Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Mike Lacy presided over the meeting. Alan Mathew took the minutes. Following a welcome from Lacy, David Morrison provided some opening thoughts, including the benefits the appointment of a FASS scientific liaison located in Washington, D.C. would have in representing member organizations as one unified voice to congressional staff, decision-making bodies and other groups. Among the missions for the liaison would be greater advocacy for increased funding for animal research. Morrison reminded the Committee to nominate multi-state projects from the southern region for the 2009 Excellence in Multi-State Research Award. He noted that S-1039, related to soybeans, was nominated from our region last year; however, the national award went to a project in another region (NC-229). Morrison noted that among the criteria used by the review panel was the national scope of the project and the success in leveraging external funding for the joint activities. Following Morrisons comments, Lacy asked project monitors to provide reports of the respective projects. The report of S-502, Regional Animal Health Situational Awareness Project was provided by Bob Harmon. He noted this is a rapid response project designed to address emerging disease issues. It was established as a 2-year project and is set to terminate 9/30/09. This is primarily a collaborative activity between the Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the U. of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Kentucky and involves disease diagnostics, high-end computing and bioinformatics. Harmon noted the project was supported in part by funding from the Office of Homeland Security. Harmon recommended continuation of the project up to the expiration date, at which time the project should have completed its role. The Committee provided a consensus of agreement. The report of S-1013  Genetic (Co)Variance of Parasite Resistance, Temperament, and Production Traits of Traditional and Non-Bos indicus Tropically Adapted Breeds was provided by Terry Kiser who noted this multi-state project consisted of a long-standing group of scientists from nine universities. The project is set to expire this year (2009). A new proposal will likely be ready for review in the near future, with plans for a final draft by August. The project is noted for common protocols across institutions, with 28 publications in 2008 covering applied and basic research and outcomes. The new proposal will include new objectives. The group has been very productive; however they have recently lost some key geneticists due to retirements and are looking to fill that void. Kiser recommended continuation of the project, Harmon seconded, and this was followed by a unanimous vote of approval. The report of S-1020 Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency of Poultry (S-285) was provided by Mike Lacy. He noted this project terminates in September 2009, and the group is in the process of drafting a new proposal. Lacy noted this multi-state project has a history of good collaboration across the country, and recommended continuation of the project. A second to the motion was provided by Conner and the motion passed by unanimous vote. David Morrison questioned if the Committee should re-nominate this project for the Excellence in Multi-State Research Award. It was suggested that we may need to better emphasize national scope and grant success. After deliberation it was determined that this project would likely not meet the criteria and the consensus was not to nominate this project for the award. The report of S-1022 - Basic and Applied Aspects of Bacterial Source Tracking (S297) was provided by Don Conner, who continues to serve as temporary monitor of this project. The project is scheduled to expire in 2010. It was questioned whether this multi-state project fits in with the Animal Science group as it is constituted primarily by agronomists and soil microbiologists. It was noted that this continues to be an active group with an objective of characterizing sources of livestock waste contaminants and source tracking, thus providing a clear connection with Animal Science. The Committee agreed that even though no animal scientists are participating, the project does have relevance to our discipline and we should continue interacting with the project. Morrison suggested that heads/chairs should urge Animal Science faculty to participate in this project. Conner recommended continuation of the project with a second from Harmon. The motion was carried by unanimous vote. Morrison indicated he would discuss this project with the SAC Agronomy Advisor to gather more input regarding the most appropriate oversight of this project. Morrison provided a report of the situation regarding project S-1023 - Enhancing Production and Reproductive Performance of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle. He noted the project was terminated in September 2008 following recommendations from the Committee last year that more interaction between participating institutions was needed to justify continuation of the project. Morrison noted that following communications with participants about these concerns and the possibility of termination, he did not receive a single response; thus, the decision was made to terminate the project. Mathew provided the report of S-1025 - Systems for Controlling Air Pollutant Emissions and Indoor Environments of Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Facilities. Mathew noted this multi-state group has a good history of activity and productivity, although recently there appeared to be a greater proportion of single-institution projects among the project activities. Mathew indicated that out of 20 ongoing projects listed