{"id":16899,"date":"2025-12-05T21:22:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T02:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/?p=16899"},"modified":"2026-06-02T10:38:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T14:38:44","slug":"boa-mtg-minutes-december-5-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/2025\/12\/05\/boa-mtg-minutes-december-5-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, December 5, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>December 5, 2025<\/h3>\n<h4>Attendees<\/h4>\n<h4>Board Members<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Donald Marean \u2013 Board Member (seat #2), Designee of the Chancellor of the University of Maine System (virtual)<\/li>\n<li>Amanda Beal \u2013 Board Member (seat #3), Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation &amp; Forestry Commissioner<\/li>\n<li>Nick Smith \u2013 Board Member (seat #4), Maine Farm Bureau<\/li>\n<li>Jeannie Tapley &#8211; (Seat #6), Maine Potato Board, Director<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini \u2013 Board Member (seat #7), Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine (virtual)<\/li>\n<li>Marilyn Meyerhans \u2013 Board Member (seat #8), Maine Pomological Society (virtual)<\/li>\n<li>Mary Castonguay \u2013 Board Member (seat #10), Maine Diary Industry Association (virtual)<\/li>\n<li>Jake Pierson \u2013 Board Member (seat #11), Maine Landscape and Nursery Association<\/li>\n<li>Ryan Dennett \u2013 Board Member (seat #13), Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association<\/li>\n<li>Bill Pluecker \u2013 Board Member (Seat #15), Maine House of Representatives (virtual)<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly \u2013 (seat #16, board Chair), Dragonfly Cover Farm<\/li>\n<li>Philip Fanning \u2013 Board Member (seat #18), University of Maine Assistant Professor<\/li>\n<li>Hannah Carter \u2013 Board Member (seat #19), University of Maine Cooperative Extension Dean<\/li>\n<li>Lee Hecker \u2013 Board Clerk, University of Maine, Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station Associate Director<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>University of Maine Representatives<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy \u2013 University of Maine, President<\/li>\n<li>Diane Rowland \u2013 University of Maine, Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station Director &amp; College of Earth, Life, &amp; Health Sciences Dean<\/li>\n<li>Jenny Boyden \u2013 University of Maine, Vice President for Finance<\/li>\n<li>Gabriel Paquette \u2013 University of Maine, Interim Provost<\/li>\n<li>Jason Bolton \u2013 University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Associate Dean<\/li>\n<li>Samantha Warren \u2013 University of Maine System Director of Government &amp; Community Relations<\/li>\n<li>Jim Dill &#8211; University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Director of Diagnostic Research Lab<\/li>\n<li>Tyler Messerschmidt &#8211; University of Maine, Maine Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Assistant Director<\/li>\n<li>Amon Purinton, University of Maine System, General Counsel<\/li>\n<li>Katelynn Ronon &#8211; University of Maine System, Associate General Counsel (virtual)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Guests<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Carol Woodcock &#8211; Office of Senator Susan Collins, State office representative<\/li>\n<li>Kelly Cotiaux \u2013 Office of Senator Susan Collins, Staff Assistant<\/li>\n<li>Edie Smith &#8211; Office of Senator Angus King, Regional Representative<\/li>\n<li>Tommy Higgins, USDA Farm Service Agency, State Director (virtual)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Introduction \u2013 Board Chair, Marge Kilkelly<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Welcome, introductions, and agenda overview.<\/li>\n<li>Recommendations for additions of \u2018Old Business\u2019 and \u2018New Business\u2019 sections to the agenda.<\/li>\n<li>MOTION: D. Marean moved to table the scheduled conversation with UMaine General Counsel. The motion was seconded.\n<ul>\n<li>VOTE: Motion carried unanimously<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>No other changes were offered to the agenda<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Follow-up Discussion of the 2024 Annual Report<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Remember the recommendation that a member of the UMaine Board of Trustees has an Ag background.<\/li>\n<li>Initial efforts through the legislature did not prevail. Interest remains, though its understandable with a busy legislature.<\/li>\n<li>Request that Governor Mills consider someone with an Ag Background for appointment to BOT.<\/li>\n<li>No discussion from the attendees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Have BoA members sit in on UMaine BOT and Finance and Facility meetings.<\/li>\n<li>Easiest course of action, MK will create a sign-up chart<\/li>\n<li>Q &#8211; Are the finance and facility meetings scheduled?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>A &#8211; Yes, and UMaine will send the list<\/li>\n<li>The virtual meeting chat will be monitored by Lee Hecker (Board Clerk)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Met online with Kevin and MAFES to discuss how to make meetings more efficient. Less reporting, more conversation and action\n<ul>\n<li>MAFES and CE will provide pre-read materials.