agInnovation South Fall Meeting
September 17, 2007
Philadelphia, PA
Minutes
Participants | Action Items | Agenda
Participants
| Jerry Arkin, GA George Askew, SC Susan Barefoot, SC Sylvia Blankenship, NC David Boethel, LA James Clark, TX Lisa Collins, KY Bill Dugas, TX Mary Duryea, FL Richard Guthrie, AL George Hochmuth, FL |
Tom Klindt, TN Mark McLellan, FL David Monks, NC Reuben Moore, MS David Morrison, LA Craig Nessler, VA James Rakocy, VI Rick Roeder, AR Bob Shulstad, GA Clarence Watson, OK Eric Young, agInnovation South Liaisons: Robert McDonald, CSREES |
Action Items
Agenda Item 1 – Approval of Agenda, Minutes, and Interim Actions: Agenda, Spring meeting minutes and Interim Actions approved
Agenda Item 2 – SERA Renewal Requests: All recommendations from the SERA Review Committee were approved (Klindt/Arkin)
Agenda Item 6 – Items from the Executive Director: On motion/second by McLellan/Dugas the group approved to disband the Partnership Working Group
Agenda Item 8 – Nominating Committee Report: The nomination was accept by acclamation for Clarence Watson, OK as chair elect for 2007/08 and chair in 2008/09.
Agenda Item 9 – Resolutions Committee Report: Resolutions of appreciation were read for Drs.Steve Leath, and Roger Crickenberger who have left the Association for other positions. A resolution of appreciation was also read for Dr. Susan Barefoot for her role as agInnovation South Chair. All resolutions were approved by acclamation.
Agenda
| Time | Agenda # | Agenda Item – Presenter |
| 8:00 | Welcome and Introductions – Susan Barefoot | |
| 8:05 | 1 | Approval of Agenda, Minutes, and Interim Actions – Susan Barefoot |
| 8:10 | 2 | SERA Review Committee Report and SERA Renewal Requests – Susan Barefoot, Reuben Moore, and Eric Young |
| 8:20 | 3 | NRSP Review Committee Recommendations, Preview – Craig Nessler and Eric Young |
| 8:35 | 4 | ESCOP Marketing Plan, Preview – Jerry Arkin |
| 8:50 | 5 | National Multistate Awards Program, Preview – Eric Young |
| 9:00 | 6 | Items from the Executive Director – Eric Young
|
| 9:30 | 7 | Spring 2008 Meeting – Tom Klindt |
| 9:40 | 8 | Nominating Committee Report – David Boethel |
| 9:45 | 9 | Resolutions Committee Report – Rick Roeder |
| 9:50 | 10 | Presentation of agInnovation South “Gavel” to incoming Chair – Susan Barefoot |
| 9:55 | 11 | Closing Remarks and Announcements – Tom Klindt |
| 10:00 | Adjourn | |
| Written Reports: Multistate Research Committee Report ASRED Report |
| AGENDA BRIEFS |
Agenda Item 1.
Approval of Agenda, Minutes, and Interim Actions
Presenter: Susan Barefoot
Background:
- Interim Actions:
- Appointed Richard Guthrie (AL) as the Southern Region Representative on the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center’s Board of Directors
- Appointed Jim Rakocy (VI) as the Southern Region Representative on the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center’s Board of Directors
- Appointed Jonathan Pote, (MS) as Administrative Advisor to SERA20 “Southern Conservation Tillage Systems Conference”
- Appointed Lisa Collins, (KY) as Administrative Advisor to NRSP-1 “Research Planning Using the Current Research Information System” for the Southern Region.
- Appointed Bill Dugas, (TX) as Administrative Advisor to NRSP-3 “The National Atmospheric Deposition Program” for the Southern Region.
- Appointed David Monks, (NC) as Administrative Advisor to SERA03 “Southern Region Information Exchange Group for IPM”
- Appointed David Monks, (NC) as Administrative Advisor to SERA05 “Sweet Potato Collaborators Conference”
- Appointed Mark Cochran, (AR) as Administrative Advisor to S1029 “Improved Methods to Combat Mosquitoes and Crop Pests in Rice Fields”
- Appointed Craig Nessler, (VA) as Administrative Advisor to SAC11 “Plant Pathology”
Action Requested: Approval of agenda, minutes, and interim actions.
