Grow 21: Enhancing North Dakota's Economy Through Agriculture

Photo collage of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources

Budget Changes Narrative
NDSU Main Research Center/NDSU Extension Service

An increase of $8,295,600, or 15 percent over the 2005-07 general fund base, would provide funds to address priorities of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education and related needs of North Dakota agriculture.

SBARE ranked all of the projects for Extension, Main Station and Branch Stations together since many of the projects are joint efforts. Please refer to the ranked projects by reviewing the narrative in all of the agencies.

This provides an amount equal to the 2005-07 base funding for extraordinary repairs. A prioritized listing of extraordinary repair projects is included in the extraordinary repairs subschedule (because of OMB’s requirement to do so); however, these priorities can very easily change due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies. The priority listing is only a best estimate at this time. The actual use of these dollars will be left to the discretion of the agencies (with appropriate approvals by the SBHE where required for projects greater than $100,000). All NDUS entities will be given the authority to allocate dollars to repair and replacement priorities for both deferred maintenance and regular repair and replacement projects as determined by each entity.

NDSU Main Research Center/NDSU Extension Service Budget Descriptions

#1 ranked: AES Equipment and Operating Pool

Equipment pool – A revolving fund for equipment purchases has been extremely successful for the Research Extension Centers to maintain their equipment base. Establishment of this fund has allowed each REC to purchase expensive research equipment on a timely basis, with a degree of regularity. In the 2005-07 Legislative session, a small amount of funding ($50,000 to the Main Station for equipment) was used to establish a similar revolving fund for the research departments on the Main Station. To effectively purchase both field and laboratory equipment, which is extremely difficult using competitive grant funds, additional funding to the base of each of these revolving funds is needed for the Main Station and RECs to utilize the funds successfully.

Operating funds – A formula of $6,100 per scientist year (SY) has been used for allocating operating funds to departments on the Main Station. The costs associated with conducting research important to the state continues to increase. An increase in the formula funding to $10,000 per SY is needed to stay in line with inflation and should be sufficient for several years. In addition, increased operating funds for the RECs are needed to offset increases in fixed operating costs, including energy.

#2 ranked: Bioproducts/Bioenergy Development

An engineering faculty position (60% research: 40% Extension) will focus on biomass-based systems that hold great potential for becoming the preferred sources for liquid fuels. Research and educational information development will focus on the harvest, collection and transport systems for raw products including crops, crop residues, animal production co-products, by-products from food processing, etc. Additional work will focus on conversion systems (engines, gasifiers, etc.) that will improve efficiency of conversion of cellulosic and other materials to liquid fuel and other products. A research specialist will assist faculty in this work. Consumer education regarding the end use of biofuels and other bioproducts also will be provided.

An economics faculty position (60% Extension: 40% research) will carry out research and provide clientele with educational information regarding production costs, logistics and market analysis for biobased products. Working closely with colleagues throughout the university system, research and educational efforts addressing efficient processes for supply chain management and efficient processing strategies also will be undertaken.

#2 ranked: REC Support Staff

Support Staff (7) – Research Extension Centers have a desperate need for additional office support staff to deal with the changing and increasing demands of today’s workplace. Decentralization and an increase in record keeping for compliance issues, regulation, scheduling, accountability, data management and other facets of the ever-changing technologies place extreme pressure on a reduced workforce to remain current.

#2 ranked: Extension Operating and Equipment

The NDSU Extension Service has a responsibility to serve the entire state. State specialists located at the NDSU campus in Fargo provide program leadership and support to Extension agents and clientele through technology and face-to-face engagement. Technology, travel and other program costs continue to increase. An increase in Extension operating funding is needed to effectively serve the entire state. Equipment funds are needed to address plant diagnostic and other equipment needs.

#3 ranked: Scab (Operating, NDAWN, etc.)

Operating for breeding/genetics, plant pathology, cereal quality, and entomology research programs to enhance efforts on Scab resistance, pest management, and improved quality. Enhanced support of these programs is essential to maintain an advantage over the pest’s ability to change and cause major economic losses to the state’s farmers, as evidenced by the disastrous outbreaks of scab the last several years.

NDAWN support and field scouting – One research specialist will work on the NDAWN weather network to aid in the development of predictive models for disease development and to distribute timely weather information needed by producers to determine timing of pesticide application. Crop scouts (summer students under the guidance of Extension personnel) located throughout the state will aid in identifying scab development in various production regions in the state. Disease development will be monitored and compared to predictive crop models. These highly successful forecasting models continue to be improved as additional information is added to the model.

#3 ranked: Pulse Improvement

North Dakota has experienced rapid growth and continued interest in the pulse industry. Acreages of pea, lentil and chickpea have increased dramatically, particularly in the central and western regions of the state. North Dakota leads the nation in pea production, and acreage will continue to increase as demand continues. Pea production provides many benefits to the soil and environment and is an excellent protein source for livestock feed. A faculty position at the Main Station is needed to develop improved varieties of pea, lentil and chickpea that are adapted to the northern Great Plains. The assistant breeder/agronomist to be located at NCREC will aid the effort to develop improved varieties and evaluate appropriate production techniques.

#4 ranked: 4-H Youth Development and Leadership

4-H programs reach more than 40% of North Dakota’s youth. In many rural areas, 4-H is the only youth program beyond public schools. In addition to developing technical knowledge, 4-H participants gain life skills. Two state specialist positions are essential to ensure that the 4-H program continues to meet the needs of future generations of North Dakota’s youth. One position is in the area of agriculture and natural resources programming for youth. This position will interact with numerous faculty members to prepare curricula for use by Extension field staff and volunteers. The other position will develop new programs to help youth become more involved in their communities, and help adults and youth work together more effectively. Development of programs that help youth find effective, positive ways to contribute to their communities while avoid risky behaviors will also be undertaken.

Effective leaders are vital to the success of communities and a growing economy. At times, agricultural commodity groups, rural towns and local units of government have few people willing to step forth to take on leadership roles needed to champion efforts for the future. Our work indicates that there are people who care deeply about the future of their community of place or community of interest, but they do not believe they have the skills or confidence to lead efforts. Through organized community leadership programs like Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) and Horizons, the NDSU Extension Service has demonstrated capacity to prepare emerging agricultural and other rural leaders from throughout the state. These programs help build skills through intensive training seminars, study tours and community projects. The greatest impact comes from participants leading economic and community projects in their own regions. They learn by accomplishing and provide hope for their communities. This request is for the coordinator position. The person in this role will not only oversee the current program, but also will work with colleagues and others to develop additional programs to expand local leadership development efforts. This specialist will continue to pursue support for this program from other private and public sources.

#4 ranked: Waste Management

An Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering faculty member (80% research: 20% Extension) will study development of innovative waste management systems and provide educational support to the North Dakota livestock industry regarding waste management. Emphasis will be on developing uses and products from wastes that can generate revenue for the enterprise, innovative facilities that will minimize odors and reduced costs for production. Extension agents and other agriculture professionals will be trained to help producers adopt best management practices and ensure their operations are in compliance with current regulations. Opportunities to generate revenue from new uses of livestock waste also will be explored.

A 60% research: 40% Extension waste management specialist located at Carrington will work with animal production, feedlot and engineering colleagues and others in developing economical and efficient systems, and providing information to producers and others.

#5 ranked: Host Resistance and Pest Research

Seven host resistance and pest biology research specialists will enhance ongoing efforts to more rapidly develop varieties with improved resistance to major diseases, including sclerotinia, wheat and barley scab, blackleg, root rot and other diseases affecting N.D. major crops and to understand the biology of the pathogens important to the cropping systems present in the state. Two specialists will be located at Fargo (Main Station), two at Williston REC (one to focus on barley improvement with supervision from Main Station scientists), and one each at CREC, NCREC and LREC.

#6 ranked: Swine Specialist

At one time, North Dakota produced more than 500,000 market hogs per year and had more than 2,000 producers. Presently North Dakota produces 160,000 market hogs and has 450 producers. However, because of its economic impact, interest in increasing swine production in the state has grown recently. Each dollar of return from pigs marketed turns over 3.49 times for feed, labor, trucking, veterinary service, utilities, etc. This industry needs technical expertise, management assistance and an unbiased resource that can help the state develop its hog industry. A 60% Extension: 40% research swine specialist is needed to fill this role.

#6 ranked: Agricultural Business Development

There is great potential in North Dakota for converting commodities and waste streams into higher value products. Prospects for entire new industries in renewable energy and bioproducts (such as lubricants, materials and plastics) are particularly appropriate for our state. With the development of new crops and the co-products of new industries, there is significant potential for enhanced livestock production and processing. This initiative will support developing new technologies and providing intense business assistance to existing and emerging companies and to entrepreneurs. The two positions will work closely with companies and entrepreneurs in business planning, marketing, financing, development of strategies, etc.

#7 ranked: Livestock Development

Many driving forces support the need for a livestock industry specialist. These include the desire of many agricultural producers to grow their existing enterprises and/or diversify their operations, utilization of potential feedstuffs that are presently shipped to other states for their livestock operations, opportunities to enhance production of feedstuffs to service a growing North Dakota industry, use of co-products emerging from the rapidly expanding bioenergy/bioproducts enterprises as feedstuffs, and utilization of grazing capacity in range and managed areas. An 80% Extension: 20% research faculty position will focus efforts to help North Dakota livestock industries expand. This will include assisting with business planning assistance, working with local units of government on zoning and site issues, assessing the economic potential and providing information that can be used for timely decision-making.

#7 ranked: Horticulture

The annual economic impact of the horticulture industry in North Dakota is about $471 million. While most of this impact comes through the ornamental and turf sector, interest in commercial horticulture is also growing. Several areas have identified irrigated high-value crops (horticulture) as a priority economic development opportunity. This industry involves both agricultural and urban clientele, yet horticulture Extension support is limited in western North Dakota. An Extension horticulturist needs to be established to serve western North Dakota.

#7 ranked: Pest Management

This 80% research: 20% Extension area pest management specialist position is critically needed to provide information to area growers affected by crop diseases. The position will be located at the Carrington Research Extension Center (REC). The Carrington REC is located in the center of great crop diversity and is significantly affected by severe outbreaks of many major diseases.

#8 ranked: Pest Application Research

One research specialist is needed to continue efforts identifying best methods to apply pesticides effectively and efficiently to control scab.

#9 ranked: Multiple Land Use

This natural resource conservation specialist will work closely with the North Dakota State Soil Conservation Committee, the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, local soil conservation districts, research and Extension specialists throughout the state, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and others in developing programs to assist farmers and landowners in using science-based land management principles and to seek economic opportunities for multiple land use.

A wildlife specialist is needed to work with North Dakota and federal wildlife agencies and organizations, as well as research and Extension colleagues, to develop programs that address problems and opportunities in multiple land uses, such as coexisting wildlife/livestock systems. Objectives include development of educational programs and information that will help sustain North Dakota ranches and farms while increasing appreciation for the contribution of agriculture to wildlife and wildlife habitat, as well as to develop science-based information for wildlife management.

#9 ranked: Livestock/Range

Three livestock/range specialists (70% research: 30% Extension) will compare whole systems management of organic, natural, grass-fed and conventional beef production systems as well as the relationship of these systems to the environment. Educational support leading to the potential adoption of these systems also will be provided. This work will help determine market causes affecting cattle sales. Feedlot research will focus on evaluating co-product use for efficient livestock production. One specialist will focus on animal health issues. The specialists will be located at the Central Grasslands REC near Streeter, the Hettinger REC and the Main Station.

#9 ranked: Parenting

In rural and urban North Dakota communities, parents are working multiple jobs, divorcing at high rates and having difficulty effectively rearing their children. Through a pilot program, the Extension Service has developed parenting resource centers at Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo and Grand Forks. Each of the centers serves a multi-county region. Collections of materials on effective parenting are providing the basis for programs and can be used for self-study. The impacts of these centers are significant. This request will allow keeping the existing centers up to date and creating an additional center at Minot.

#10 ranked: Irrigation

Irrigated agriculture is becoming increasingly important in northwest North Dakota, with high-value crops evident in the region. One research scientist is needed to evaluate irrigated production practices in ND, stationed at WREC.

#11 ranked: Food Industry

This 60% research: 40% Extension faculty position will work in enhanced processing of existing and new crops; have expertise in processing/engineering/plant operations; collaborate with colleagues throughout the system to ensure that supply chains and processing are optimized; and provide educational support and technical assistance to existing and emerging food industry businesses. A research specialist will assist the faculty position.

#12 ranked: Sustainable Agriculture

North Dakotans support current production agriculture but also see a need to explore long-term sustainability. The Dickinson REC is exploring new sustainable agricultural opportunities through research and Extension efforts, including coordination of the Professional Development Program sponsored by the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. These research and Extension programs will help rural North Dakotans develop new sustainable systems to enhance the economic viability of rural areas and to meet their economic, social and environmental needs within a diversified agriculture. Additional support for these efforts is needed, as is a strong program of direct outreach to farmers and ranchers. One 70% Extension: 30% research sustainable agricultural specialist is needed at Dickinson to provide this support and outreach to southwestern North Dakota.

#13 ranked: Web Design and Information Specialists

To effectively utilize the Internet as a source of information for producers and businesses in North Dakota, efficient, user-friendly Web-based information is needed. Continual updates and new training opportunities are needed to carry out this important work. Information design is critical to allow interested individuals to obtain the much-needed material that enables their businesses to remain competitive in the global economy.

Unranked: North Dakota State Soil Conservation Committee
$125,000 Total General Fund Increase (Grant Program)

The Soil Conservation line item originally included only grants that provide technical assistance funds to Soil Conservation Districts. Since then, a portion of the salaries and operating expenses of employees that have joint Extension and Soil Conservation appointments also have been included in this line item. This adjustment is to transfer the salaries and operating budgets to the Extension line item, resulting in the Soil Conservation line item including only the grants.

To effectively meet the technical assistance needs in Soil Conservation Districts, the North Dakota State Soil Conservation Committee requests increased funding in the Soil Conservation District Assistance Program (SCDAP). Environmental demands have increased interest in conservation planning by North Dakota producers. This requires enrolling producers in the right program; planning and designing the conservation practice; and submitting the plan to USDA for approval. Soil Conservation Districts depend on the SCDAP to accomplish this task. These funds also would be used as match for section 319 of the Clean Water Act Non-Point Source Pollution program.

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