in their 2008 report, nine were cooperative ventures (2 or more institutions), with the remainder being single institution endeavors. The group meets annually and at their most recent meeting approximately one half of the participating institutions were present. At that meeting, Project Advisor, Ron Lacewell, urged the membership to pull together more cooperatively and seek projects and mechanisms that promote more interactive work. A good number of publications were listed for 2008 across extension and producer-oriented venues and peer-reviewed journals. Mathew recommended continuation of S-1025 with urging from the SAC-2 that the group consider more joint activities. Morrison indicated he would communicate such to the project participants. Beck seconded the motion which was passed by unanimous vote. Conner provided the report for S-1027 - The Poultry Food System: A Farm to Table Model. He noted this is an active project but the annual meeting did not occur during 2008 due to various conflicts. However the group planned to meet during the current World Poultry Expo. He further noted this group has a national scope and good representation across several institutions. It was noted that with some expected changes of appointments and retirements the project may see a change of leadership. Conner recommended continuation of the project. Morrison asked for information regarding the objectives for this project and Conner indicated most of the focus was on food safety, egg quality, microbial issues, and intervention strategies to address issues of concern. Conner noted the group has a good publication record across research and extension venues and has ties to ARS Labs. Morrison asked the Committee if this project might make a good nominee for the Multi-state award, and Conner indicated he had suggested last year that the group submit nomination materials, but the project participants did not follow through with that activity. It was suggested that we consider nominating the project next year. Following the discussion, Beck provided a second towards the motion to continue the project and the motion was passed by unanimous vote. The report for S-1030 - Flies Impacting Livestock, Poultry and Food Safety was to be provided by Keith Lusby; however, he was not in attendance. It was noted that the project is set to terminate in 2009, thus the Committee was to follow up on this project. Harmon provided the report of S-1032 (formerly S-1000) - Improving the Sustainability of Livestock and Poultry Production in the United States. Harmon noted the project was currently being re-written with significant revisions, including to the objectives. Harmon noted that animal scientists, soil sciences, engineers, and others were participating in this project. The project includes a systems approach in the primary objectives and includes 4 relevant subcategories within the second objective. The group meets jointly with S-1025. The project is very productive in terms of outcomes, including peer-reviewed publications and other venues. Harmon recommended continuation of the project, followed by a second from Kiser. The motion was passed by unanimous vote. Pardue provided a report of S-1035- Nutritional and Management Abatement Strategies for Improvement of Poultry Air and Water Quality (formerly w-195). The most recent meeting of this group was in Australia at the World Poultry Congress, with an additional meeting to occur at the current World Poultry Expo. Pardue noted there was a good distribution of institutions involved in the projects, including from the Midwest and Southern regions. There was a significant emphasis on extension activities within the project. The focus included trace minerals, use of distillers grains, issues of high phosphorus content, hormones in the environment, and uptake rates by various plants. Pardue recommended continuation of the project, followed by a second from Beck. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Lacy provided a report for Project S-1037 - Integrative Functional and Physiological Genomics of Poultry as Walter Bottje, the original monitor for this project was not in attendance. Lacy indicated he had conducted a review of the project and noted this is an active and well-funded group, and one which the Committee might way want to nominate for the Multi-state award. The group was planning a tele-conference in the near future. Lacy recommended continuation and Thompson seconded. The motion was passed on a unanimous vote. Beck volunteered to act as the official monitor for this project. Dahl provided a report for S-1040 Genetic Selection and Crossbreeding to Enhance Reproduction and Survival of Dairy Cattle (formerly S-1008). He indicated he attended the most recent meeting of this group where he noted a good level of discussion, although a high level of project interaction was not clearly indicated. About half of the participants are associated with Southern institutions and the other half with Midwestern institutions. The project is in its first year following re-approval. Dahl noted that graduate students attended the meeting, which was seen as a positive aspect. The activities include a mix of quantitative and qualitative genetics and cross-breeding research and reporting. The group had originally considered travel to Scandinavia this year to tour and review crossbreeding programs; however, because of budget issues they may adjust those plans to a more economical tour of similar systems in France. The group has been able to garner sponsorships for the travel and the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) has agreed to provide the venue for this tour. A question was raised regarding the project's interests in breeding systems for pasture-based dairies. Dahl indicated that was to be a