Action Taken: Agenda approved – Shulstad/Morrison
Spring meeting minutes approved – Klindt/Watson
Interim Actions approved – Klindt/Boethel
Agenda Item 2.
SERA Review Committee Report and SERA Renewal Requests
Presenter: Susan Barefoot, Reuben Moore, and Eric Young
Background:
It is recommended that ASRED/agInnovation South consider the following action regarding SERA proposals.
S_temp 1763/SERA-25 – “Turf” – Approve a one-year extension with an additional 3 years upon receipt of a revised proposal, which addresses the following:
- Update the participant list and FTEs in Appendix E
- Identify a strategy to obtain potential funding, particularly integrated research and extension grants
- Provide more specific potential outputs and impacts, and associated measures
S_temp 1642 (SERA6 Renewal) – “Methodology, Interpretation, and Implementation of Soil, Plant, Byproduct, and Water Analyses” – Approve for 5 years with the following suggestions to be considered during year 1:
- Update the participant list in Appendix E, including a broader list reflecting actual participation in the annual meeting and their functional assignments (research, extension, or other).
- Improve Accomplishments section to include significant accomplishments documented on project’s web site
S_temp1742 (SERA11 Renewal) – “Review and Coordination of Oilseed Rape Research Programs in the Southern Region”– Terminate this SERA due to incomplete proposal and apparent lack of interest. A new proposal may be submitted at a later date, if the group becomes active.
S_temp1602 (SERA27 Renewal) – “Nursery Crop and Landscape Systems” – Approve for 5 years with the following suggestions to be considered during year 1:
- Strengthen justification for the proposed activity by including a summary of successes from the current SERA
- Provide more specificity in objectives
S-temp 1422 (New SERA) – “Beef Cattle Production Utilizing Forages in the Southeast to Integrate Research and Extension Programs across State Boundaries” – Approve for one year with an additional 4 years upon receipt a revised proposal addressing the following:
- More complete participant list in Appendix E, including participants from a broader array of states and all participant’s functional assignments (research, extension, or other).
- More specific objectives and outcomes
- Better explanation of extension component
S_temp1663 (NEW SERA) – “The New Hispanic South: Strengthening the Capacity of the Region’s Land-Grant University System to Respond” – Approve for 5 years with the following suggestions to be considered during year 1:
- Correct some participant information in Appendix E
- Consider involving students in this activity and adding an academic oriented objective
- Refine objectives with more specificity for research and extension focused activities
Action Requested: Approval of SERA Review Task Force Committee recommendations.
Action Taken: All recommendations from the SERA Review Committee were approved (Klindt/Arkin)
Agenda Item 3.
NRSP Review Committee Recommendations, Preview
Presenter: Craig Nessler and Eric Young
Background:
The NRSP Review Committee met on June 6, 2007 in Kansas City. Committee members present were Lee Sommers (CO), chair and W rep; Marshall Martin (IN), NC rep; Bill Vinson (WV), NE rep; Craig Nessler (VA), S rep; Al Parks (Prairie View A&M), ARD rep; Larry Miller, CSREES rep; Eric Young, S Executive Director; Mike Harrington, W Executive Director and; Don Latham (IA), stakeholder rep.
Following discussion of the NRSP budget proposals submitted to the Committee, the following recommendations will be presented to the Experiment Station Section at the annual meeting.
Budget Requests
NRSP-1. Research Planning Using the Current Research Information System (CRIS). The amount requested for FY08 was $337,574. It was noted that the FY08 budget reflects the obligation of the SAES to fund 25% of the cost of CRIS as well as an increase in funding since the SAES now funds 75% of the cost of NIMSS through the CRIS budget. Motion by Martin to accept budget request. Second by Parks. Motion passed.
NRSP-3. National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). The budget proposal of $61,000 for FY08 was consistent with the prior recommendations of the Committee to implement a phased reduction in funding. Motion by Latham to accept budget request. Second by Nessler. Motion passed.
NRSP-4. National Agricultural Program to Clear Pest Control Agents for Minor Uses.
