B. STAKEHOLDER INPUT PROCESS

Various processes for stakeholder input are utilized on an on-going basis. This input is used to shape our long range plan of work along with adjustments to our annual activities. These processes assure that high priority issues facing the people of North Dakota are addressed. Examples of stakeholder input processes undertaken are as follows:

SBARE held monthly meetings during the fiscal year which were also attended by department chairs and Research Extension Center directors. The meetings focused on assessing current programs and identifying issues and needs for new programs. Individual citizens and commodity group representatives provided direct input. Three sub-committees, Crops, Livestock, and Other Programs, were organized as working groups for SBARE. These committees met several times with industry representatives to gathering additional input on issues and needs.

Multicounty Program Unit (MPU) Advisory Committees

Ten MPU Advisory Committees each met at least twice during the past fiscal year, once in the spring and again in the fall. The spring meetings dealt with issues and needs identification while the fall meetings were dedicated to program review. This input is utilized by extension agents to develop local programs and to set direction for the State Extension Plan of Work. Many MPU Advisory Committee members work directly with their local extension agent on program development. MPU Advisory Committee are nominated by their local county.

Research Extension Center Advisory Committees

The seven Research Extension Centers (RECs) held winter meetings with their citizens advisory boards that focused on issue identification for both research and extension programming. REC staff not only used this input to set program direction for the center but also conveyed it to main station researchers and to SBARE. Summer meetings and field tours were also held to review programs and observe the progress of research activities.

Irrigation Summit

An Irrigation Summit was held at NDSU during the fall of 2000. The purpose was to promote effective communication among irrigation interests in the state and NDSU, identify processes for maintaining strong communications and prioritize research needs. Research scientists presented a synopsis of their current research for their research goals for the future. Industry representatives and producers identified additional research issues and needs. This information is used to guide irrigation research and extension program priorities.

Livestock Colloquium

Livestock constituents and interest groups were brought together to discuss current research and extension programs along with the identification of future issues and opportunities. This input has resulted in a reaffirmation of livestock program priorities along with the identification of several emerging issues.

North Dakota Nutrition Council

North Dakota Nutrition Council, established in 1980, has over 180 members that identify nutrition education needs for North Dakota. The council has representation from several agencies and organizations, each with a specific nutrition focus. North Dakota nutrition issues are identified by the membership and directed to the appropriate agency or organization for action. North Dakota State University Extension specialist and agents have taken the lead educational role in addressing several nutrition issues identified by the Council.

Family Life Education Committee

Department of Human Services and North Dakota State University Extension Family Life Education Committee was established in 1992 by the North Dakota legislature to educate and support individuals at all points within the family life cycle. The committee meets six times per year to identify issues, plan, and implement educational programs. The NDSU Extension Service is the primary source of the educational programs and outreach to the state.