Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/16/2025]

Report Information

Participants

Virtual Zoom Attendees:
Valentin Picasso, University of Wisconsin
Matt Ryan, Cornell University
Julie Dawson, University of Wisconsin
Kevin Smith, University of Minnesota
Jennifer Blesh, University of Michigan
Prabin Bajbain, USDA ARS
Alex Huddell, University of Delaware
Lauren Brzozowski, University of Kentucky
Manbir Rakkar, Ohio State University
Shuwen Wang, Land Institute
Christina Hamilton, Agricultural Experiment Station, manages NIMSS for NC region

In Person Attendees
Laura van de Pol, the Land Institute
Steve Culman, Oregon State University
Andrea Basche, University of Nebraska
Ben Robinson, Ohio State
Clair Keene, NDSU
Lee DeHaan, the Land Institute
Hannah Stoll, UMN
Jared Crain, Kansas State
James Anderson, UMN
Jake Jungers, UMN

Brief Summary of Minutes

Agenda for June 9 meeting

3:00 pm - Intros

3:15 pm - Process to move from “development committee” to “Coordinating Committee”

3:25 pm - Deliverables and timeline for NIFA

3:35 pm - Discuss aspects of the proposal

Meeting Notes

Christina Hamilton updates group about the process of moving from development committee to coordinating committee.

We are beginning the process of a two year development committee. Verbally we can tell her what type of project we want to move to (assuming its a coordinating committee). She will set up a proposal template, someone is assigned to technical leadership to edit in the NIMSS system. Submission for full proposal would be Dec 1, but she likes to have objectives up by October 15, good to begin discussion even ahead of that. Sept 15 is the request to submit proposal deadline. More or less can follow the process that is described on the website. Gets reviewed by leadership in winter, then the full experiment station team in spring, will provide feedback, proposal in full due October 2026.

https://www.aginnovationnc.org/new-renewal-nc-project-instructions

We had some discussion about the difference between forming a research committee versus coordinating committee. Every station will provide funds via a different process for multistate research project. Research projects require more reporting, expectation of development of a research projects/outcomes. She has never seen a research project proposal rejected but they can suggest major revisions. Cannot be duplicative of another project - would want to make sure there is not another analogous project. Need to meet a few “grand challenges” for ag innovation/national priorities (she will send that to us), could include NIFA priorities. Want to see how you are working together across states, not in individual silos.

Clair asked a question about how the universities disperse experiment station funds. Christina noted that 25% of hatch funds are meant to go to multistate projects.

Discussion with the group if we should form a research committee versus coordinating committee. Jake note that we are definitely in a mode of needing research resources so exploring the RC is worthwhile. Valentin explained how the hatch funds are dispersed differently (faculty salary, competitive grants).

Andrea has had mixed experience with complicated process for applying and accessing Hatch funds, but thinks it is worthwhile to pursue since we are all seeking additional research funds

Next steps: Talk to local contacts at your university to seek funding from local university (i.e.could be ~$10k annually); very institutionally specific availability and process (not all folks may be eligible to apply. For example Clair at NDSU has a majority Extension appointment… but unclear whether she could access Hatch funds for a research group – and may need to partner with someone with a majority Research appointment)

Could be other benefits of being in a research group like this even if you do not get funding from it since you could be included on a list of membership

Clair: If a research committee is not much more effort than a coordinating committee – that could be more beneficial than just funds for travel

NEXT STEP for all at a Land Grant: AES Director - Find out what you are eligible for your institution. Jake will make a section of notes to keep track of this information

Steve question about how we got to this point which would be helpful for context. Valentin described that the funds that are available for multi-state projects. Shared his experience with forage researchers which led to the resilience CAP. This came up as a part of the discussion as the kernza CAP is winding now, how to get more research for perennial grains, how to fund travel to conferences, etc. Even though we are “NC” north central region anyone is eligible to join. “DC” is a two year development committee to write a proposal for a RC research committee or CC coordinating committee. The travel funds are only available if you are a part of the project and you ask for them.

Proposal is fairly simple (~5 pgs, overview, objectives, etc)

Alex Huddell: Has been able to get small amount of research funding in Delaware Land Grant; supports another research group

Valentin note that the spirit of the process is to share and coordinate

Laura question about how the activities and goals work, Jake and Andrea note that the objectives are usually broad and reporting encompasses both individual and collaborative efforts

Valentin: need to make sure there are a few people who take on responsibility of reporting/organizing, good for these responsibilities to rotate. Also proposed the question of if this is going to be worthwhile for all - most seemed in agreement that yes let’s move forward. Also proposed a core group to stay in closer communications, draft materials - Andrea, Jake, Matt Ryan, Manbir, Alex agreed.

Next steps

-Valentin to coordinate with Christina Hamilton about reporting/templates

-Jake will share notes, including google doc where everyone can fill in what they learn from agricultural experiment station -Clair note about sharing this and the questions that are asked

-Got a group of a few people who are willing to stay in touch about next steps

 

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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