The amount requested for FY08 was $481,182. This request is consistent with prior recommendations of the Committee. Motion by Martin to accept budget request. Second by Parks. Motion passed.
NRSP-5. Develop and Distribute Deciduous Fruit Tree Clones Free of Viruses and Virus-like Agents. The amount requested for FY08 was $145,919. This request restores funding for the project to the level existing in FY06. The Committee supports this level of funding based on input from the National Plant Germplasm Coordinating Committee as well as feedback from each of the regional associations. Motion by Martin to accept budget request. Second by Nessler. Motion passed.
NRSP-6. Inter-Regional Potato Introduction Project. The amount requested for FY08 was $110,000. This project is an essential component of the National Plant Germplasm system and the funding request is consistent with maintaining ongoing support from the SAES for the project. Motion by Nessler to accept budget request. Second by Latham. Motion passed.
NRSP-7. Minor Use Animal Drugs. The amount requested for FY08 was $542,700. This project has not requested funds in past fiscal years because the funding has been provided via a special grant originating in the USDA budget. Due to the uncertain status of special grants in the USDA budget, the project submitted a request for off-the-top funding to the Committee. The Committee concluded that funding via the President’s budget request for USDA was likely. Motion by Latham to reject the budget request. Second by Nessler. Motion passed.
NRSP-8. National Animal Genome Program. The amount requested for FY08 was $400,000. This request is consistent with prior recommendations of the Committee.
Motion by Latham to accept budget request. Second by Parks. Motion passed.
NRSP Guidelines
The Committee reviewed the guidelines and is proposing the following changes for consideration by the ESS.
- Change from 2/3 vote to simple majority for overturning recommendation
- Change of term for regional association committee members
It was also noted that the current guidelines do not contain a section detailing the process for their revision. A proposed process will be submitted to the ESS.
In meeting discussion:
- Changes to Guidelines will be voted on in the ESS meeting
- Changes to Guidelines are just to match what we are doing now and to add some things that should have been added a while back
- Craig Nessler will become the Chair of the NRSP Review Committee
- NRSP-1 will ask for an extension, so they can rwrite proposal
Action Requested: For information only.
Agenda Item 4.
ESCOP Marketing Plan, Preview
Presenter: Jerry Arkin
Background:
A brief overview will be given of the proposed ESCOP marketing plan that will be presented at the ESS meeting. This will allow time for questions and discussion prior to the ESS meeting. (See the Communication & Marketing Committee ESS agenda brief for background information)
In meeting discussion:
- Marketing firm and Cornerstone need to work together
- Advocacy and firm are separate
Action Requested: Information only.
Agenda Item 5.
National Multistate Awards Program, Preview
Presenter: Eric Young
Background:
The SAES Executive Directors have proposed to establish a national award to recognize excellence in multistate research through the multistate research project system. The proposal below has been accepted by ESCOP and will be presented for approval at the ESS meeting.
Experiment Station Section
Awards for Excellence in Multistate Research
Purpose
The fundamental mandate of the Multistate Research authority allows State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAES) tointerdependently collaborate in projects that two or more states share as a priority, but for which no one state could address singularly. This is a very high standard for any research project, and has become a hallmark of the Multistate Research Program’s management objectives.
The Multistate Research authority allows other non-SAES partners to join in these project-based collaborations. Thus, many multistate projects include extension specialists as members as well as Agricultural Research Service or Forest Service research scientists. In addition many projects even have private sector and foreign participants. Moreover, the majority of multistate projects have participants from more than a single region, with many having representation from all regions such that they are national in scope.
To many the Multistate Research Program is one of the “best kept secrets” of the Land-Grant University System.
The purpose of this program is to annually recognize those scientists who are conducting exemplary multistate activities and in doing so enhance the visibility of the multistate program.
Award
- A recipient Multistate Project will be selected from the pool of nominees submitted by the five regional research associations (NCRA, NERA, agInnovation South, WAAESD, and ARD), and deemed by the review panel to exhibit sustained, meritorious and exceptional multistate activities.
Award and Presentation
The National Excellence in Multistate Research Award will consist of a plaque for the project’s group chair and a certificate for each participating scientist to be presented by the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy Chair and
USDA/Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) Administrator during the Awards Program held at the NASULGC Annual Meeting. ESCOP will contribute 50% of the travel expenses for the national winner to attend the awards ceremony.
