SESSION 4: Public-Sector Discussion Notes

Moderator: Sid Bosworth

Recorder: Al Rotz

What is our objective? What do we want to achieve?

Rebuild an infrastructure (teaching, research, and extension) for the industry.

The FTE’s working in this area is extremely low relative to the value of industry.

What is our baseline? Have we really lost anything (LGU’s)?

Why did Penn State shift priority from grazing research? (Change in personnel, lack of funding)

This is not an easy area to find research funding.

We need to bring more emphasis to the life-style issue.

Should the development/promotion of marketing be part of our end point?

We need to capitalize on resource management (including environmental benefit)

Our land is a resource that is best managed as grassland.

What do we lack to address the six research priorities.

Last year we had given priorities 4 and 5 top priorities (low hanging fruit)

We also need to include a wildlife biologist on the team?

Heather looked into places for funding to support human health work.

Are their components on health issues that can be addressed without going to the large-scale clinical study?

Do we know what proof of health benefits would provide? What is the consumer response to these kinds of claims?

What can we do with the resources we currently have?

Follow up in submitting proposals for USDA funding.

A group has formed to address the human health priority area.

Write a letter to NE SARE to request proposals to specifically address these six priorities.

Further develop the U Mass pre-proposal for a regional grazing research and education center.

We need to continually tell the LGUs that we need students trained in pasture/grazing management.

Include pasture as part of SARE “National Curriculum”.

Draft concept paper to ARS in support of research priorities/grazing work

Draft concept paper to experiment station directors for above

Send document to Deans/Department Chairs to encourage more support of education for pasture/grazing.

E-Extension is happening. We need to make sure pasture work is properly represented, but for now we will wait and see how it develops. We should send an appropriate memo to the appropriate person to encourage funding to support the development of pasture/grazing materials for E-Extension.

There has never been a time when there has been more interest in range/pasture land (in Washington). Primarily due to environmental issues.

We can hire temporary help to cover the animal science needs, perhaps economist. This can provide support help, but not lead scientist.