<\/li>\n<li>A member agreed. This will allow board members to bring information to industry leaders before the meeting.<\/li>\n<li>Hannah Carter &#8211; apologizes for missing the communications regarding this. Will prepare for next meeting<\/li>\n<li>No discussion from board members offered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Discussed Meeting Schedule. Annual meeting in person. Full day to provide updates, give feedback, conduct administrative work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Nick Smith\n<ul>\n<li>Would like to see meetings held at Experiment Station Locations to visualize MAFES and CE needs. Does not like Zoom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Lee Hecker\n<ul>\n<li>Board members are always welcome at our facilities. Tyler Messerschmidt and\/or I visit each facility once a month. Will can work with Board members to arrange visits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Tour of Witter before upgrades were done really made the facility&#8217;s needs hit home.<\/li>\n<li>Q &#8211; Is there a way to share that with board members?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Lee Hecker\n<ul>\n<li>A &#8211; Travel is weather and schedule-dependent, but we often know a week in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Strategic Re-Envisioning Update &#8211; President Joan Ferrini-Mundy<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>President Ferrini-Mundy highlighted the University\u2019s land-grant mission and thanked the Board for their suggestions, support, and connections to the agriculture industries of Maine.<\/li>\n<li>She highlighted exciting facility upgrades (e.g., the Witter Robotic Milking Machine, the Aroostook Potato Phenotyping Lab, and SAWTEC), and thanked Senators Collins and King for their support.<\/li>\n<li>Samantha Warren acknowledged the role of the Board&#8217;s letters of support in securing funding.<\/li>\n<li>The President outlined progress on the Strategic Re-Envisioning Initiative, including academic and research portfolio reviews, and highlighted relevant research centers (Aquaculture Research Institute, Maine Center for Genetics and the Environment, Mitchell Center for Sustainability).<\/li>\n<li>She noted UMaine has formed groups (e.g., Federal Action Stakeholder and Grant Review Task Forces) to respond to changes in federal government policies.<\/li>\n<li>The President requested input from the BoA on strategic priorities during the current budget process, posing two discussion questions for the Board:\n<ul>\n<li>What are the biggest challenges to the Maine agriculture and aquaculture sectors?<\/li>\n<li>What kind of support and engagement can UMaine best provide?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Discussion and Input on Strategic Priorities<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Marge Kikelly\n<ul>\n<li>Q &#8211; Do micro-credentials only refer to students?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>A &#8211; UMaine is shifting to a \u2018learner\u2019 focus encompassing all learners of Maine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Hannah Carter\n<ul>\n<li>Opportunities through Extension, like grant writing, to bring in the youth and adult learners around the state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Diane Rowland\n<ul>\n<li>Asked for clarification from Marge on student priorities vs BoA priorities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Clarified that the agriculture industry benefits strongly from research and extension programs. A shift towards lifelong learners is consistent with this and appreciated the change in focus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>Opportunity to rephrase this as a challenge for UMaine. Create a conceptual framework for learners all around the state<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>By counting these impacts, a better case can be made to the legislature for the importance of Agriculture research<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jeannie Tapley\n<ul>\n<li>The biggest challenges to the potato industry are related to water, drought, early detection of disease, and nutrient management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Amanda Beal\n<ul>\n<li>One of the challenges I hear is labor shortages. There is strong interest in automation, especially right scale right size technology. Balances with the overwhelming amount of applications. Hard to determine the correct fit for each farmer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini\n<ul>\n<li>Agriculture engineering continues to be very important. This encompasses water and irrigation across all scales. Asks for continued support for current engineering position at Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>Affordability and right size and scale questions take it back to learner focused questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jake Ward\n<ul>\n<li>Continuation of the mentioned position at the AMC has been approved. Reminder that the AMC funding is project driven. There are more requests for support than staff currently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Diane Rowland\n<ul>\n<li>Approved a 2-phase feasibility study for the potential to bring a robotics center to Highmoor Farm. Excited about the possibility and highlights a large area for board feedback. There was a draft proposal for a CDS in the past<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marilyn Meyerhans\n<ul>\n<li>Agreed that right-sized equipment is vital, especially for apples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Maine and New England have a lot more in common with farms in Europe and Taiwan due to their smaller size and more diverse crops. Right size equipment is very important.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>Undergraduates at UMaine often do capstone projects often driven by outside proposals. There is room to increase this capacity and scope. SPIRE also has innovation fellows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jason Bolton\n<ul>\n<li>Calls come out in January for learners of Maine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Samantha Warren\n<ul>\n<li>The program was started for small businesses that were affected by the pandemic and funded by MJRP<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Lee Hecker\n<ul>\n<li>MAFES is currently taking advantage of a computer science capstone project to build a software to help track equipment usage and maintenance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini\n<ul>\n<li>Recognized that there is an agronomist in the pipeline. Thanked University of Maine for supporting this position. Current vacancy in the plant physiologist position. This position is critical.<\/li>\n<li>Noted that MAFES budget up ~2.5%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Mary Castonguay\n<ul>\n<li>Dairy is facing similar issues. UMaine could help with an Agriculture Economist to aid in the cost of dairy production study and research for each specific industry. Gary Anderson (retired) conducted study in the past.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Diane Rowland\n<ul>\n<li>MAFES and the School of Economics recently completed an Economic Impact Study for the potato industry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jeannie Tapley\n<ul>\n<li>University was greatly helpful in conducting the study. Last study was done in 2013. Indicated potatoes are a $1.3B impact to Maine. Process was easy and extremely helpful in talking to legislators<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Ryan Dennet\n<ul>\n<li>UMaine did not have the capacity to assist in our impact study, so we reached out to a consultant. Software and study were expensive, suggested sharing costs of software and licensing or working with UMaine in a fee-for-service model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>Identified a challenge here for more strategic connection and importance of economic impact studies. How can UMaine make these studies easier to conduct?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini\n<ul>\n<li>Also did economic impact study through a consultant. UMaine did not seem to have scope to assist the wild blueberry industry. Agreed this is a specific challenge that needs to be addressed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy\n<ul>\n<li>Explore closely with Jake Ward and SPIRE for fee-for-service model<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jenny Boyden\n<ul>\n<li>These conversations will inform the Deans budget submissions and are very helpful in this step of the budget process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Meeting Break for 15 minutes<\/h4>\n<p>Chair Kilkelly suggested a change in the agenda. Welcomed Dean Hannah Carter to discuss University of Maine Cooperative Extension Updates and Budgets.<\/p>\n<h4>UMaine Extension Update (11:30 &#8211; 12:15) &#8211; Dean Hannah Carter<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Dean Carter shared a handout of slides (shared virtually by Lee Hecker)<\/li>\n<li>Extension funding is tightly woven from many sources. FY25 saw a $2M increase over FY24 due to increased grants and contracts. Federal Capacity funding (Smith-Lever) has been steady for at least six years. Contingency planning is in place for economically struggling counties (e.g., Washington County).<\/li>\n<li>She highlighted the need for funding diversification due to federal uncertainties and noted a recently submitted $1.9M DOE grant for microcredentials and workforce development.<\/li>\n<li>Facilities: 1\/3 of county offices are county-owned, 1\/3 are on the UMaine campus, and 1\/3 are unique partnerships.<\/li>\n<li>Modernization of the Diagnostic Research Lab is needed.<\/li>\n<li>A running list of faculty priorities was shared.<\/li>\n<li>New hires include an ornamental horticulture specialist, a plant diagnostic professional, and a scientific research specialist<\/li>\n<li>Jason Bolton mentioned ongoing Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects\n<ul>\n<li>PFAS analytical and detection center ($5M NIST), Research Informing Short-Term Farm Management ($3M EPA), and Food Innovation lab ($2.5M, SBA, MJRP).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Hannah Carter noted the Ag Roadmap has been delayed to focus on other CDS projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Adjournment for Lunch Break (12:15-1:00)<\/h4>\n<h4>Governor Janet Mills joins for lunch<\/h4>\n<p>Marge Kilkelly &#8211; Respectfully requests that the Governor consider appointing someone to the UMaine Board of Trustees who has an agricultural background.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Governor Mills\n<ul>\n<li>Willing to consider anyone that the board recommends. Particularly younger individuals with this background.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Industry Updates for the Governor<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Nate Smith\n<ul>\n<li>Challenges for my industries include weather variations, pest and disease pressures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jeannie Tapley\n<ul>\n<li>Thank you for your support for the potato industry around the state. Struggles continue to be drought and early pest identification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Ryan Dennet\n<ul>\n<li>Organic producers struggle with profitability, labor costs and shortages. MOFGA works closely with UMaine on climate programming and PFAS contamination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini\n<ul>\n<li>Wild blueberry industry was down 30% this year with over $30M losses. Producers lean on UMaine for guidance and support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Governor Mills\n<ul>\n<li>Q &#8211; Why was the crop so low this year?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini\n<ul>\n<li>A &#8211; Too much rain in the spring caused a lack of pollinating bees, significant drought and heat stress in summer magnified losses. Highlights need for research into sustainable water source development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Don Marean\n<ul>\n<li>The equine industry is concerned about global viruses. They depend on UMaine to monitor viruses and provide solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Bill Pluecker\n<ul>\n<li>Looks forward to working with Gov. Mills during the legislative session.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Governor Mills Remarks and Questions<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Maine is fortunate to have a strong land-grant university that is vibrant and robust. Its support continues to be a priority to support and benefit the Maine farmer.<\/li>\n<li>Puts forward two question areas.\n<ul>\n<li><em>What are your experiences with H2A use, its difficulty for farmers?<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>What is the state of PFAS research in Maine?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Ryan Dennett\n<ul>\n<li>Has seen more use of H2A recently. Concerns about ICE led farmers to have workers arrive late and depart early for travel time considerations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jeannie Tapley\n<ul>\n<li>Potato farmers have used H2A. Freezing the wage rate would provide stability for a period of time, possibly increasing use. There are always labor shortages in Aroostook County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jason Bolton\n<ul>\n<li>With regards to PFAS UMaine is working closely with DACF on how to best stretch dollars from federal support and PFAS fund. An advisory board has formed to support the PFAS analytical lab.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Governor Mills\n<ul>\n<li>Maine is ahead of the game for PFAS, publicly acknowledging the problem and starting to deal with it legislatively and scientifically.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marilyn Meyerhans\n<ul>\n<li>Apples growing have shifted a lot in 53 years. A few large growers, many small growers. Hopeful for cooperation across the industry. Needs help growing, funding equipment, increasing publicity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Mary Castonguay\n<ul>\n<li>Thanked Governor Mills for attending the BOA meeting. Expressed challenged dairy industry is facing, and acknowledged bright spots including Dairy Night at Alfond on December 14.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jake Pierson\n<ul>\n<li>Invites Governor Mills and delegation to attend the Jan 21 trade shows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Governor Mills\n<ul>\n<li>Heard costs of hay up to $11\/bale. Had amazing visits to Witter Farm to see the automated milking robot and Aroostook Farm to see drone technologies and phenotyping line. Really appreciate the efforts. $500,000 in the budget to support community greenhouses. Important to teach citizens and children to appreciate and know where and how their food is produced.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Revisiting President Joan Ferrini-Mundy\u2019s remarks<\/h4>\n<p>Marge Kilkelly invited President Ferrini-Mundy back to the floor to discuss action items for board input into UMaine budgetary process<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Joan Ferrini-Mundy proposed continuing the discussion virtually by sharing a Google Document for Board members to provide input on strategic priorities. UMaine will review this input in late December\/early January to incorporate into the budget, then return to the Board with the proposed budget in the spring.\n<ul>\n<li>Chair Kilkelly stated this is a great start and tasked Board Clerk Lee Hecker with organizing the document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) Update &#8211; Dean Diane Rowland<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Diane Rowland shared MAFES AD-419 showing MAFES expenditures and federal funding\n<ul>\n<li>Federal funding has been flat for ~6 years.<\/li>\n<li>MAFES funds graduate research assistants (MS and PhD). 52 fully funded lines, leveraged by faculty to fund over 100 students.<\/li>\n<li>Reminder &#8211; MAFES does not fund tuition. That is supported by the University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Two main financial levers within MAFES. Faculty lines, and operation expenses of 6 MAFES facilities around the state<\/li>\n<li>MAFES has made significant efforts to increase operational efficiencies to provide savings<\/li>\n<li>Reminds the board that University and Federal function on two different fiscal years.<\/li>\n<li>Shares Priority Faculty Positions.<\/li>\n<li>Numerous hires in the past year to meet Priority needs set by the Board.\n<ul>\n<li>Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira (Agronomist)<\/li>\n<li>Jessica Motta (Animal Reproductive Physiologist)<\/li>\n<li>Amalia Harrington (Marine\/Lobster Ecologist)<\/li>\n<li>Rose Abramoff (Soil Scientists, 2 year term)<\/li>\n<li>Alison King (Soil Scientist)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Provided updates on Sawtec, Spruce Budworm and Blueberry Hill Irrigation System.\n<ul>\n<li>All projects on schedule<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Nick Smith\n<ul>\n<li>Q- Where is the Spruce Budworm Test Facility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Diane Rowland\n<ul>\n<li>A &#8211; it is over by Libby Hall, but we are exploring size needs for it given testing capacities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>PFAS &#8211; Center of Excellence formed with USDA ARS to study PFAS. Joint effort with ELH, MCEC, CE, and CLAS Deans. Individual faculty projects within key identified sectors.<\/li>\n<li>Significant Upgrades at Witter Center with an eye towards operational efficiency and students&#8217; needs. The robotic milking system is relevant to farms, brings operational savings, and opportunities for new curriculum and collaboration.<\/li>\n<li>Presents the Research and Education Needs Summary table and description handout. Sent virtually as well<\/li>\n<li>Highlights excitement and priority of small scale and reasonable expense point robotics. Develop these technologies at Witter Farm.<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Not information overload at all. Board welcomes large in-depth information, so that each industry can take advantage of relevant information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Eric Venturini\n<ul>\n<li>Exciting direction. Are these research areas prioritized?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Diane Rowland\n<ul>\n<li>They are not prioritized, just a brainstormed list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>Exciting to see action and hiring on previous priorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marilyn Meyerhans\n<ul>\n<li>Maine Pomological Society is happy to see donations put to good use. Facility needs upgrades, but good progress is being made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Civil Rights and Diversity Compliance &#8211; Alisha Targonski, University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>USDA requires training for those working with Extension, Experiment Station, or advising those programs<\/li>\n<li>Presentation slides are available online.<\/li>\n<li>Extension and Experiment Station does not discriminate.<\/li>\n<li>Reminder to attach notification to all public communication materials<\/li>\n<li>Extension must collect demographic data &#8211; Anonymous survey distributed to the Board for completion<\/li>\n<li>We must respond to all requests for reasonable accommodations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Election of Officers<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Marilyn Meyerhans\n<ul>\n<li>Moves to extend the terms of Kevin Woltemath and Marge Kilkelly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Nick Smith seconded<\/li>\n<li>No Discussion, motion passes unanimously<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Public Comment<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>No public comment offered<\/li>\n<li>Marilyn Meyerhans\n<ul>\n<li>Brings up FOAA Training. All State and University Boards must complete<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Marge Kilkelly\n<ul>\n<li>I will put FOAA training on the agenda.<\/li>\n<li>Difficult to have public comment period without public awareness<\/li>\n<li>Proposed press release and updates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Jeannie Tapley &#8211; Moves to adjourn the meeting<\/li>\n<li>Seconded, and passes without comment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Meeting Adjourned<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>December 5, 2025 Attendees Board Members Donald Marean \u2013 Board Member (seat #2), Designee of the Chancellor of the University of Maine System (virtual) Amanda Beal \u2013 Board Member (seat #3), Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation &amp; Forestry Commissioner Nick Smith \u2013 Board Member (seat #4), Maine Farm Bureau Jeannie Tapley &#8211; (Seat #6), Maine [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[485,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-485","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, December 5, 2025 - Cooperative Extension: Agriculture - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/agriculture\/2025\/12\/05\/boa-mtg-minutes-december-5-2025\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Agriculture Meeting Minutes, December 5, 2025 - Cooperative Extension: Agriculture - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"December 5, 2025 Attendees Board Members Donald Marean \u2013 Board Member (seat #2), Designee of the Chancellor of the University of Maine System (virtual) Amanda Beal \u2013 Board Member (seat #3), Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation &amp; 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