component of the international trip. Dahl recommended continuation of the project followed by a second from Gerrard. Dahl encouraged the department heads/chairs who supervise participants to consider funding the travel request for this international activity. The motion to continue the project was passed by unanimous vote. Mathew provided the report for S-1044 - Nutritional Systems for Swine to Increase Reproductive Efficiency (formerly S-1012). He noted this multi-state project was a revision of the recently expired S-1012. The S-1012 had a good history of productivity and multi-institutional cooperation. The Committee meets annually, in conjunction with the NCCC-42 (Technical Committee on Swine Nutrition), with the meeting including joint discussions between both groups as well as breakout sessions specific to each of the 2 groups. The meeting agendas are typically conducive to good discussion and usually include guest speakers from USDA, commodity organizations, and others. Among the aspects of the newly approved project are specific points to standardize methods, data and statistical analyses across institutions participating in joint research to provide more robust datasets. Mathew recommended continuation of S-1044. Dahl seconded and the motion was passed by unanimous vote. The report for SCC-72 Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency in Cattle was provided by Kiser, who noted that Paul Humes, the current monitor for this project was retiring and not available to provide the report. Kiser noted this project was constituted by a small group that routinely meets at the Southern Section Animal Science meetings. Four to five topics were discussed at the most recent meeting, which included a significant contingent of graduate students. The project will likely see some change in leadership and participation given retirements and turnover at participating institutions, so some transition is expected over the coming year. Kiser noted the group is currently struggling to find additional participants, but recommended approval for continuation, and urged the heads/chairs on the Committee to stress participation of appropriate faculty members in this project. Kiser suggested that he take on the role of Monitor for this project, if Keith Bertrand would take on the duties of Monitor for the genetics project (S-1013), as he (Bertrand) is more familiar with that discipline. Bertand agreed to do so. The motion to recommend continuation of SCC-72 was seconded by Noble and passed by unanimous vote. Morrison took the opportunity to explain to the Committee the 3 types of multi-state projects under the Committees purview. These include S (research) projects, CC (Coordinating Committee) projects, and ERA (Extension, Research Activities) projects. He noted that CCs and ERAs are primarily information exchange groups but with some expectation of specific outcomes. Noble provided the report for SCC-081 - Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern U.S. He noted that among the focus areas of the group was parasite control, problems with resistance to anti-parasitic agents, and characterizing optimal year-round grazing systems. Publications and abstract output from this project reflect good multi-institutional work. He noted that Missouri State U and Tennessee State U./U. of Tennessee (these 2 universities jointly fund a faculty position in small ruminants) are considering joining the project. The project promotes good research and extension involvement, including coordinated outreach that includes train-the-trainer (agents) activities. The group has scheduled a meeting for 2009 and they annually appoint a rotating chair. It was also noted that the group has established and maintained a good website. Noble recommended continuation for the project, with Greene seconding the motion. The motion was passed by unanimous vote. Beck provided the report for SERA 15 Competitiveness and Sustainability of the Southern Dairy Industry. She noted the group was meeting this week. The project has a primarily economic focus, but also addresses other issues that impact the dairy industry. The project provides a forum for producers, processors and retailers to discuss issues and disseminate information. Some recent outcomes included a refundable tax, merger of Dairy Herd Improvement Associations (DHIAs) across some closely aligned states, and success in garnering SARE grants. Kiser noted the project was originally set to expire, but was granted a 1-year extension because the Southern Directors had asked for some adjustments before approval of a new project. It was noted that the project included interactions of extension, research, and industry partners with approximately 100 total participants involved in the discussions. Much of that interaction occurs annually at the Southern Dairy Conference. The group has garnered industry support for these meetings. It was suggested that there is a need to generate and post a comprehensive list of participants, as such was not available on the NIMSS website. Morrison noted issues related to participant input of information and approval of such for submission into the NIMSS system. Beck recommended continuation of the project, pending the groups addressing of issues indicated for administrative approval. Kiser seconded and the motion was passed by unanimous vote. Greene provided the report for SERA  36 - Beef Cattle Production Utilizing Forages in the Southeast to Integrate Research and Extension Programs across State Boundaries. He noted the project began to develop in 2005 when it was suggested that ongoing activities would fit well under a SERA. Greene was involved with the activities of this group early on and noted some initial concerns, including weak extension components, lack of outcomes, and