Eligibility
Any current Multistate Project listed in the NIMSS (http://nimss.umd.edu/) is eligible for consideration for an Excellence in Multistate Research Award.
Basis for Nomination
Each of the five regional research associations may nominate one Multistate Project chosen from the entire national portfolio of active projects.. Nominations shall be made to the Chair of the respective regional multistate review committee (MRC) chair via the regional Executive Director’s office.
Such nominations should describe the:
- Accomplishments that have been realized by the Project as measurable outputs, outcomes and benefits (either directly or through indicators); and
- Synergistic advantages of the particular project derived through interdependency.
The documentation for this type of nomination should be sufficient to allow the review committee members to evaluate the Project according to the criteria listed below.
Criteria and Evaluation
Selection of multistate teams for an Award for Excellence will be based on panel evaluations of nominations that demonstrate: high standards of scientific quality; research relevance to a regional priority; multistate collaboration on the problem’s solution; and professional leadership in the conduct of the project. All nominated shall be evaluated using the same criteria including, in descending order of importance. The Project’s:
- Accomplishments, indicated by outputs, outcomes, and impacts,
- Added value, from the Project’s interdependency;
- Degree of institutional participation (SAES and others as well);
- Extent of multi-disciplinary activity; and,
- Amount of integrated activities (i.e., is it multi-functional).
- Evidence of additional leveraged funding to further the goals of the project.
Selection Process
The ESCOP Science and Technology Committee will select from among the regional nominees a national winner in time for public announcement and award presentation at the NASULGC Annual Meeting each year.
Format for Applications or Nominations
An application or nomination should be a very concise statement. It should include:
Number and Title:
Name(s) and addresses of individuals nominated
Phone_____________________________
E-mail____________________________
(add more lines as needed for additional committee members)
Summary of Project’s Significant Accomplishment(s) (should be less than 3-5 (?) pages) noting:
- The issue, problem or situation addressed by the project or committee;
- The project or committee’s objectives;
- The outcome(s) of the research;
- The impacts of the project or activity (actual or anticipated);
- The extent of links to extension that have been formed; and
- Any additional and relevant partnerships, associations or collaborations that deserve mention.
Nominations should be submitted by email to the Office of the regional Executive Director.
Action Requested: For information only.
Agenda Item 6.
Items from the Executive Director
Presenter: Eric Young
Background:
The following items will be discussed for updates and/or reminders.
agInnovation South Financial/Personnel Database
Last spring, Ron and I reported that TAMU extension has now developed a parallel database for the southern region research directors and the first research data entries will be done this fall. This database allows research directors, business officers, and others with access to easily obtain state-by-state data and regional averages that can be used as comparison for university, state, and federal reports and many other purposes.
agInnovation South directors can log into the database web site at:
http://eit-data.tamu.edu/essr/slog/index.asp
Your login information (user-id/password) is the same as the user-id and password that was assigned to your experiment station for the Outlying Research Station database. Donna can give you this information if it’s been misplaced. Also, detailed instructions for using the database are available in the following PDF document.
agInnovation South database instructions
It is understood that when this data is used in public presentations, only regional averages will be used, rather than individual state data. The state-by-state data is password-protected on line, but is accessible to each of the region’s director’s offices. The extension and research directors will decide the extent to which individual data elements should be accessible and shared between extension and research offices between states within the region and beyond. Also, because the two databases have some common elements there may be some tables and/or graphs that integrate the data, which directors would like generated routinely.
