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House committee looks at U of M ag research efforts Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Agri News staff writer
ST. PAUL -- Research efforts at the University of Minnesota took center stage at a House committee meeting last week.
University of Minnesota Deans Bev Durgan, Allen Levine and Jeff Klausner testified Jan. 31 before the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veteran's Affairs Finance Committee.
Rep. Al Juhnke, DFL-Willmar, said the purpose of the hearing and another on Jan. 30 was to learn about agricultural research efforts in the state. The committee wants to coordinate funding to enhance agriculture and rural economies, while avoiding duplication.
The university relies on the Legislature for a $50 million to $60 million ag special appropriation. The money provides core funding for faculty salaries, said Durgan, dean of Extension and director of the experiment stations. About 80 percent of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences faculty are paid with ag special dollars.
University of Minnesota research drives agriculture in Minnesota, Durgan said. Researchers work with agribusinesses, producers and commodity groups to solve problems and develop new ideas. The university addresses everyday problems with the most modern techniques, said Levine, CFANS dean. Faculty do broad-based research in food safety, agriculture and natural resources. They are also teaching the state's next generation of leaders.
"We make a difference," Levine said.
The university's College of Veterinary Medicine graduates 90 veterinarians every year and about 80 percent of the state's veterinarians were trained at the university, said Klausner, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Those veterinarians care for more than 80 million animals in the state, he said. The college is conducting research on several diseases, including Johne's, avian influenza, Bovine TB and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.
Klausner said the College of Veterinary Medicine, the department of agriculture and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health work together.
"We're lucky to be in a state where there is very good cooperation," he said.
Rep. Bud Heidgerken, R-Freeport, reminded the deans of past issues. He wondered if the university's commitment to agriculture had went the other way since its cuts in 2003 when a number of people lost their jobs in a massive Extension reorganization. Those people were never replaced, he said.
Legislators also wanted to know more about the fate of turkey research, which is conducted solely at UMore Park at Rosemount. The park may see changes as a result of a land swap last year. University leaders are just beginning to discuss the future of the turkey research facilities, Durgan said.
Greg Cuomo, who directs UMore Park, said there is no short-term threat to turkey research. |
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