questions regarding the range of participants, but these issues seem to have been addressed. Greene noted that participants represented every state in the southern region, plus West Virginia. Last year they hosted a meeting using video technology at the MidSouth Beef Cattle Nutrition Conference. Lectures were provided by several faculty members from some participating states. However, the new project was only approved for one year, pending the groups addressing other issues of concern. Morrison noted that some adjustments may be needed to facilititate SERA approvals. Among the concerns was an apparent lack of clear directives regarding the criteria for approval. This seemed to be the primary issue for SERA 36 and may become a problem for SERA 15. It was strongly suggested that approvers of ERAs clearly communicate the criteria for approval so participating groups can address such. Greene suggested that from his perspective SERA 36 accomplished goals consistent with those expected of integrated extension and research activities. Greene suggested that the Committee encourage continuation of the activities by this group, and encourage them to draft a new SERA project for review. Additionally, it was suggested that the Committee provide a vote of confidence for such. Dahl made a motion to that effect and Beck seconded. Gerrard asked if this should be an S (research), or a CC (Coordinating Committee) project. Greene and Morrison suggested that the activity should remain a SERA, as this activity appeared to be more in line with an extension/research information exchange group. The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Committee. Greene made a motion that our Advisory Committee ask the SERA Review Committee to provide the criteria for approval of SERA projects, and encourage them to look favorably upon resubmissions of SERA 36 & 15 as they appear to have true interaction across extension and research programs across states. Additionally, it was recommended that the review committee openly report changes in those criteria should they occur. It was suggested that the minutes of this meeting provide a record of that recommendation to the reviewers of SERA proposals. It was further suggested that we include a statement of our Committees disappointment regarding the termination of SERA 15, as it would appear to be the responsibility of the SERA review committee to educate Extension faculty regarding how to meet those criteria. Dahl seconded the motion and the motion was passed on unanimous vote of the Committee. The Committee further granted approval for David Morrison to communicate this to the SERA reviewers at the first opportunity. Beck posed the question if there is an expectation for monitors to attend multi-state project annual meetings. Lacy indicated that while it might be beneficial, attendance at the meetings is not a requirement for monitors. Morrison suggested that it might be good to attend the first 2 years or so following the initiation of a project. Lacy noted that projects S-1020, 1027, 1032, 1035, and 1037 were suggested for nomination for the Excellence in Multi-state Research Award. Morrison indicated he would contact administrative advisors of S-1020, 1032, 1035, and 1037 to urge them to submit nomination documents. Conner volunteered to contact the administrator of S-1027 with the same suggestion. Lacy noted the issue of budgets and funding for travel to multi-state project meetings. Harmon noted that UK had an internal mechanism to fund travel for multi-state travel, but was not sure this mechanism would continue for lengthy budget distress scenarios. As such, we may need to look for other sources of funding. It would certainly be a concern if participation in these projects would be lost due to lack of travel support. After some discussion, Lacy noted we should encourage and facilitate faculty members, including young faculty members attendance, as these activities present networking and funding opportunities. Morrison noted the upcoming ASAS and ADSA meetings in Montreal, reminding all that a passport is needed for air travel to Canada, and that international students travelling from the US to Canada may require visas. Committee members were urged to remind their faculties of these requirements. Pardue also reminded the group that if items were to be shipped to the meeting, ample time would need to be considered for clearing through customs. Morrison requested input from the group regarding how and if activity in professional societies is considered towards tenure and promotion considerations. He noted the concern over declining memberships in our professional societies. Dahl noted that national awards and national recognition are criteria for promotion and tenure, and as such, interactions in professional societies would seem to be very important towards such. Kiser posed the question of whether there has been any discussion of a merger of ASAS and ADSA. Morrison indicated this suggestion may have some merit in our current economic environment. Kiser posed the question to the group of whether and/or how departments provided funds for faculty members to pay for dues for society membership. The majority of Committee members indicated that state and federal funds are not used for such; however extramural funds can be used for society membership dues. The Committee was informed that it was the Southern Regions turn to host the 2010 Animal Science Heads/Chairs meeting. It was agreed that we would host the meeting in conjunction with the National Cattlemens Association meeting in San Antonio in late January. Details regarding the dates, agenda, and venue would be determined in the near future. With no further business to discuss, the 2009 meeting of the SAC-2 Advisory Committee was adjourned.