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I hope spring break provided a welcome pause and a chance to recharge. The weeks ahead are some of our busiest across OSU Agriculture.
This time of year marks the start of OSU Agriculture Field Days, one of the most visible and impactful ways we fulfill our land-grant mission. Field Days bring together faculty, staff, students, alumni, producers, donors and friends to see firsthand how teaching, research and Extension come together to serve Oklahoma and beyond. These events showcase the innovative work happening across our division and highlight the practical, real-world impact made possible through collaboration and support.
I encourage you to attend one of our Field Days this year. The Wheat & Forages Field Day is the first scheduled and will be held on April 24 at the South Central Research Station in Chickasha.
On campus, we are gearing up for scholarship banquets and award season. It is a fun time of year when we get to celebrate our students and offer our appreciation for your support.
Thank you for the many ways you support OSU Agriculture through your work, engagement and generosity. I look forward to a strong finish to the spring semester.
Warm regards,
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Jayson Lusk
Vice President and Dean
OSU Agriculture
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OYE 2026
Dr. Lusk participates in the Oklahoma Youth Expo Legislative Showmanship event with Stillwater FFA member Ainslie McEndoo.
| | OSU Agriculture is comprised of the Ferguson College of Agriculture and two state agencies: OSU Ag Research and OSU Extension. Learn the latest from our three mission areas. | |
Teaching
The Ferguson College of Agriculture prospective student services team traveled to Oregon and California to connect with FFA members at each state’s FFA convention. Many FFA members find their college home at OSU.
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Research
The latest OSU wheat variety released in January gets its purple hue from anthocyanins, the same food pigments found in pomegranates and blueberries, which provide antioxidants that benefit gut and brain health.
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Extension
In 2025, the OSU Extension Soil, Water, Forage Analytical Laboratory analyzed 28,210 soil samples from across Oklahoma. Learn about analysis and how to submit a sample through your local OSU Extension office.
| | Advancing Value-Added Agriculture | |
FAPC Modernization Update
The OSU Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center continues to advance its modernization efforts with new equipment investments, expanded technical expertise and facility enhancements designed to strengthen service to Oklahoma’s food and agricultural industries. Recent additions to the FAPC pilot plant include a bowl chopper, a 21-needle injector, a tumbler, a grinder/mixer and a stuffer. These investments enhance the center’s ability to assist processors with formulation, marination, value-added processing and product development.
Construction and equipment installation for the new Innovation Kitchen are progressing steadily. The space will enhance research and development efforts, culinary product innovation and scale-up support for food businesses. The Innovation Kitchen is expected to begin supporting projects this spring.
FAPC is also installing high-pressure processing (HPP) technology — a significant expansion of the center’s food safety and product development infrastructure. HPP is widely used by national food brands to extend refrigerated shelf life while maintaining fresh quality.
Installation begins in March, followed by a validation and training period. Full client services are anticipated in late summer. The addition of HPP will position FAPC to assist both emerging and established processors exploring ready-to-eat and refrigerated product lines.
These investments strengthen Oklahoma’s food processing infrastructure and expand opportunities for in-state product development and commercialization.
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New Holland Tractor Donation
New Holland Agriculture and CNH Industrial generously donated a New Holland T6.180 Methane Power tractor to the OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. This cutting-edge equipment will give students and researchers hands-on experience with one of the most advanced alternative-fuel tractors on the market.
OSU Agriculture welcomed New Holland representatives, Jake Kentzler and Nick Treaster, to campus to educate faculty, staff and students about the newly gifted tractor. Thanks to New Holland and CNH for investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
| | Shaping Tomorrow Today, The Future is Now | |
Objectives and Key Performance Indicators - OSU Extension
The pursuit of broad priorities and the success of critical actions depend on measuring specific objectives through key performance indicators. Performance indicators provide a mechanism for measuring progress and ensuring OSU Agriculture’s initiatives and priorities are effectively implemented and achieved. Accordingly, the following sub-goals emerge for OSU Extension that support the priorities and critical actions of OSU Agriculture’s strategic plan.
- Increase sponsored Extension grants and contracts to $10 million by 2030.
- Increase revenue from certifications, conferences and Extension programming activities to $5 million by 2030.
- Increase 4-H enrollment to 14,000 by Fall 2030.
- Increase responsiveness to Extension stakeholders while developing and deepening relationships.
- Agriculture and Natural Resource programs conduct meetings with a cumulative attendance of at least 65,000 attendees annually by 2030.
- ANR educators provide at least 115,000 consultations annually by 2030.
- Community and Economic Development programs conduct meetings with at least 25,000 attendees annually by 2030.
- CED educators provide at least 16,000 consultations annually by 2030.
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Engage with the public through digital platforms (including web, AI, social, apps, video and podcasts) at least 3 million times annually by 2030.
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A Day in the Life
Follow Jantz Brandon, a senior studying biochemistry and molecular biology in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, as he shares what student life looks like both in and out of the lab.
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Precision Agriculture
Aicha Biaou left her home in Togo, West Africa, to pursue her Ph.D. in plant and soil science, carrying a vision for the future of farming and bridging the gap between technology and sustainability in the field.
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Crop Production Solutions
Fourth-generation farmer Harsanjam Singh is making his mark in soil science in crop production 8,000 miles from his home state of Punjab, India, developing innovative solutions for farmers across Oklahoma.
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Extension Experience
Derrell Peel, OSU Extension livestock specialist, discusses international beef trade, offering insight into several behind-the-scenes issues in the global trade.
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“SUNUP” - New Oklahoma Program Helps You Sell Chicken Eggs
Learn about a new collaboration between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and OSU Extension that helps small-scale poultry producers bring their eggs to market.
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“Oklahoma Gardening” - How to Prepare Your Garden Bed for Spring Planting
Learn the essential steps to get your garden ready for the growing season, from cleaning up winter growth to building healthy soil that supports strong vegetables all season long.
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Spring is in the Air
Spring has arrived at OSU Agriculture. Across our research and teaching facilities, new faces are making their debut, including this baby lamb.
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CWD in Oklahoma
In February, a harvested deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Cimmaron County, making it the fourth case in Oklahoma.
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Dietary Guidelines
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize healthy eating patterns to support long-term health.
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Get "Well-Informed"
The Oklahoma Well Owner Network program will host a free well water testing event across southeast Oklahoma this spring.
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Beginning Watercolor
OSU Extension is offering an online short course designed specifically for beginners to expand watercolor horizons.
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The Code Calls
How will you answer? Supporting OSU Agriculture helps further initiatives to positively impact the lives of Oklahomans and the state’s economy.
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Oklahoma State University Agriculture
202 Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
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