Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Minutes of Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the University Statisticians of Southern Experiment Stations (USSES) was held in Knoxville, Tennessee. The program included a GLIMMIX workshop presented by Mike Speed, and two talks presented by Phil Gibbs on new features in SAS software and how to optimize mixed model computation. Additionally the group conducted a hands-on discussion of an example research dataset requiring the GLIMMIX EFFECTS statement. An interesting talk was given by Bob Muenchen of the University of Tennessee, dealing with the open-source statistics and graphics R software, and how R might be used within an organization that relies on SAS software. Business Meeting The proposal for renewal of the project was discussed. Members were enthusiastic concerning the continuing benefits of the project, with strong interest in continuing with self-training activities, leading to the ultimate objective of carrying best practices in experimental design and data analysis to agricultural researchers. Many statistical topics were suggested where member experience indicated great need for delivery of recommended statistical practice to researchers. General interest in broader outreach through a USSES website was expressed, so this was added as a deliverable in the project proposal. Additional participants from other states were identified, and will be contacted. Plans for next year's meeting, assuming successful project renewal, are to meet in Clemson the week of June 16th or 23rd, with Julia Sharp, Arnold Saxton and a third member to be named serving as the program committee. Brief station reports were given from each state.

Annual Workshops on emerging statistical methodology and applictions to agriculural and related research. Applications of generalized linear mixed models for design and analysis of animal and plant reserach.