2018 Committee Reports

4-H and Youth Committee Report- September 24, 2018

Members Present: Brian Zimprich (vice chair), Lindsey Maddock, Angie Johnson (chair), Lisa Pederson, Marissa Leier, Crystal Schaunaman, Paige Brummund, Rachel Wald, Breana Kiser, and Samantha Lahman.

Implementation of $20/member enrollment fee 2018

Discussion was held on the new ND 4-H $20/member (cap limit of $60/family) enrollment fee that was fully implemented in 2018.  Committee members were asked what types of feedback/responses counties were receiving from it – with most commenting on having little to no issues at this time.

Recommendation: None

State 4-H Contest and Exhibition Overview

Data was shared with the committee, regarding participation in statics, livestock, and 4-H contest events. All events were holding at average or slightly above average, based upon the group’s consensus. Horses showed the only decline, due to the Equine herpes outbreak this year.

Discussion was had on who hires the judges for the ND State Fair. The ND State Fair hires the horse judge. For livestock judges (including rabbit and poultry), Shelly from the ND State Fair, asks for recommendations in which Dean from the 4-H office asks agents/specialists for judge recommendations. It is the final call of the ND State Fair on what judges are hired for each species.

Angie discussed reviewing how ribbons are awarded for Project Expo and Communications Arts contests at the state level. The idea in question was how can the events be more than just a “participation contest”? Communication Arts contest is an option at the National Level, so what would it take to make that a possibility if youth are interested in going for Nationals.

Recommendation: Make sure agents and specialists are aware that he/she can suggest and recommend judges for livestock shows at the ND State Fair.

Brian noted that their will be breakout sessions regarding state fair contests during the 2018 Fall Conference, so for now, staying tuned to what the updates are and continuing to have this conversation to get thoughts and ideas from other agents. Research the contests and how they are run at the national level as well to get an idea of what changes would have to be made.

Youth Quality Assurance

YQCA was implemented in many counties this year and was a requirement at the State Fair to exhibit livestock in 2018. Asked for feedback regarding how it perceived in the counties and overall very positive acceptance of the program. Some offered face-to-face trainings, while others utilized the online versions.

Recommendation: None

Understanding the 4-H Program Planning Teams

Angie shared with the committee the 2018 4-H program planning committees. Some agents are not aware of the committees, and are interested in potentially participating in one. Specialists are not aware of this committee information either.

Recommendation: More publicity of the 4-H program planning materials to agents, as all agents have a 4-H component, as well as including specialists in on the committees. The date has been set for the 4-H program planning meeting as Dec 11-12. Location TBD.

Following the agenda – no discussion was held on 4-H camp, shooting sports, Achievement Days, or the 4-H impact survey from 2017/2018.

This is Angie’s last year as chair for the 4-H and youth committee. Brian Zimprich (vice chair) will be the chair for 2019.

Ag Economics Sub Group 2018

Chair: Crystal Schaunaman, Vice Chair: Melissa Seykora

Will email out to members

• Review Our Purpose

Providing professional improvement opportunities for members with responsibilities in each area of emphasis. This includes the development of professional improvement opportunities, securing resources to fund these activities, and promoting these activities to members. As ideas for professional improvement are brought to the Agricultural Economics Committee, it will be the responsibility of the committee to determine if the idea for professional improvement is feasible, and if so then determine what course should be taken to offer this opportunity to members.

• Farm Stress Team – We are in the middle of a survey to professionals assessing the current climate. Resources can be found at www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmranchstress

• Annie’s Project – materials are available on Google Drive again for agents to begin planning. Many sites have already given tentative dates: www.ag.ndsu.edu/anniesproject

• DYSP – Carrie Johnson is the contact for any questions.

• Ag Lenders Conferences: Oct. 29, 2018 – Grand Forks; Oct. 30, 2018 – Minot; Oct. 31, 2018 – Bismarck; Nov. 1, 2018 – Fargo Registration – 8:30 to 9 a.m.; Conference – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use promo code ExtAg to receive the discount - Your total should be $40 not $85. www.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement

• Farm Business Management In-Service: November 5 in Bismarck More details to come!

• Frayne’s Marketing Updates – does not want to compete with private marketing firms. These updates were for marketing club facilitators and agents. Have been noted to not share – do not forward to an email listserve.

• Dave’s Bio-Energy updates – emailed periodically.

• Crop Insurance Conference, JANUARY 14, Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND. 

• New Agricultural Finance Specialist/ Assistant Professor – Bryon Parman has started

• Northwest Farm Managers Annual Meeting: January 30, 2019, Holiday Inn, Fargo, N.D.,

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m., Program begins at 9:00 a.m., Registration Fee: $75

• Others needed?

Animal Science Committee Meeting

NDAAEA Agronomy & Pest Management Committee Meeting

Search of Excellence; Professional Excellence Committee Meeting

Social Committee Meeting

Natural Resources, Horticulture, Sustainable Ag Committee Meeting