Meeting Minutes November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes | Carrington, ND

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on November 13, 2024. Present: Jim Bahm, Mike Clemens, John Dhuyvetter, Doug Goehring, Pam Gulleson, Greg Lardy, Sarah Lovas, John Nordgaard, Scott Ouradnik, and Mark Urquhart. Absent: Doug Bichler, Pres. David Cook, Sen. Jerry Klein, Rep. Alisa Mitskog, and Julie Zikmund.

Chair Lovas called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.

Approval of November 11, 2024 Meeting Minutes

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

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

Dr. Lardy provided several updates on recent hires and ongoing searches within NDSU Agriculture. Those hired were Dr. Shana Forster as Interim Assistant Director of Field Operations for the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (AES), Dr. John McEvoy as Interim Assistant Director of AES in the Directors Office, Elizabeth Cronin as Director of Agriculture Communication, and Dr. Carrie Hammer as Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR). Additionally, Dr. McEvoy is chairing the search for a new Director of the Northern Crops Institute (NCI).

He highlighted several upcoming events for NDSU Agriculture: the NDSU Harvest Bowl on November 15-16, the announcement event for the Kirkeide Extension Fellowship for Dr. Meagan Hoffman and the Jim Kirkeide Dry Bean Breeding Faculty Fellowship for Dr. Juan Osorno on November 15, NDSU Giving Day on December 3-4, and the North Dakota Crop and Improvement and Seed Association Regional meetings on December 9 in Minot and on December 11 in Grand Forks.

Dr. Lardy shared the success of the NDSU Agriculture All Ag Conference, which had over 400 attendees. Additionally, he announced NDSU’s “Bison to the Bakken” summer program, which connects students to the opportunities which exist in western North Dakota. Tour stops related to agriculture, business and engineering and the intersection of agriculture and energy will be highlighted.

Dr. Lardy noted that the Bolley Laboratory building has begun construction.

Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director of NDSU Extension

Dr. Flage provided updates on recent hires, announcing that 20 new specialists have been hired across the state. Additionally, Extension is actively working to fill several county positions, which have attracted significant interest.

She also highlighted the challenges posed by recent wildfires to farmers and ranchers in western North Dakota. NDSU Extension agents have played a critical role by creating a comprehensive wildfire impact database to support response and recovery efforts.

Dr. Flage announced that Extension had received notification of a youth development grant - $250,000 from CHS Foundation for advancing the 4-H college and career readiness through the Next Chapter Program.

Additionally, she noted that she will be meeting in Mandan, ND with the Busch Foundation.

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

Dr. Casey shared updates on NDSU Agriculture’s research achievements and initiatives. He announced that NDSU Agriculture ranked in the top six percent nationally for research expenditures in 2022, with projections indicating even higher rankings for 2023 and 2024.

He also highlighted examples of the expanding partnership with USDA-ARS.

Dr. Casey announced the recently launched Food, Energy, Water Security (FEWS) Initiative, a strategic program addressing federally funded investment areas address critical needs and drive impact.

Additionally, he noted the success of the FARMS NSF Engines site visit in Mandan. During the visit, NDSU’s Research and Development team showcased advancements in the breeding program and data analytics tools designed to accelerate field data collection and trait development.

Comments from Sarah Lovas, SBARE Chair

Chair Lovas expressed her gratitude to the NDSU Agriculture team for their thorough preparation for the Budget Section Meeting and the OMB Meeting. She also commended NDSU Extension’s swift and effective response to the recent wildfires, highlighting their critical support for impacted communities.

Looking ahead, she reminded the board that a new legislative session will begin in early January 2025 and encouraged board members to continue telling their individual story of how the NDAES and NDSU Extension has impacted their lives.

Finally, she noted the recent election results.

MOTION: Scott Ouradnik made a motion to state that SBARE is psyched for the National Livestock Judging Competition participants. John Nordgaard seconded. Motion passed.

Legislative Preparations and Updates

Chair Lovas and Dr. Lardy updated the board on preparations for the upcoming legislative session. They reviewed the various meetings and processes planned to facilitate NDSU’s program initiatives. Fall 2024—Conducted 17 local legislative updates with local county extension offices. Invites are issued to county commissioners and local area legislators.

September 18, 2024 - Review of the current biennium with a joint hearing of Government Operations Appropriations subcommittee members.

September 30, 2024 - Budget preparation for the Office of Management and Budget

Capital Construction Project Update

Dr. Lardy gave a presentation to the board of the various capital construction project updates.

Williston Research Extension Center (WREC) Equipment Shed for Special Funds

MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion to approve the seeking of $250,000 in special funds authorization from the legislature for the construction of the WREC equipment shed. Scott Ouradnik seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Legislative Budget Section Update

Chair Lovas and Dr. Lardy updated the board on the Legislative Budget Section, where NDSU capital project estimates were reviewed. Trent Gilbery, Ag Facilities Manager, and Gretchen Wagendorf, Ag Budget Director, reviewed the planning process with the board.

MOTION: John Nordgaard made a motion for the NDSU Agriculture team to propose an internal procedure for capital project cost estimates. Seconded by John Dhuyvetter. Motion passed.

MOTION: Scott Ouradnik made a motion for the board to recognize Trent Gilbery for his efforts as the new Ag Facilities Manager, as he has been managing many different capital projects. Seconded by John Nordgaard. Motion passed.

AES and Extension Impacts

Drs. Casey and Flage updated the board on the impacts of AES and NDSU Extension over the last year.

Additional Priority Lists Discussion

Commissioner Goehring discussed the details of a Vet Epidemiologist position that was noted in the Extension priority list with the board.

Chair Lovas adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.

Lunch followed for the board.

Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall