State Board of Agricultural Research and Education
Minutes  March 19, 2008
Doublewood Inn, Bismarck, ND
 

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met at the Doublewood Inn in Bismarck, North Dakota, beginning at 11:45 a.m. on March 19, 2008.  Members present were Bob Bahm, John Bollingberg (via telephone), Tom Borgen, D.C. Coston, Jerry Effertz, Carol Goodman, Ken Grafton, Duane Hauck, Rodney Howe, Larry Lee, and Jeff Weispfenning for Roger Johnson.

Chairman Jerry Effertz called the meeting to order and minutes of the March 7 SBARE meeting were approved as distributed.

Effertz informed SBARE that Ole Aarsvold has requested his replacement be named as soon as possible to provide time before the legislative session for a new board member to become acquainted with SBARE and its responsibilities.

Ken Grafton and Duane Hauck reviewed the budget narratives and noted some changes since discussing at the last SBARE meeting.  Board members then talked about how best to package the budget requests, using a single request for research and extension or using separate lists for each of the two.  Grafton noted that ag administrators have tried to present the information as a continuation of “Grow 21.”

Jerry Effertz reminded the board that when the priority rankings are completed, it will be important for all board members need to be comfortable with, and supportive of, the priority list.  Effertz added that there is a lot of work to do with grower groups, legislators and others.

Carol Goodman stressed the importance of continuing with the “Grow 21” theme, adding that it was well received across the state and it provides the opportunity to address needs.

Following a lunch break, the board reconvened at 1 p.m. and had discussions regarding the appropriate language to use in referencing construction phases for the Beef Research Facility.

To create a better understanding, Larry Lee made a motion to use the words “final phase” when referring to completion of the Beef Research Facility, rather than “Phase II.”  Rodney Howe seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Tom Borgen made a motion to use that same language for the greenhouse project.  Larry Lee seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Following discussion by SBARE members regarding the list of priority ratings, Rodney Howe made a motion to approve the AES rankings as prioritized, allowing some flexibility as budget guidelines are released.  Carol Goodman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Larry Lee made a motion to approve the extension list of rankings as prioritized.  Tom Borgen seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Jerry Effertz indicated he would like a recommendation from ag administrators when budget guidelines are released from the Governor’s office and the State Board of Higher Education.

Rodney Howe asked about an update on the NDSU greenhouse complex and Ken Grafton provided a summary of progress, noting a spring groundbreaking is planned.

D.C. Coston announced the schedule for 2008 Research Extension Field Days and Jerry Effertz encouraged board members to attend as many as possible to show support for those programs.

Effertz stressed the need for SBARE members to take a proactive role in the coming months and acknowledge appreciation for the support received from the agricultural industry.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

Recorded by Margaret Olson