RESEARCH & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Erika Kenner, Chairman
Casey Voigt, Vice Chairman
25-Resolution passed in 2025
24-Resolution passed in 2024
23-Resolution passed in 2023
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE VISIBILITY AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - 25 (RE)
WHEREAS, North Dakota State University is the land-grant university of North Dakota, meaning it was given land to provide accessible, practical and affordable higher education, particularly in agriculture and the mechanical arts; and
WHEREAS, many of the newer agriculture buildings are now being built on the outer edge of the campus.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, new animal science facilities remain accessible to students and enhance student engagement.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports efforts to retain the visibility of animal agriculture on the North Dakota State University campus to remind students of the importance of animal agriculture in the state.
ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS IN SCHOOL LUNCHES - 25 (RE)
WHEREAS, analog beef proteins are becoming more widely available; and
WHEREAS, many questions remain about these products’ ingredient and nutritional content, safety and production procedures; and
WHEREAS, children’s well-being is of the utmost concern; an
WHEREAS, school lunch programs do not always offer children multiple entree options; and
WHEREAS, analog beef protein suppliers are targeting schools as potential markets.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA advocates for beef as a primary protein option in school lunch programs.
FUNDING ANIMAL SCIENCE TEACHING PROGRAMS - 25 (RE)
WHEREAS, the future of North Dakota’s livestock industry rests in the hands of today’s youth; and
WHEREAS, the cost of providing proper training in animal sciences and related fields continues to increase.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports efforts to properly fund the cost of providing such training in the North Dakota University System.
JUDGING TEAMS - 25 (RE)
WHEREAS, the judging teams at North Dakota State University have been an important part of the educational system; and
WHEREAS, those in agriculture are called on more and more to explain our industry to the urban population; and
WHEREAS, it is proven that those involved in the judging teams have had a positive influence in the industry.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the North Dakota State University judging teams be a high priority when it comes to funding the curriculum.
NORTH DAKOTA CATTLE FEEDING RESEARCH FUND - 25 (RE)
WHEREAS, feeding cattle beyond weaning is an integral part of beef production and a value- added industry in North Dakota; and
WHEREAS, research on feedstuffs, feed co-products and feedlot management is needed to maintain a vibrant industry utilizing North Dakota feeds; and
WHEREAS, the cost for procuring calves and yearlings has risen dramatically, and budgets require additional operating funds; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota State University (NDSU) research facilities cannot commercially borrow funds to procure cattle, restricting the ability to purchase adequate cattle numbers for feeding research projects; and
WHEREAS, establishment and funding of a revolving livestock fund for the purchase of cattle and feed and repayment from cattle sales would be beneficial; and
WHEREAS, the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) Advisory Board acknowledges this funding issue and has made and approved the June 2025 motion: “Motion for the CREC to petition the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) and the North Dakota Legislature for a one-time cash infusion for the purpose of purchasing feeder livestock and feed for research purposes.”
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the establishment and funding of an NDSU livestock research revolving account for purchasing cattle and feed to be created and funded by the North Dakota Legislature; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports encouraging SBARE to highly prioritize one-time funding to create an NDSU livestock research revolving account.
SBARE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - 25 (RE)
WHEREAS, beef cattle production is important to the economy of North Dakota by providing jobs and generating new wealth; and
WHEREAS, strong agricultural research and Extension programs are important to maintain or improve productivity and profitability.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education priorities during legislative sessions for increased funding for beef industry research and Extension.
BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE - 24 (RE)
WHEREAS, the Beef Quality Assurance program has been an integral part of beef producer education since 1991; and
WHEREAS, the Beef Quality Assurance program’s mission is to maximize consumer confidence in and acceptance of beef by focusing the producers’ attention on daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef and beef products through the use of science, research and education initiatives; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the Beef Quality Assurance program as a system to support a productive beef industry that produces beef products that meet consumers’ needs for flavor, safety, healthfulness and consistency.
EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR 4-H MEMBERS - 24 (RE)
WHEREAS, 4-H is the largest and a research-based youth development program in North Dakota and the United States; and
WHEREAS, 4-H offers age-appropriate, hands-on learning projects and activities in areas such as agriculture, science, engineering, technology, citizenship, leadership, communication, healthy living and outdoor living to fulfill the mission of “clearer thinking, greater loyalty, larger service and healthy living;” and
WHEREAS, an in-depth study by Tufts University found youth who participate in 4-H “excel in school and the sciences, make more healthful choices and are committed to improving their communities;” and
WHEREAS, many schools in the state count students absent while they are attending 4-H activities, and this can be a disincentive for them to participate.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA encourages local school districts to allow excused absences for students attending 4-H activities and contests.
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN LAB-GROWN AND INSECT PROTEIN - 24 (RE)
WHEREAS, investments in lab-grown protein, have increased; and
WHEREAS, insect farming has become a reality to provide protein to the human diet.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any state or national government agency investing in, creating a market for or promoting these products.
