Iowa Agricultural Extension Association Meeting Minutes
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Headquarters, Ames
March 31, 2008
The spring meeting of the Iowa Section of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Jerry Chizek. Thirty active members were in attendance; including Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Assistant Director, Paul Brown. Also present were guests, Gerald Miller, ANR Program Director, and Wallaces Farmer representatives Rod Svoboda and John Otte.
Michelle Baumhover and Brian Waddingham, represented the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) who helped sponsor part of the evening’s meal. Michelle shared information about the meat choice and marketing efforts on various beef cuts & Brian shared information on beef quality assurance. Thanks to IBIC for their support.
Rich Wrage moved to approve the agenda. 2nd by Mark Storlie. Carried.
Leroy Jensen moved to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2007 meeting. 2nd by Kapil Arora. Carried.
Jerry Chizek provided the Treasurer’s Report with a current net income balance of $2224.37. This amount added to our cash carryover of $4,799.30 gives a total amount of $7,023.67. An additional $250 has been received from Wallaces Farmer for the state Communications Awards. JCEP expenses increased due to location in San Diego, CA. Glen Easter moved to accept the report. 2nd by Joe Sellers. Carried.
John Holmes gave an update on the NACAA scholarship program. Members donating $40 to the scholarship fund are eligible for up to $2000 in professional development support over the life of their NACAA membership. Applications can be found on-line at: http://www.nacaa.com/awards/2008_forms/scholarship_application.doc
Jerry Chizek and Gene Mohling reported on professional development funding for NACAA national & regional meetings (JCEP). How can we support professional development as an NACAA member? Can we establish a professional development fund? ISU accounting system does not have the capacity for more payroll deductions. The goal of the discussion was to plant a seed for the future. Committee-Dan Burkhart, Mark Storlie, and Denise Schwab (chair) to work on a professional development plan.
A letter from Iowa Farm Bureau was recently received stating support of the Iowa NACAA efforts, however, they cannot provide financial sponsorship at this time for our Distinguished Service Awards.
Steve Johnson provided an update on the Outstanding Young Farmer Award. Applications are due August 1st.
Jerry Chizek reported that we have 80 members. Potential new members- NW – none; NE-Mike Henderson, Delaware CEED; Gary Hall, Cerro Gordo CEED; Central - Matt Deppe, Madison CEED; SW-no report; SE-Gary Bickmeier, Keokuk CEED, is changing positions and moving to Illinois.
Jerry Miller, ANR Program Director, stated the “Excellence in Livestock” and “Excellence in Crops” will be expanded to cover a broader range of efforts for all ANR field specialists. Three area vacancies; Central Field Agronomist; NE Ag Engineer; and NE Beef Specialist. Andy Larson, Small Farms Specialist, has been hired and is based on campus. Women in Ag programming is supported by ANR Women in Ag Committee. Sorrel Brown has been appointed to the State Outreach Council. The ANR Professional Development program is March 25, 2009. The ICM newsletter is now on-line. The reaction on the electronic newsletter appears to be positive. Printed copies of the ICM newsletter are still available for a fee.
Paul Brown shared an update on the Farm Progress Show with a request for exhibits on a theme “ISU Providing Opportunities for Iowa”. ANR Lunch & Learn will continue to be offered; offer ideas for topics to Paul Brown. Acreage Newsletter is being offered to connect to the 33% non-farm, rural audience living is Iowa. The ISU Calendar will undergo an upgrade. “Turning Point” software is being used at IPM programs.
Jerry shared the names of all the state NACAA organizations in the NC region. Dale Thorson moved to change the name of our state organization to the Iowa Agriculture Extension Association. 2nd by Fred Hall. Greg Brenneman moved to amend to modify agriculture to agricultural. 2nd by Joe Sellers. Amendment carried. The motion as amended carried. We are now the Iowa Agricultural Extension Association.
The 2008 AM/PIC is in Greensboro, North Carolina, on July 13-17.
The idea of a summer tour was circulated including tours of Kinze Manufacturing, Holden Foundation Seeds and Amana Farms. Glen Easter moved to set June 12 for the Professional Improvement Day. 2nd by Kapil Arora. Carried. Committee-Gene Mohling, Greg Brenneman, Denise Schwab, Jim Fawcett.
The question was raised as to who pays the NACAA life membership dues; our association or the life member? Glen Easter moved that the retiring member should pay the life membership fee or it can be a gift from another group (not NACAA). 2nd by Bill Drey. Carried.
John Holmes gave the Nominating Committee Report and nominated Matt Deppe, Madison CEED as Secretary-elect. Dale Thorson moved nominations cease and that we cast a unanimous ballot for Matt Deppe. 2nd by Sorrel Brown. Carried. It was discussed that in the future an administrator could serve as an officer.
Mark Storlie moved to approve Pat Derdzinski and Jerry Chizek as voting delegates at the NACAA AM/PIC in Greensboro, NC, along with potentially Sherry Hoyer or Kelvin Liebold. 2nd by Greg Brenneman. Carried.
Gene Mohling reported on the Regional JCEP meeting held in San Diego, CA.
Dale Miller & Virgil Schmitt shared the P&S update. Virgil Schmitt and Mary Beth Kaufman, were recently elected to three-year terms on the P&S Council. Flex pay is being discussed. Performance management review is underway. Rich Wrage reported that the performance management report is awaiting further review. Towers Perrin Report - Virgil Schmitt gave an update on salary analysis. Extension salaries are toward the bottom of the pay scales. Question remains if funding is available for further support of salaries.
Committee Reports:
* Communications – State Winners were announced. Thank you to Wallaces Farmer.
* 4-H and Youth – one entry was submitted and sent on to the next level.
* Public Relations – service to World Agriculture (Duane Acker was awarded in Grand Rapids, MI.)
* Recognition & Awards – Pat Derdzinski will be the nominee for the Distinguished Service Award.
* Scholarship - raffle sales are supporting professional development.
* Teaching and Education Technologies – Jim Hill will be maintaining the IAEA web page.
* Member Issues and Concerns – Med-Co prescription; pay raise discussion; wellness program for Extension employees; fiscal transparency; priority on filling positions; and vision for Extension.
Mark Storlie moved to adjourn. 2nd by Greg Brenneman. Carried.
Greg Brenneman announced raffle winners! Money collected $567 to the NACAA Scholarship Fund and $333 to our NACAA meal fund.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Mohling, Iowa Agricultural Extension Association Secretary
Updated: May 9, 2008
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