April 26, 2001

Legislature Supportive of NDSU Agriculture

The current North Dakota legislative session has made a commitment to advancement of North Dakota State University’s efforts in agricultural research and extension throughout the state and to the Northern Crops Institute, according to Jerry Doan, McKenzie, N.D., chair of the State Board for Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE).

"The legislature reaffirmed its strong support for research and extension and the NCI, providing new state dollars as well as additional funding from special sources, and building in flexibility to allow SBARE and NDSU to respond to emerging issues," Doan said.

The next step for SBARE is to analyze the completed budget, review legislative intent, and then set priorities for agricultural programs, he said.

The legislature allocated special revenue funds for a beefline initiative intended to help strengthen the state’s beef cattle industry. The initiative will involve research on genetics, management, coproduct utilization, barley feeding and environmental concerns, as well as extension educational programs. It could also include a modern feedmill and beef cattle feedlot at the Carrington Research Extension Center. SBARE will consult with the beef cattle industry and others to develop goals and priorities for a research program.

The legislature also authorized funding for a learning center at the Langdon REC, which also received support from a local fund drive. Purchase of additional land for the North Central REC will be analyzed, and land for irrigation research at the Williston REC was authorized. Other items in the new budget include funding for an extension livestock marketing specialist and a 4-H youth development specialist, and for establishment of livestock marketing clubs in western North Dakota.

The legislature also voted to add two legislators to be appointed by the chairman of the Legislative Council to serve on SBARE.

"In all, the legislature has responded positively to SBARE’s recommendations. This reinforces that North Dakota producers have direct input into NDSU agriculture." Doan said.

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Source: Jerry Doan,(701) 673-3441, Jerry_Doan@bsc.nodak.edu
Editor: Gary Moran, (701) 231-7865, gmoran@ndsuext.nodak.edu