program that provides free tuition for Minnesota residents for in-state students who fall within a household income under $80,000. Dr. Lardy cited that 52% of the student body comes from Minnesota. He concluded that there will be additional conversations and research to see how this change will affect NDSU.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage thanked the board for their support on the initiatives for 2021 and 2023. She announced that the two positions have been filled for the livestock initiative funded in 2021. She also gave an update on the farm and ranch safety initiative. She shared that Angie Johnson, Farm and Ranch Safety Coordinator, hosted several successful youth camp events that gained both online and news coverage. Additionally, the Big Data Pipeline Unit has brought on several interns for the summer to continue code-writing to update the NDSU Extension pest management app. The unit also will be launching a search for a replacement Extension big data specialist in the near future. Positions funded during the 2023 legislative session include a swine specialist and a soybean pathologist, and searches for these two positions are underway soon.

Dr. Flage gave an update on the NSF Engines Grant that she, Dr. Casey, and others have been working on. This precision technology grant of $160 million dollars would lead to the development of partnerships around ag technologies for the next 10 years. She announced that NDSU is currently a semifinalist.

Dr. Flage announced that the 4-H camp is full for 2023 and that there are a record number of youth signed up. She concluded that on July 28 at the North Dakota State Fair, the 4-H Leader’s Showmanship event will highlight youth winners in showmanship events in partnership with statewide leaders who will learn from the youth and ultimately show one of six species in the ring. She welcomes SBARE to attend.

Administrative Update from Frank Casey, Associate Director, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (AES)

Dr. Casey shared that he participated in a recent event that hosted a delegation from Montana. The group is planning to submit a Technology Hub economic development proposal that would highlight the advanced industries across MT and ND. The Tech Hub is funded by the CHIPS act, and would invest 500 million dollars over 10 years into a Hub. Emerging Prairie lead tours of the Fargo agricultural sites as well as the Grand Sky Farm in Grand Forks.

Dr. Casey is assisting with the implementation of several USDA ARS cooperation agreements to expand on big data, data resolution, robotics, sensor systems and solutions, and integrative predicted solutions.

Dr. Casey noted that the Civil Rights Review for AES is underway with a faculty fellow, Dr. Venkata Chapara.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas noted that the legislative session was very successful and looks forward to seeing the positive impacts from those investments. She thanked Dr. Lardy and the team under his leadership for their organization and efforts and thanked the stakeholders who supported SBARE’s legislative efforts. Chair Lovas also expressed thanks to the North Dakota Legislature for their support of the North Dakota Agriculture Experiment Station and NDSU Extension.

Chair Lovas announced several changes are coming to the board. Dean Wehri will be terming out. He was unable to attend this meeting, however she is hoping to celebrate his contribution to SBARE in September. Chair Lovas welcomed Representative Alisa Mitskog and looks forward to welcoming Scott Ouradnik at the September meeting.

She continued by sharing that the NDSU REC field days schedule is being finalized. She encourages members to attend where they can, and to keep an eye out for an informational email. Additionally, she invited members to attend the 4-H showmanship contest at the State Fair.

Chair Lovas concluded that she had an excellent opportunity to introduce SBARE at NDSU’s AES and Extension new faculty and staff training.

Legislative Wrap Up and Debrief

Dr. Lardy distributed a handout for the Extension priorities. The board discussed clarifications of the priorities funded. Dr. Lardy thanked the legislators for the funding to increase employee salaries as it bolstered NDSU’s priority of recruiting and retaining top talent.

Dr. Lardy then distributed a handout for the AES priorities. The board discussed the logistics of various building requirements and the challenge of inflationary cost that have affected the initiatives.

Dr. Lardy invited the board to reflect on and discuss the previous legislative session. He voiced his appreciation for those who had a role in preparing for the appropriations hearings. He noted that the proactive planning was valuable. The board discussed the topics related to the legislative session including navigating term limits, planning legislative socials and informational sessions, REC field day opportunities, input session opportunities, and other events to share the story of SBARE.

Planning for Fall Testimony and Hearings

Chair Lovas announced that fall testimony and hearing will be coming up this fall. Traditionally submissions are submitted online and through email with in-person testimony (input sessions) scheduled for September 14, November 9, and December 12-13 of 2023. Chair Lovas explained that she will keep an eye on submissions and will notify the board of any adjustments to dates if needed. Julie Zikmund noted she will be absent from the September 14 meeting.

MOTION: Larry Hoffmann made a motion to approve the proposed dates and locations for SBARE meetings as presented. Seconded by Mark Urquhart. Motion passed.

Chair Lovas called for a break at 10:20 a.m.

Chair Lovas called the board back to order at 10:37 a.m.

Elections

Senator Klein began by discussing hisrepresentation on the search committee for the next chair and vice chair of SBARE. Based on the discussions of the committee he presented the following motions:

MOTION: Senator Klein made a motion to nominate Sarah Lovas as Chair for a second term. Seconded by Pam Gulleson. Vice Chair Jim Bahm called for any additional nominations. When none were brought, he called for a vote. Motion carried. Sarah Lovas will serve a second term as Chair of SBARE.

MOTION: Senator Klein made a motion to nominate John Nordgaard to serve as Vice Chair of SBARE. Seconded by Pam Gulleson. Chair Lovas called for a vote to unanimously elect John Nordgaard. Doug Bichler made a motion to unanimously elect John Nordgaard as Vice Chair. Seconded by Julie Zikmund. Motion passed. John Nordgaard will serve his first term as Vice Chair of SBARE.

Presentations

Jon Biermacher, Livestock Development Extension Specialist, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, presented a livestock initiative update. The board discussed the various aspects and challenges that North Dakota is facing on the livestock front.

Daryl Ritchison, Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN), presented an NDAES Big Data and NDAWN initiative update.

Mike Ellingson, NDSU Director of Facilities Management, provided updates on the Peltier Complex and Ag Products Utilization, and gave demolition timelines for scheduled buildings. The Peltier Complex expected completion date in phases is April 2024. He spoke on the types of contracts in place to move the larger equipment and mills.

MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Senator Klein. Meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Other events

After adjournment, the SBARE board met with Dr. John McEvoy, chair of the Department of Microbiological Sciences, in Van Es Hall to tour Agribiome Initiative research and facilities.

Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall