State Board of Agricultural Research and Education
Minutes – July 20, 2009
Carrington Research Extension Center

The State Board of Agricultural Research and Education met at the Carrington Research Extension Center in Carrington, ND beginning at 1 p.m. on July 20, 2009, following a tour of the buildings and grounds there.  Members present were Tom Borgen, Bob Christman (for Doug Goehring), D.C. Coston, Jerry Effertz, Carol Goodman, Ken Grafton, Duane Hauck, Rodney Howe, Jim Kerzman, Jerry Klein, Paul Langseth, and Larry Lee.

Chairman Jerry Effertz called the meeting to order and introductions were made.  Minutes of the June 29 SBARE meeting were approved as distributed.

D.C. Coston told the board that the annual research extension center field days were successful.  He thanked SBARE members for attending the June SBARE meeting in Williston, noting the importance of understanding what goes on at the centers.  He added that the deliberations of SBARE are very much strengthened by the visits.

Ken Grafton reported that applications for department head in animal sciences are due today; the Beef Research Facility work is progressing well; ag administration is currently advertising for bids for greenhouse project phase II; and Minot, Williston and Dickinson are in the process of selecting architects and working on designs for their respective capital improvement projects.

Duane Hauck indicated that interviews are being conducted for Assistant Director for Ag and Natural Resources, adding that the pool is very strong.  Hauck noted that federal budgets are looking positive for the Extension Service and there are increases included in the mark-ups.

Rodney Howe reported that the Hettinger Research Extension Center Centennial celebration was a great event and very well attended.

Jerry Effertz introduced former SBARE member, Maynard Helgaas, who made an informational presentation on “Non-Food Sugarbeet Feedstock to Advanced Biofuels.”

Bob Christman stated that Rod Ballinger has been named chair of the Grape and Wine Committee (mandated in SB 2373) adding that resumes of other potential committee members are being reviewed.  Jerry Effertz noted that Jeff Peterson is the Governor’s appointee to the committee.

Effertz asked D.C. Coston to update board members on the NDSU Development Foundation’s fundraising efforts for the greenhouse project and Coston indicated that they have approximately $1.3 million in cash commitments and about $900,000 in funding in waiting.

Rodney Howe distributed a summary prepared by an SBARE subcommittee working on strategic planning. 

Board members took a brief break from the meeting and toured the Carrington seed facility.

When the board reconvened Paul Langseth made a motion that board members take the strategic planning document presented, review it and be prepared to discuss at a future SBARE meeting.  Jim Kerzman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Coston told board members that he has been cooperating with the North Dakota Trade Office on work with Kazakhstan, indicating that they have a climate similar to North Dakota and are planning some large scale operations.  Kazakhstan wants to send people to North Dakota to take part in programs and learn to use equipment they are buying from here, which could lead to co-ventures with them.

Paul Langseth reported that the SBARE nominating committee suggested Rodney Howe be elected SBARE chair for the coming year.  With no further nominations, Larry Lee made a motion to cast a unanimous ballot to elect Rodney Howe as chair.  Jerry Klein seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Tom Borgen indicated the nominating committee recommended Paul Langseth be elected as vice-chair.  With no further nominations, Larry Lee made a motion to cast a unanimous ballot for Paul Langseth.  Jim Kerzman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Following the elections, Carol Goodman stated that SBARE deliberates about smooth transitions and the work needs to continue.  She added that she has had much confidence in the past leadership and feels good about the future.  Goodman expressed her personal thanks to Jerry Effertz for his outstanding leadership of SBARE over the past years.

Tom Borgen noted that Effertz has encouraged expanded insight into SBARE and the legislative process and has encouraged board members to learn about the research and Extension programs and processes.  He added that because of his leadership, SBARE has made better decisions.

Larry Lee indicated that Effertz has demonstrated competence and continuity as chair and has been much appreciated.

D.C. Coston thanked Effertz for his service as chair, noting that there are no doubts about his commitment to North Dakota agriculture and Extension programs.

Howe said that October sessions will be scheduled to begin gathering input for recommendations of future agriculture and Extension priorities.

The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

Recorded by Margaret Olson