Kaitlyn Alme-Hjelseth

The regular board meeting included administrative updates regarding the departure of President Cook and Dr. Katie Cook from NDSU, an update on a presentation to the Interim Higher Education Institutions Legislative Committee, and the announcement of a tentative ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Bolley Laboratory. Updates were also provided on NDSU Extension programs, the upcoming USDA NIFA Civil Rights review, and recent impacts from the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. The Chair announced the conclusion of Representative Alisa Mitskog's time on the board and the appointment of Representative Austin Foss. The board reviewed and discussed input received during the 2025 stakeholder prioritization process and received a presentation on Riverview Dairy Midwest operations.

The regular meetings held on January 13 and 14, 2026, included several administrative updates covering upcoming committee meetings, the Governor's Executive Budget Meeting, a delegation visit from the USDA-ARS, updates on Sagency strategic planning, Bolley Laboratory construction, and failed bids for REC storage sheds. Updates were also provided on the NDSU interim president search timeline, an Extension NIFA Civil Rights review, and the 4-H Giving Hearts Day participation. The hiring of the interim Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Director was announced, along with funding studies regarding the return on investment of ND AES research. A significant portion of both days was dedicated to programmatic review presentations from various NDSU Departments, RECs, and Extension programs. The second day concluded with the facilitation of the beginning of the SBARE prioritization process.

The regular board meeting included a strategy session conducted with an external consultant regarding the SBARE process. Key administrative updates were provided, including the announcement of President David Cook's acceptance of the presidency at Iowa State University, effective March 1, 2026. Updates covered legislative committee activity, changes in North Dakota University System leadership titles, and updates on provost and research center director searches and retirements. Agricultural Experiment Station updates detailed progress on the Bolley Laboratory facility construction and a request for 58 drones under a replacement program, emphasizing a high return on investment for agricultural research. Extension updates noted the conclusion of the SNAP-Ed program due to federal funding changes and highlighted the role of Extension programs in disaster response, helping secure approximately $19 million in aid. Additional items included reports on NDSU agriculture milestones, such as the launch of the Master of Agriculture program and fundraising success, as well as an update from the North Central Research Extension Center. Input testimony was received from several stakeholders.

This document, provided by the North Dakota Stockmen's Association, outlines nine key recommendations as input for the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) for the 2027 North Dakota Legislative Session. These recommendations aim to benefit the beef cattle sector by focusing on disaster education, sustained beef-focused research and extension, animal science education and workforce development, maintaining animal agriculture visibility, supporting 4-H and youth development, continuing Beef Quality Assurance programming, promoting beef in public nutrition, protecting animal health, and bolstering beef cattle feeding and applied research.

The regular meeting covered several administrative updates. NDSU President David Cook announced new leadership appointments, including the Dean of the College of Engineering and the Chief of Staff for the President's Office, and provided updates on strategic planning and legislative outcomes. Dr. Greg Lardy updated the board on searches for key leadership positions within agriculture, the finalization of the Peltier Institute's scholarship program, student highlights such as the "Bison in the Bakken" experience, and monitoring of the federal budget landscape. Updates were also provided on construction for Bolley Field Lab and preliminary planning for replacing the Shepperd Arena. Associate Director Lynette Flage reported on the 4-H Next Chapter Program, statewide extension visits, and the financial impact of a 35% reduction in NIFA funding from the President's Executive budget, as well as recently passed legislation affecting county extension budgets. Associate Director Frank Casey detailed successful collaborative events with Grand Farm, hosting USDA ARS leadership, and presenting on the regional agriculture ecosystem during a visit to the University of Georgia. Board Chair Sarah Lovas emphasized the need to orient new legislators to the SBARE process and announced upcoming board member term expirations and elections for a new Chair.