Summit Executive Committee
September 28, 1999 Omni Southpark Hotel Austin, Texas

MINUTES

Members Present:
John Abernathy
Sarah Hamm
Pierce Miller
Janeal Stephens
John Anderson
Steve Harper
John Schneider
Jim Stewart
Donnis Baggett
Ed Hiler
Wayne Showers
Charlotte Watson

Others in Attendance:
Joe Benningfield
Chester Fehlis
Gene Nelson
Elaine Stewart

Welcome/Introductions - Chair Donnis Baggett welcomed SEC members and guests at 3:10 p.m. Two new members: Sarah Hamm and Mark McLaughlin were introduced. Sarah told the group about herself and Donnis explained that Mark had accepted our offer of invitation, but was unable to make the meeting.

Jim Stewart presented the minutes from the June 4, 1999 meeting. A motion by John Abernathy to amend the minutes was accepted. Jim moved to accept the minutes as amended; seconded by Steve Harper, and; approved by unanimous voice vote.

Treasury Report - Gene Nelson indicated that the Summit account balance was around $31,000, but that figure didn't include the deposits or payments for the Biotechnology Summit. He discussed a report prepared by the TAMU fiscal office on the final balances for previous Summits. Ed Hiler inquired about the total cost per event, to which Gene estimated to be between $5000 and $6000. John Anderson moved to accept the budget report; seconded by Pierce Miller, and; approved by unanimous voice vote.

Biotechnology Summit - Gene discussed the final agenda for the Summit: Biotechnology for Agriculture, Food, Fiber and Health. Discussion among the group centered on some of the work group topics.

Farm Policy Workshop - Gene spoke on the Next Farm Bill Summit, to possibly be called a Farm Policy Workshop. He indicated that there is a possibility that this could be held in conjunction with a gathering of the Ag Forum in January. This would be constrained by the length of their meeting (one day), but we could put on another event later in the Spring. Ed Hiler was concerned about a joint effort. John Abernathy suggested that we do this later in the Spring and hold it in Lubbock. There was some discussion and it was agreed to that a conference call is needed within a couple of weeks to iron out the details. Charlotte Watson and John Schneider offered their assistance with this workshop.

International Agriculture Summit - Gene Nelson spoke briefly on this Summit scheduled for next Fall. He was substituting for Ed Price and Parr Rosson of Texas A&M who will be the co-chairs for the event, but who could not make this meeting. They are currently working to set a date for the Summit and will work with folks from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, according to Gene.

Future Summit Opportunities - Donnis mentioned the possibility of holding future Summits on Beef Cattle and Labor.

Beef Cattle - Group discussion hinged on timeliness, location, etc. The Spring of 2001 was mentioned, but deemed to be too far away. To open up staff resources, the Farm Policy Workshop could be moved back a year; or the SEC could allow the Ag Forum to take a larger role which would lessen our burden. It was noted that we need to involve Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers, Texas Cattle Feeders and others in a Beef Summit. Steve Harper inquired as to the focus of this potential Summit. Chester Fehlis, Wayne Showers, Donnis, Dr. Hiler, and others mentioned survival of small and medium size producers; common industry goal between producer, feedyard, slaughter house, and retailer; increasing value-added facilities in Texas; cooperatives; consumer driven change; etc. Dr. Hiler suggested that Steve Harper, James Herring, and Mark McLaughlin head up a group to outline this and work towards a Summit in 2000. Pierce Miller will coordinate with Dr. Hiler to visit with Mark in San Angelo on October 11-12. Steve will participate via conference call. The location for the Summit will be decided later, but possibly at or near a board meeting of the TSCRA.

Labor - Gene Nelson discussed an agricultural labor Summit, in which the Farm Bureau has expressed interest. It was generally agreed that we recognize there is a problem, but don't know quite how to get a handle on the situation right now. The Summit Initiative has too much on its plate already.

Texas Community Futures Forum - Chester Fehlis of the Texas Ag Extension Service presented the summary of the top public issues in Texas, as defined by the Texas Community Futures Forum, which was discussed at the June 4, 1999 meeting. These issues aren't just ag related, but are broad, community-based issues that can and are being addressed by many other state agencies (about 90). The Extension Service will put together action teams to address their main issues, and inform other agencies where TAEX doesn't fit into the solution.

Texas 2000/2001 - Chester also gave an update on the Youth Leadership Summit that Kyle Smith spoke on during the last meeting. Due to a short time frame and several scheduling conflicts, this activity has been postponed until 2001. It may turn into a weekend event instead of a summer conference. More information will be available from Kyle Smith or others at the next meeting.

Nominating Committee for SEC Chair - Donnis opened up the floor for discussion on the upcoming leadership change. Pierce Miller thanked Donnis for all of his contributions to the SEC and moved that Graddy Tunnell assume the chair post at a time convenient to both he and Donnis. The motion was seconded by John Anderson. There were no other nominations or discussion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Gene indicated that the other leadership spots would be determined by Graddy.

New Member Prospects - Donnis opened up the floor for discussion on prospective members to the SEC. Steve Harper mentioned Lampkin Butt of Sanderson Farms in Bryan as a member to represent the poultry industry, and agreed to contact him. John Schneider mentioned Bill West of the Board of Texas River Authorities as an environmental/water representative, and will call him regarding his willingness to serve. John Abernathy suggested Bob Anderson of Austin or another landscape architect to bring a fresh perspective to the group. Dr. Abernathy will contact him. Gene indicated that he and Joe will contact Lynn Drawe of the Welder Wildlife Foundation and Mark Miller of Texas Ag Credit. More research will be done to look at representatives from Prairie View A&M and San Antonio Livestock Exposition. Dr. Abernathy inquired about a medical representative. There was some discussion on this and possibly getting a medical researcher due to more time available to participate.

Open Forum - Gene Nelson recognized Donnis for his service and hard work and presented him with a gift on behalf of the Summit Executive Committee. It was moved and seconded to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.