Minutes of the 24th Central Alfalfa Improvement Conference

June 18 to 20, 1995
Spearfish, South Dakota


The conference was called to order at 7:59 am on June 19, 1995 by Chair Lanny Rhodes. Those in attendance were welcomed by Kevin Kephart, site host, and David Bryant, Dean of the College of Agricultural and Biological Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU). Jim Gerwing from SDSU presented an overview of forage and alfalfa production in South Dakota. Kevin Kephart chaired a session in honor of N.E. Hansen's 100th anniversary. Kevin presented a history of South Dakota, and how that shaped the framework within which Hansen was to later work at SDSU. David (Hansen's Grandson) and Naomi Gilkerson provided a family perspective of Hansen's exploits. The session closed with Ray Moore, former Research Director at SDSU, summarizing Hansen's scientific contributions to SDSU and the USA.

The scientific program commenced at 10:20 am with a contributed paper session. In mid-afternoon a one hour long general discussion was held focusing on issues related to alfalfa variety testing. This was followed by refreshment break when posters were viewed.

The CAIC business meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by chair Lanny Rhodes. Mark McCaslin moved that the minutes from the 1994 CAIC conference be approved. The motion was seconded by Clive Holland, and passed unanimously. Old business included election of a new vice-chair to replace the position vacated by Cheryl Fox. Thad Busbice was nominated, and was elected by unanimous vote. Mike Peterson was nominated as incoming secretary, and also was elected by unanimous vote. Craig Sheaffer proposed that procedures used for variety testing at various institutions be carefully evaluated, and standardized procedures put in place. This issue is to be discussed at a future CAIC meeting. New business included site selection for future meetings. The 1996 CAIC will be held in conjunction with the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference June 16 to 20, 1996 in Oklahoma City OK. The site for the 1997 CAIC will LaCrosse WI, and will be co-hosted by Forage Genetics and Cal-West. The date for the 1997 meeting was not determined, but will work around the International Grasslands Congress June 8 to 18 in Canada. Sharie Nygaard and Jessica Brummer presented the following report from the resolutions committee:

"Be it resolved that the participant of the 24th CAIC held at Spearfish, SD on June 18 to 20, 1995 convey their sincere appreciation to: the CAIC Planning Committee for the planning and coordination of these outstanding meetings; the Local Arrangements Chair, Kevin Kephart, and his colleagues and staff; to Lanny Rhodes, Chair of the CAIC, Kevin Kephart, David Bryant, and Jim Gerwing for their opening remarks and welcomes, and to Kevin Kephart, David and Naomi Gilkerson, and Ray Moore for the well-received commemoration of N.E. Hansen's importance to agricultural and horticultural sciences; the contributing scientists for their informative oral and poster presentations communicating the latest in alfalfa and alfalfa improvement. Also to those contributing information, insights, and opinions in the on-going discussion of alfalfa variety testing issues; and to the staff of the Spearfish Ramada Inn for their hospitality and service."

Respectfully submitted, Sharie Nygaard and Jessica Brummer.

Jeff Volenec moved to approve this resolution, which was seconded by Dan Undersander. Jeff Volenec made the motion to adjourn the meeting. This motion was seconded by Kevin Kephart, and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm.


Respectfully submitted,
J.J. Volenec
Secretary CAIC


1995 Central Alfalfa Improvement Conference Proceedings