Iowa NACAA Meeting Minutes
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Building, Ames
April 5, 2005

 

The meeting of the Iowa Section of NACAA was called to order by President Dave Stender at 5:50 p.m. Thirty members were present.  Dr. Gerald Miller, ANR Program Leader, and Mike Christian, NC Regional Director were also present.

 

Minutes were approved as written. Treasurer’s report was presented by John Holmes and approved. 

 

Agenda was amended to allow the presentation of communications awards at the beginning of the meeting. Award presentations were made to Jerry Chizek, Bruce Bearinger, Rich Wrage, and Kapil Arora by John Otte and Rod Swoboda from the Wallace's Farmer Magazine.

 

Membership reports were given by area:  SW – Doug Doty, Central – Dr. John Lawrence and Dr. Ken Stalder, NW, NE and SE - no new members.

 

The nominating committee report was presented by Joel DeJong.  The following were nominated: President elect – John Holmes; Secretary-Treasurer – Bud Beetle; and Secretary-Treasurer elect – Jerry Chizek. Unanimous ballot was cast for the presented slate of candidates.

 

Jerry Chizek, Dave Stender, and Larry Tranel were elected as voting delegates for the 2005 AM/PIC in Buffalo, NY. Glen Easter was elected alternate voting delegate.

 

Mike Christian, NC Regional Director, provided an update from the national NACAA board. He noted that three national vice chair positions are available:  4-H and Youth Committee, the Professional Development Committee, and the Aquaculture/Sea Grant Committee. Members were encouraged to consider applying for a vice chair position. Mike encouraged member participation in the next Galaxy Conference scheduled for September, 2008, in Indianapolis, IN. Christian noted that the Oregon section of NACAA will be submitting a bid to host the 2009 AM/PIC in Portland. He also encouraged the Iowa Section to continue their consideration of submitting a bid to host the 2011 AM/PIC. Mike announced that NACAA scholarship applications were received from John Holmes on behalf of four ISU Extension crop specialists for $2000 and Clarke McGrath for $1000. Both applications were approved and funds will be awarded in the upcoming year. Mike asked all Iowa members to consider candidates for, and promote, the “Outstanding Young Farmer” program. Mike asked for inputs from the Iowa section to be given to the national NACAA Board. Rich Wrage noted that the dates of the AM/PIC often conflict with county fairs for many Iowa agents. Mike said that this was his last year as NC regional director. Stan Moore, from Michigan will become the new regional director. The next regional director will be elected at the 2005 AM/PIC. The candidate will come from Minnesota. 

 

Dr. Gerald Miller, ANR program leader, gave an administrative update. Jerry presented “Excellence in Agricultural Extension Awards” to Virgil Schmitt (crops) and Larry Tranel (livestock). Livestock field specialist staffing patterns were discussed. Areas of expertise will continue to be beef, swine, and dairy production. The transition will become effective July 1, 2005. This transition will be discussed with local Extension councils. Dr. Miller expects the ANR budget to overcome a $422,000 deficit from FY2004 and end FY2005 “in the black.” Extension Administration staff have been asked to make legislative contacts with national legislators to maintain Hatch Act funding for university based research. 

 

JCEP regional report was given by Dave Stender. Iowa is in comparatively good shape compared to other states in terms of budgets and staffing.

 

President Stender reported on new member recruitment. Iowa has 29 single-county agents. The Iowa section of NACAA needs to look for new members in other areas. Current NACAA members were encouraged to help recruit new members. 

 

The discussion of making a bid to host the 2011 AM/PIC was led by Dave Stender. The costs and requirements of hosting the annual meeting are being determined. Dave recommended we consider working with a conference planner. The following was covered in the discussion:

  • Dr. Miller recommended that someone from the Iowa section of NACAA visit with Stan Johnson to obtain Extension Administration support for hosting the AM/PIC. 
  • Established a goal to raise $1000 from each county. 

 

Bill Drey moved that the Iowa section of NACAA commit to seriously explore hosting a national meeting. Kapil Arora seconded the motion. Motion carried. The following persons were appointed to a AM/PIC bid committee: Linda Fischer, Neil Wubben, Dan Burkhart, Paul Kassel, Steve Johnson, Kelvin Leibold, Russ Euken, and Joel DeJong. Mike Christian recommend contacting Phil Dirst from Michigan for assistance in bid planning. 

 

The discussion of hosting a meal or break at the 2007 AM/PIC in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was postponed until the fall meeting. 

 

Jim Jensen gave the P&S Council report. He encouraged members to keep Extension representation strong. He noted that the current ISU Administration is very open to comments from the P&S Council. Concerns to be addressed in upcoming sessions were salary increases and lack of mobility within the pay scale grid. 

 

Committee reports given:

Communications – Al Gregg submitted a written report. Thanks to Wallaces Farmer for their financial support of the NACAA Communications Awards Program. 

Life MembersLarry Loenser - encouraged all life members to support the AM/PIC bid.

Recognition & Awardsno applications for DSA or AA were received

ScholarshipRich Wrage – Noted that Iowa section had two scholarship winners last year— Extension crop specialist group and Clarke McGrath.  Reminded members that scholarship applications are due by June 1.

 

Raffle – A total of $670 was raised for the scholarship fund. Thirty-two prizes were awarded to members. A list of winners is available from the secretary. 

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted by John Holmes, Secretary-Treasurer