Foreword

March 2006

To our friends:
This annual report describes the outstanding accomplishment of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering faculty, staff, and students in 2005 and changes at the University of Minnesota. We are proud of our work and hope that you will find the report interesting and informative.

In 2005 the University of Minnesota embarked on a bold strategic positioning process to position the university to reach new heights of excellence and academic distinction. The goal articulated by University President Robert Bruininks and approved by the Board of Regents is to be one of the top three public research universities in the world within the next decade.

In June 2005 the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved President Bruininks’ strategic positioning recommendations including one to merge the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Natural Resources by July 1, 2006. In March 2006 the Board of Regents approved the new name of the merged college to be College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

A Task Force on the design of CFANS recommended that the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering merge with the Department of Bio-based Products in the College of Natural Resources by July 1, 2006. This merger will bring together two small departments into one with a total of 26 faculty members. Faculty members from both departments are planning for the merger, identifying key strategic focus areas, and proposing a mission and name. Our goal is to create a new department that can accomplish more working together than we can separately.

In 2005 we worked with an architectural firm, consultants, and University staff to develop plans and cost estimates to remodel the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering building and the adjacent Engineering and Fisheries laboratory building. Despite tremendous effort, the remodeling plan was not included in the University of Minnesota 2006 bonding request to the Minnesota Legislature. The remodeling remains a CFANS priority and it is our hope that the BAE remodeling will be part of the 2008 bonding request.

In our 2005 annual report you will find a financial summary of the 2004-2005 fiscal year (July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005). Our total expenditures were over $4.7 million and approximately $2.2 million, or 47 percent, came from grants, gifts, and fees. A list of public and private, local and national funding sources is included (see pages 59-63). All of our programs provide value to the citizens of Minnesota, and in many cases the benefits extend around the world.

Our students, staff, and faculty, and their creative ideas are what make our programs so successful. These programs are enhanced by the multi and interdisciplinary nature or our research, educational, and outreach activities. Cooperators from at least twelve other units (i.e. departments, centers, and research and outreach centers) of the University are listed on over 80 projects described in this report.

Many faculty and staff contributed to the creation of this report. Deb Hansen, Kathy Younie, and Kathy Evans provided the leadership to pull this report together. It required a significant effort and they have produced an excellent report.

Again, I hope that you find this report interesting and informative.

Kevin A. Janni
Professor and Head