NORTH DAKOTA AG RESEARCH - 24 (RE)
WHEREAS, state agricultural research, including animal, beef cattle feeding and rangelands research, and the NDSU Extension are vital to continuing the profitability and efficiencies of our industry, as well as North Dakota’s economic well-being; and
WHEREAS, advanced research techniques necessary to resolve increasingly complex challenges require state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota’s private and public rangelands have been an overlooked and understudied resource and other groups, including state and federal agencies, are advocating severe restrictions on the grazing of livestock, not only on state and federally owned land, but private rangeland as well, which would be an economic strain on North Dakota producers.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports appropriate funding for agricultural research and Extension in North Dakota, especially at North Dakota State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Station in Mandan.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports North Dakota State University’s efforts to secure funding for the establishment of new programs addressing meat-animal agriculture, cattle feeding in North Dakota and rangeland, livestock and wildlife interactions, including funding for new or updated research facilities in the state.
NORTH DAKOTA BEEF COMMISSION - 24 (RE)
WHEREAS, the North Dakota Beef Commission has been in existence since 1973; and
WHEREAS, the North Dakota Beef Commission does an excellent job of promoting beef.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the current process defined in the North Dakota Century Code for qualifying, nominating and appointing Beef Commission members.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA be open to supporting ideas or changes to the North Dakota Beef Commission only if they would enhance demand for beef and beef products.
WINTER GRAZING - 24 (RE)
WHEREAS, the NDSA supports humane and practical handling of livestock; and
WHEREAS, many citizens in North Dakota are misinformed of the practice of winter grazing of cattle and horses.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA works with the Agricultural Research Services facility in Mandan, the North Dakota State University Extension, the North Dakota State University Animal Science Department, North Dakota law enforcement agencies, the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association and the North Dakota Board of Animal Health to educate ag media, mainstream media and the public that winter grazing of cattle and horses, when done properly, is a time-proven, humane, economical and practical management choice.
AG RESEARCH & EXTENSION - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, there are many potential budget cuts by the federal government.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that agricultural research and Extension remain a high priority for the NDSA.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION TEACHERS - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, many North Dakota agricultural education teachers have retired while new and existing program expansion has occurred; and
WHEREAS, the number of post-secondary graduates has recently increased in agricultural education, but does not satisfy the teacher demand for agricultural education in our schools; and
WHEREAS, there has been an increase of alternatively certified licensed agricultural educators to help meet the demands; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota State University has the only agricultural teacher education program in the state.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports efforts to offer expanded opportunities for post-secondary certification and increased professional development opportunities to maintain high-quality agricultural education.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA encourages prospective students to pursue careers in agricultural education to allow expansion of education and literacy opportunities for the beef industry.
BEEF CHECKOFF PROGRAM - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, the beef checkoff has helped increase beef demand by providing funding and structure for food safety research, informing the public about beef’s positive nutritional attributes, organizing and coordinating the beef industry’s issues management strategies, leveraging dollars for international and domestic marketing efforts and working with retailers and foodservice outlets to promote beef; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA was instrumental in getting the national beef checkoff passed; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA remains committed to the long-term success of the program; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA would like to continue these positive trends into the future for the benefit of the entire beef production chain.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports an increase in the national beef checkoff assessment rate for the purpose of adequately funding an effective demand-building program.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, if a revision to the beef referendum process is to be considered, it should provide producers the opportunity at regular-time intervals to petition for a referendum on continuing the beef checkoff program.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any changes to the beef checkoff program that would significantly alter the management of it, politicize the program and/or strip or limit the grassroots checkoff-investment decision-making authority of state beef councils.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA encourages the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain an open discussion about the utilization of some checkoff dollars to promote U.S. beef.
BEEF EDUCATION - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, it’s important that consumer education begins at the grade-school level.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA recommends the North Dakota Beef Commission continue to work with interested state and national organizations to provide educational materials and programs for grade-school children and instructors, explaining production techniques, handling and feeding of livestock, as well as the nutritional value of beef.
BEEF PROMOTION - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, the North Dakota CattleWomen has done an outstanding job of promoting beef; and
WHEREAS, it does so with a limited budget and volunteer help.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA commends the North Dakota CattleWomen in its efforts to promote our product, beef.
IMITATION OR LAB-GROWN PROTEIN - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, there is an increase in investment toward the development and marketing of imitation or lab-grown protein sources, some of which use meat terminology in their product names.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports educational efforts to inform consumers on the value of meat in the diet and the difference between meat and imitation or lab-grown protein products.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports truth in labeling rules that would clarify that difference.
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, the agriculture sector, including the beef cattle industry, provides the cornerstone of North Dakota’s economic base; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota State University, through its teaching, agricultural research and Extension, is a predominant source of scientific knowledge essential to the growth and success of the beef cattle industry.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA requests all levels of the North Dakota State University administration to recognize this contribution and the importance of the cattle industry to this state.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the North Dakota State University administration reaffirm the University’s mission consistent with that of the land-grant system and recognize the need to emphasize and promote agriculture.
STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION - 23 (RE)
WHEREAS, agriculture is the no. 1 industry in North Dakota and has a stake in education.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the nomination of an ag representative to the State Board of Higher Education.