Iowa Cattlemen’s Assoc Building, March 24, 2003, 5:52 to 7:30 PM

Meeting was called to order by President Rich Wrage. A last call was announced for raffle tickets and the raffle was conducted. The agenda was approved by consent. Minutes of last fall’s meeting were read and approved as written on the web.

Treasurer report was read and approved.

Membership reports were given by area:

NE- reported stable staff
SE- Jen Hoy, Wapello County CEED and Bob Wells, Farm management specialist
SW- Glen Easter, Clarke County CEED
C – Terry Finnerty, Commercial Horticulturist
NW- reported stable staff

Discussion with Administration started with Donald Lewis. Since beginning as director, he has learned a lot about the variety and depth of programming in agriculture. Priority is to fill holes in expertise in vacant positions. Challenge to keep doing as well as we are doing with shrinking resources. Wendy W. then discussed the programming and communication expectations of faculty on extension appointment. Plans are underway to build a new dairy south of Ames. Stan ended the administration report asking staff to take a good look at the futuring report. It is written in soft language, but asks some tough questions. One theme is that Extension should serve a broad audience consistent with issues active in the community. Other comments discussed becoming more targeted, with a broader spectrum, using technology, becoming more innovative, showing leadership. The budget cannot grow without grants, contracts and user fees. Without user fees 70 FTE would have been let go out of about 900. The implementation plan of the futuring committee will be released a couple weeks before annual conference. Not thinking about taking away from rural Iowa to expand urban programming, but will look for innovative funding sources for urban programs. The Extension internet infrastructure is being deciphered with the goal of implementing the most cost efficient technology upgrade.

Byron Leu gave ANR Director search committee report – proceeding with job description, recruitment will start in late summer with interviewing in the fall after school resumes.

Dan Burkhart gave the north central region report. He read the ending remarks, written in 1948 by Ill. Extension Service Mr. Warner. Really good tours this year. There will be a scholarship auction in Green Bay. Check into using an NACAA credit card to benefit the group. Several handouts covering leadership and committees were available to pick up for references.

Election results were announced:

Joel DeJong – president
Dave Stender – secretary/tresurer
John Holmes -- secretary elect

Green Bay meeting July 13 -17, 2003 announcement promotional tape was shown. 30 tours are lined up, major focus agriculture and horticulture. Voting Delegates were elected: Joel DeJong, Linda Fisher and Russ Euken.

Linda Fischer printed update report on Green Bay Barbeque given by Dan Burkhart. Loins are ready to cook. Will be two cooking trailers, ready to put on the table. Russ Euken received $1000 check from Iowa Pork Producers and will send to Lynn Benson. Maybe some product will come through Iowa Premium pork. Beef Brisket will come from American foods and Iowa quality beef. Jim Jensen found cookies and potato chips. Jerry Chizek working on getting paper roll and cups. Wells Blue Bunny is donating ice cream. Six serving lines will need about four people per line from 5 to 7 p.m. Jack and Paul will play stump-the-band. We are in the process of negotiating the contract for the band. The committee is looking for something for everyone to wear while serving – ISU Extension Aprons --$5 to 6 each.

JCEP Joel and Rich attended and Rich gave the report – every other state wants to know more about the Iowa revenue generation plan.

P & S Report--- Jim Jensen said they are working to get the mileage reimbursement raised to the IRS rate. The committee is also looking at the pay matrix, sending a list of recommendations and will be looking for ideas at the president’s breakfast. P& S council has one position to fill, make sure you vote.

Program Recognition Council
Communication - Jerry Chizek, Chair of the communication committee had Frank and John from Wallace’s Farmer give out the communication awards. 6 category winners:

Radio – Rich Wrage, Newsletter team with Carl Neifert and Dave Andrews
Published photo Bob Dodds – and direct mail promotion
Newsletter individual – Dale Miller
Video tape – Terry Janssen

Extension Programs - Chris Nelson- search for excellence one entry – Steve Johnson State Winner
4-H and Youth - Dale Miller reported Dennis Johnson state winner 4H --16 applications for 4H talent review in Green Bay.
Life Member - John Creswell, learn to say no when you retire. Contacted 40 life members plus 20 more, list needs to be revised, 10 coming to help with the Wisc meeting.
Professional Excellence - Gary Bickmeier- no report
Public Relations - George Cummings- submitted written report Bob Behnkendorf is PRIDE winner. Dr. John Pesek is nominee from Iowa for the Service to America Award.
Recognition and Awards - Pat Derdzinski- (later announced DSA award winners were Kelvin Leibold and Gregg Brenneman; Achievement award winner is Jerry Chizek)

Professional Improvement Council
Agronomy - John Holmes- no report
Animal Science - Dave Stender- no report
Ag Economics - Kelvin Leibold- Presentation by Kelvin Leibold was given at AM/PIC in Georgia on #9; #9; Brazilian Soybean production.
Horticulture - Larry Loenser- NCAA rise offers a one week tour.

Extension Development Council
Public Relations and Ag issues - Steve Johnson – no report
Administrative Skills Development - Bob Dodds- no report
Early Career Development - Darwin Miller- no report
Teaching and Communications - Dave Andrews- no report
Public Relations - Ronnie Mitchell - brief report

A suggestion was made to appoint committee chairs before the national meeting.

ISUCEP Committees

Member issues and concerns -
Professional Improvement -
Public Relations - Ron Mitchell - meeting recommend merging with member issues.

Football was auctioned to Carl Neifert for $75, thank you Larry McMullen for your auctioneer work.

Motion to adjourn the meeting by John Creswell and seconded by John Holmes. Motion carried.

Submitted by Dave Stender