Meeting Minutes September 9, 2025
The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met for a regular meeting on September 9, 2025. Present: Jim Bahm, Doug Bichler, Mike Clemens, John Dhuyvetter, Doug Goehring, Chair Pam Gulleson, Scott Huso, Sen. Jerry Klein, Greg Lardy, John Nordgaard (virtual), and Scott Ouradnik. Absent: Pres. David Cook, Rep. Alisa Mitskog, and Julie Zikmund.
Chair Gulleson called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. MST.
Introduction of Stark County Family & Ag Resource Campus
Kurt Froelich, Stark/Billings County Coordinator, welcomed the board and introduced the history of the facility.
Approval of June 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Jim Bahm made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Scott Huso seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Administrative Update from Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier VP for Agriculture, Dean, Director, Director
Dr. Lardy introduced Dr. Marlen Eve as the new Assistant Director for Field Operations with the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Eve will oversee the state’s Research Extension Centers. He also announced Tyler Tjelde as the new Director of the Williston Research Extension Center.
Dr. Lardy reported on several changes coming to NDSU Agriculture. He reported that twelve individuals participated in the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program. The Microbiological Sciences and Plant Pathology Departments are pursuing a merger, and discussions are underway on merging the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory with Animal Sciences. Construction on the Bolley Laboratory is scheduled for completion in May 2026, with a dedication ceremony to follow.
An estate gift from Norma Peltier established the Peltier Institute for Advancement in Agricultural Technology. A medallion ceremony will be held September 29 at the Peltier Complex to appoint Dr. Rex Sun as Chair and Matt Olhoft as an endowed Professor of Practice.
Dr. Lardy thanked the board for supporting NDSU Field Days, noting strong turnout as marketing efforts this year were increased.
He also shared the passing of new SBARE member Jason Schmidt in August. His family will receive his bison statue, and a search committee has been formed to fill the vacancy.
Administrative Update from Lynette Flage, Associate Director NDSU Extension
Dr. Flage reported on the success of the 4-H Leaders Showmanship event held at the North Dakota State Fair this summer. She noted that National 4-H Week will take place October 5th through 11th.
From the previous legislative session Extension requests, she explained that the position originally requested as a carbon and biofuels specialist has been redefined as an agricultural and energy economist, and the search process is underway.
She highlighted the work of Angie Johnson, Farm and Safety Specialist, who has been hosting safety demonstrations to encourage safe practices among farmers and ranchers. Additional farm and ranch mental health initiatives are also being developed in response to challenges such as fires, markets, and tariffs.
Regarding Extension’s budget, she noted the three percent cap on local subdivision budgets and the ongoing efforts to work with counties to remain within this threshold. Finally, she announced that due to federal mandates, SNAP education funding has been eliminated, leading to a reduction in force.
Administrative Update from Frank Casey, Associate Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station
Dr. Casey provided updates on the top three Agricultural Experiment Station initiatives. First, in regards to the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, efforts are underway to secure USDA funding to support a new position that will work alongside Dean Bangsund prior to his retirement.
Second, for the National Science Foundation major research infrastructure grant ($3.8 million), funds have been directed to the CCAST high-performance computer network, and will assist with the Digitization of Agriculture initiative. Although this is a university-wide infrastructure grant, Dr. Ana Heilman-Morales, Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Data Analytics Group, was instrumental in developing agriculture use-cases to justify this award.
Finally, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is conducting a search for a veterinary toxicology resident.
Commissioner Doug Goehring, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner
Commissioner Goehring gave updates on a range of programs such as the low-carbon fuel program, farm education program, infrastructure program, and Driscoll program. He noted that he has contacted Dr. Susie Thompson in the Department of Plant Sciences, and David Boehm, Northern Crops Institute director, about continuing the testing of failed agriculture trials through the USDA.
On the federal level, he is looking into obtaining the refinement of language around Agriculture in terms of trade.
Comments from, Pam Gulleson SBARE Chair
SBARE Chair Pam Gulleson announced that Senator Jerry Klein and Representative Alisa Mitskog have been officially appointed back to SBARE. She also applauded the success of the NDSU Field Days and highlighted the ongoing efforts of NDSU and SBARE leadership to navigate the changing legislative landscape.
Dickinson Research Extension Center Updates
Dr. Chris Augustin, director of the Dickinson Research Extension Center, presented a range of updates from the Dickinson REC.
SBARE Upcoming Scheduling
Chair Gulleson then discussed upcoming SBARE meetings and how strategy updates would be integrated into those sessions.
Presentation from NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL)
The board also heard a presentation from the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Dr. Ethan Andress, DVM, State Veterinarian, ND State Board of Animal Health; and Dr. Heidi Pecoraro, DVM, PhD, Diplomate, ACVP, NDSU VDL Director and Veterinary Pathologist, who provided an overview of the laboratory and shared its various important updates.
NDSU Agriculture Budget Review
Dr. Lardy and Gretchen Wagendorf, NDSU Ag Budget Director, reviewed the current budget changes affecting AES and Extension.
SBARE Strategic Planning Update
Chair Gulleson and Dr. Lardy reviewed with the board SBARE’s collaboration with Sagency regarding strategic planning and upcoming action items.
Input Testimony
- Dr. Christopher Schauer – NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center
- Dr. Bleaux Johnson – ND Veterinary Medical Association
- Ed Cuskelly – NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center Advisory Board
- Bailey Binstock - NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m. MST.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin McCall