Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on March 4, 2026. Present: Jim Bahm, Interim Pres. Rick Berg, John Dhuyvetter, Rep. Austin Foss, Aaron Galbreath, Chair Pam Gulleson, Scott Huso, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, John Nordgaard, and Julie Zikmund. Absent: Doug Bichler, Mike Clemens, Doug Goehring, and Scott Ouradnik.

Chair Gulleson called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.

Approval of February 17, 2026 Meeting Minutes

MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Scott Huso seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Administrative Update from Rick Berg, Interim President of NDSU

Rick Berg gave an update on the presidential search process and timeline. He also discussed the upcoming legislative session and provided the board with feedback on strategy related to the economic health of the agricultural industry in the state.

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

Dr. Lardy gave a construction update on the Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex. The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department will be moving into this building when it is completed. He introduced Michael Kangas, Agriculture Facilities Manager. Mike reviewed a tracking system created for capital construction projects.

He announced upcoming events for NDSU Ag Week, which will be held March 23-27. Marcia McMullen, retired NDSU Extension specialist in plant pathology, will be recognized as the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources Distinguished Alumnus at the March 27 banquet. Finally, the NDSU Foundation Evening of Distinction on April 23 will recognize Dr. Paul Berg, a faculty member in Animal Sciences, who will receive the Distinguished Service Award. Michael Uetz, a graduate of Animal Science, will receive the Alumni Achievement Award; and Karen Launchbaugh a graduate in Range Science, will receive the Henry L. Bolley Academic Achievement Award. More information on these awards can be found here: https://ndsufoundation.com/news/2025/12/ndsu-foundation-announces-2026- alumni-awards-recipients Administrative

Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage reported that North Dakota has received approval for rural health transformation funding, with approximately $199 million available in the first year and about $1 billion over five years. Extension has been involved in discussions with NDSU’s College of Health and Human Services and plans to apply for grant funding to support rural health programming.

Flage noted that two SBARE searches are underway following the March 2 application deadline. The Northeast position formerly held by Julie Zikmund and the Southeast position currently held by Pam Gulleson will both move to interviews soon. Zikmund will complete her second term, and Gulleson will complete her first term and is eligible for a second term.

Finally, she shared that the presidential search is progressing quickly, with finalists expected to visit campus during the week of March 23.

Comments from, Pam Gulleson SBARE Chair

Chair Gulleson updated the board on the input session and process of finalizing the SBARE priorities list.

Capital Project Prioritization Process

Gretchen Wagendorf reviewed budget details in relation to the SBARE prioritization requests.

MOTION: Scott Huso made a motion to accept the Ag Budget projected budgets associated with the capital requests as presented. Jim Bahm seconded. Motion passed.

MOTION: John Dhuyvetter made a motion for the Carrington REC Greenspace capital project budget to be reduced from 1.9 million to 1.5 million with a requirement that the fundraising process set aside funds for operational cost in association with maintenance after project completion. Scott Huso seconded. Motion passed.

MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to prioritize the capital projects ranked in the order as the board voted. Aaron Galbreath seconded. Motion defeated.

MOTION: Jerry Klein made a motion to rank the prioritization as 1) HREC Lambing Barn, 2) NCREC seed storage, and 3) Precision Ag Equipment. Julie Zikmund seconded. Motion passed.

MOTION: Jerry Klein made a motion to adjourn the meeting. John Nordgaard seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall