Ohio Agricultural Technologies Association Leadership Meeting Summary

August 27, 2002

Attendance: Charlie Peart, David Sever, Roger Butts, Bill Lehmkuhl, Tom Zimmerman, Harold Watters, Scott Metzger, Ben Carter, Paul Carter, Barry Ward, Nathan Watermeier

The following is a quick summary from that meeting.

1) Special guests Ben Carter, Acting Director of the Purdue Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center and Paul Carter, Geospatial Specialist from Purdue Unviersity attended. They were interested in collaborating with Ohio on future training and ag technology conference activities. There is also interest in collaboration from Michigan State University.

2) There was a discussion on the association function. The following were suggestions for the group to consider.
- Everyone was highly supportive of having an association for agriculture technologies.
- Make sure the association functions with the thought of "Applied"
- Keep association broad on technology topics for longevity and flexibility to various topics.
- The first sponsored events need to show diversity and try to prevent
weightness to single topics like "precision agriculture." The fear is that people may get turned off and will be difficult to attract new and diverse members to the association.
- Work with equipment/industry to include them in the association. Need to integrate various audiences.
- The wording of "Ohio Agricultural Technologies Association" is not
permanent but needs to be discussed for long term use.

3) Bylaws for association - a draft by-laws was handed out and briefly discussed. Some modifications were made to the bylaws. The thought was to have 4 offices and a board consisting of no less than 5 and no more than 9 people consisting of producers, industry, state agencies, university/college, agri-business, consultants (certified and independant).

4) Membership of association - If there is to be a registration fee we will need to identify the benefits for becoming a member. Need to create value in the association to make it worthwhile. Several mailing lists and an advertising/marketing approach is needed to get the association off the ground. This was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.

5) Ag Technology Conference, suggestions were to consider a one-day conference in early 2003 and sponsor other related technology events, seminars, and training opportunities throughout the year. There is not enough time to get something planned in time for early next year that is elaborate. Nathan reported that he was working on a 3-day GeospatialTechnology Conference for Agriculture and Natural Resources for either mid-february or mid-march 2003. A state-wide planning committee has been working on the topic since May. There will be some topics of interest for the association members.

6) There were several discussions on ag technology topics including: soil test recommendations, tools for nutrient management, handheld computers, software, manure management planner software, farm record keeping and reporting, field data collection tools, and GIS certification. Much of the discussion led to specific opportunities that this association can get involved with including hardware and software training. Many of these topics would favorable "themes" for a one-day conference.

7) A nominating committee was formed consisting of David Severs, Scott Metzger, Harold Watters, and Nathan Watermeier. These individuals will be getting together via email to develop a slate of officers for the association and have a report available for the Farm Science Review meeting.

8) Farm Science Review, A OATA display and information cards will be made available at OSU Central at Farm Science Review to raise awareness of association.

9) Next Meeting, September 18, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Farm Science Review, Bailey Building. Agenda will be to review by-laws, establish planning committee for sponsored association activities in 2003 and a one-day technology conference.

Any additions or changes to the meeting summary please let Nathan Watermeier know. watermeier.2@osu.edu