Multistate Research Projects Impact Statements
Separate impact statements are now required for all S projects and are requested, but optional, for SCCs and SERAs. A preliminary impact statement is due after the 3rd year and a final impact statement is due after the final year. These impact statements are due 60 days after the annual meeting in 3rd year and 60 days after the annual meeting in the final year. Impact statements should be submitted to Donna as a Word or PDF file sent as an email attachment. The full agInnovation South policy on this can be seen at
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agInnovation South/infobook/Multistate%20project%20impact%20statements.htm
List of projects due to terminate September 30, 2007:
S-1000 – “Animal Manure and Waste Utilization, Treatment and Nuisance Avoidance for a Sustainable Agriculture” – Ron Lacewell, TX
S-1003 – “Variety and Quality Evaluation of Virginia-type Peanuts” – Craig Nessler, VA
S-1004 – “Development and Evaluation of TMDL Planning and Assessment Tools and Processes” – Roland Mote, TN
S-1007 – “The Science and Engineering for a Biobased Industry and Economy” – Roland Mote, TN
S-1008 – “Genetic Selection and Crossbreeding to Enhance Reproduction and Survival of Dairy Cattle” – Nancy Cox, KY
S-1010 – “Dynamic Soybean Pest Management for Evolving Agricultural Technologies and Cropping Systems” – David Boethel, LA
List of projects due to end it’s third year on September 30, 2007:
S-1018 – “Irrigation Management for Humid and Sub-Humid Areas” – Winston Hagler, NC
S-1020 – “Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency of Poultry” – Winston Hagler, NC
S-1021 – “Managing and Marketing Environmental Plants for Improved Production, Profitability, and Efficiency” – Craig Nessler, VA
AC-5 (Ag Engineers) Request
The southern region Agricultural Engineers department heads Advisory Committee (AC-5) has asked about the possibility of combining with the similar AC in the North Central region. They would like to organize under one chair and meet together in the future. There are obvious advantages to having a combined group, but there may be complications due to the significantly different expectations each region has of their AC groups. The pros and cons of this will be discussed and a recommendation from the directors will be communicated back to AC-5.
Partnership Working Group
The BAA Policy Board of Directors is discussing the future of the Partnership Working Group and considering reconstituting and recharging it to be a PBD task force. The directors’ comments and suggestions on the future of this group will be appreciated.
In meeting discussion:
- Donna will send username and passwords along with a copy of the Guidelines to COO list and cc their assistant’s
- Impact statements are due 60 days after annunal meeting in third year and 60 days after annunal meeting the final year.
- Suggested that the AA have their Ag writers edit Impact Statement before submitting
- Needs to be 1 page
- Will not approve request for renewal proposal without impact statement
- Advisory Committee (AC-5) wants to join NC Central group and meet together
- Southern Region will keep their AC Advisor
- Bioenergy SERA – Nancy Cox, KY, has agreed to be the AA for Research and Jim Trapp, OK, will be the AA for Extension
Action Requested: For information only.
Action Taken: On motion/second by McLellan/Dugas the group approved to disband the Partnership Working Group
Agenda Item 7.
Spring 2008 Meeting
Presenter:Tom Klindt
Background:
You are cordially invited to the Meeting of the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Stations Directors in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 31-April 2, 2008 additional information will be forthcoming.
In meeting discussion:
- Meeting will run from Monday noon until noon on Wednesday
Action Requested: For information only.
Agenda Item 8.
Nominating Committee Report
Presenter:David Boethel
Background:
A nominee for agInnovation South Chair-elect will be presented by the Nominating Committee and the floor will be opened for additional nominations.
Action Requested: Election of an agInnovation South Chair-elect for 2007/08.
Action Taken: The nomination was accept by acclamation for Clarence Watson, OK as Chair- elect for 2007/08 and chair in 2008/09.
Agenda Item 9.
Resolutions Committee Report
Presenter: Rick Roeder
Background:
Resolutions in Appreciation will be presented to Dr. Steve Leath, Dr. Roger Crickenberger and Dr. Susan Barefoot, outgoing Chair.
Action Requested: Approval
Action Taken: Resolutions of appreciation were read for Drs.Steve Leath, and Roger Crickenberger who have left the Association for other positions. A resolution of appreciation was also read for Dr. Susan Barefoot for her role as agInnovation South Chair. All resolutions were approved by acclamation.
Agenda Item 10.
Presentation of agInnovation South “Gravel” to incoming Chair
Presenter: Susan Barefoot
Background:
Outgoing chair, Susan Barefoot, will present the Association’s official gavel, a pocketknife, to incoming chair, Tom Klindt
Action Requested: For information only.
Agenda Item 11
Closing Remarks and Announcements
Presenter:Tom Klindt
Background: