The Division Triangle 2013

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DIVISION OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND NATURAL RESOURCES • OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Celebrating 100 Years Oklahoma 4-H’er on National Stage Oklahoma Gardening Reaches New Milestone The Storms The Adventures of CASNR DASNR Scientists Team Up on Climate Variability Science Pokes: Partners in Discovery More DASNR Impacts

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On the cover . . .

Cooperative Extension celebrates 100 years of serving Oklahomans. Throughout this issue of “The Division Triangle,” we are proud to bring you examples of how the people and programs of DASNR are making a difference in our state, the nation and the world. Cake designed by Cake Crazy, LLC. THE DIVISION

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Lyndall Stout Interim Director, Agricultural Communications Services

Tierra Eller Editor

Mike Davis Design & Layout

Vince Giannotti Artistic Contributor

Todd Johnson Lead Photographer

Margi Cooper Web Manager

Trisha Gedon Sean Hubbard Leilana McKindra Donald Stotts Writers

Scan the QR code to learn more about Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title Vl and Vll of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title lX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $1.29 per copy. 7,000. 1112. To simplify terminology, trade names of products or equipment are sometimes used. No endorsement of specific products named is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned. Material appearing in this publication may be reprinted without permission provided credit is given the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University. For change of address or to subscribe, write to Agricultural Communications Services, 141 Agriculture North, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, or e-mail: agcommservices@okstate.edu.

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he Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service celebrates 100 years of committment to our great state in 2014.

Without question, a great deal has happened in a century and the momentum continues. From the early days of demonstration trains transporting agriculture agents across the prairie, to the Extension educators we have today in all 77 Oklahoma counties, we are proud of our record of providing knowledge to improve lives. Personally, I have had the honor of working in Extension my entire career. Through rural economic development initiatives, I have made lasting friendships in communities across Oklahoma.

Offering a local, county, district and state network of expertise on hundreds of subjects, the institutional structure of our land-grant system is second to none.

Every Oklahoman has access to a knowledge base founded in proven science. Extension is one-third of this triangular educational mission that includes research and teaching.

With our rich history, this mission is arguably more relevant in today’s world than ever before. And if you ever need us, we are only as far away as a phone call, email or short drive to your local county Extension office.

Please join us in commemorating Extension’s

centennial and enjoy “The Division Triangle.”

Sincerely,

Mike D. Woods Interim Vice President, Dean and Director Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University

Associates Cynda R. Clary Associate Dean College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Jonathan V. Edelson Associate Director Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station James N. Trapp Associate Director Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND NATURAL RESOURCES 139 Agriculture Hall • Oklahoma State University • Stillwater, OK 74078

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Extension Recognizes Centennial N

o four words hold more truth to those involved in Extension than, “Extending knowledge, changing lives.”

Annie Peters Hunter of Boley, Okla., served as the nation’s first federally appointed black home demonstration agent. Two years before the Smith-Lever Act formally created the Cooperative Extension Service in 1914, she was helping families in Seminole, Okfuskee and Okmulgee counties to conserve resources, create a little income, and safely raise and preserve food for survival.

A century later, the methods, technology and knowledge have changed, and the challenges and choices facing Oklahomans are different.

But Extension is still helping today’s families and agricultural producers survive through research-based programs and initiatives that enhance their lives.

In honor of Extension’s 100th anniversary in 2014, “The Division Triangle” pauses to honor the past and celebrate the present through the words of those who lived and are living the organization’s rich history.

– LM

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OSU Career: 1969 - 1997

What was your greatest challenge working in Extension?

Extension work was very challenging, requiring long hours and hard work. Our greatest challenge was very much as it is today, county budgets and high visibility for our Extension programs.

What was your main method for delivering information to the public?

We relied on printed fact sheets, newsletters and other means of getting information to clients. There were a few Extension users who had computers, but they were rare in county offices, and we were not fully trained in using them. Today, we have new audiences who are mostly very computer savvy and staffs who are very well trained in using computers to research current information and deliver information to clients much more quickly.

What was the biggest change in Extension during your tenure?

Our staff worked hard to design programs that were relevant and reached a broad audience. We were involved in going from a lot of one-on-one

contacts to more of a leader-led approach to delivering programs.

We had many group meetings addressing current problems

and concerns.

What is Extension’s greatest challenge moving forward?

I feel that Extension’s greatest challenge in the next several years will be dealing with a much younger audience that is working full time on jobs outside the home. They also need to stay involved with the needs of larger landowners, corporate ranchers and farmers, as well as meet needs of local homeowners with urban horticulture needs. Extension workers of the future will be working closely with small business owners, local chambers of commerce and organized efforts to increase new businesses.

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Our world has changed drastically over the course of 100 years, and Extension is no exception.

The methods of delivering research-based information to the public have gone from shouting off the back of trains to using social media outlets. Jan Montgomery and Jeff Edwards provide personal insight about their Extension careers both past and present, respectively.

OSU Career: 2004 - Present

What drew you toward a career in Extension?

I enjoy public speaking, solving problems and helping people.

Extension allowed me to do all three and live in a college town while doing so.

What has been Extension’s greatest contribution during your time?

I feel the land-grant university system and Extension have done an outstanding job of increasing the agronomic knowledge of our clientele.

This solid base of agronomic knowledge has allowed farmers to become early adopters of new technologies, often before we have had a chance to thoroughly evaluate the technologies.

What has been the biggest change in Extension during your tenure?

The use of technology. When I started with Extension, most people used email but did so from a desktop computer. Smartphones are now the norm and emails and texts generally result in faster response times than phone messages.

What is your main method for delivering information to the public?

The goal is to provide information in whatever format the consumer is most comfortable with, so I use a mixture. I still write fact sheets and current reports, but I rarely print hard copies anymore because most people prefer to view an electronic version and print it at home.

What is the importance of Extension for the state of Oklahoma?

I like to measure importance based on whether you made a difference in someone’s life.

When you help a farmer solve a problem or make a change that will increase their profitability, you have helped someone improve their family’s ability to succeed.

– SH

Extension Prepared for Next 100 Years O

bviously no one knows exactly what the future holds.

But we do know in the next 100 years, considerable time, effort and money will be devoted to feeding, housing and supporting a world population of more than 9 billion.

Even as Extension celebrates a century of putting the land-grant university mission into action, the agency is poised to focus on these and other emerging challenges through its time-tested tradition of research, teaching and outreach.

“We’re proud of our 100-year history of making life better for all Oklahomans, but we know our work is far from finished,” said James Trapp, associate director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension.

Here in Oklahoma, and across the nation, that work will surely include finding solutions to water and land constraints and developing crops and livestock that withstand the effects of climate volatility and change.

There also will be a need for effective strategies for curbing food waste and

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addressing health and aging concerns, as well as for programming that meets the ever-widening variety of needs of increasingly diverse audiences.

The bottom line? Extension always has been and always will be about helping families manage life changes and meeting the challenge of providing an ample and safe food supply, Trapp said.

As evidence, he pointed out tractors replaced draft horses. These days, safe and effective chemicals are reducing the need for tractor power through low-till and no-till systems.

Tomorrow’s forms of energy will no doubt revolutionize the ways we currently work our fields and raise our animals.

“Looking to the future, I’m confident Extension and land-grant university research will continue to enable our state’s agricultural producers to be a leading source of food for the world, and help all Oklahomans enjoy long, healthy, successful lives,” Trapp said.

– LM

Oklahoma 4-H’er on National Stage A

Pittsburg County 4-H’er put the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program on the map when she received a national honor in July 2013.

Elisabeth Willis of Canadian was recognized as a national 4-H Youth in Action Award recipient. This prestigious award is presented to outstanding 4-H’ers and corporations for their work on behalf of the 4-H youth development movement. She was recognized at a ceremony in New York City in April.

Willis has been instrumental in raising nearly $10,000 to benefit the Therapeutic Equestrian Association of McAlester (T.E.A.M.) through organizing 4-H music festivals. Funds have been used for horse feed, student tuition and vet bills, as well as setting some aside for a new riding facility.

“After volunteering with the T.E.A.M., I knew I wanted to help the program so it could serve more youth in our community,” Willis said.

Mike Carter, OSU Cooperative Extension 4-H educator in Pittsburg County, said Willis is a wonderful example of the positive impact 4-H has on today’s youth.

“Elisabeth sees the big picture in 4-H. For her, it’s not about the jacket or the awards,” Carter said. “It’s all about making a difference in her hometown.”

Willis, a member of the Canadian Sr. 4-H Club, has held offices on the local, county and district levels, as well as served as a State 4-H Ambassador since 2009. She is a senior at Canadian High School and the daughter of Gary and Rachel Willis.

– TG

Willis takes 10-year-old Wyatt Robbins for a riding lesson at the Therapeutic Equestrian Association of McAlester.

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The abundance of Oklahoma’s wheat harvest in 2013 was a welcomed surprise given weather conditions. Lingering drought and multiple freeze events across much of the state gave way to rainfall late in the growing season.

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Growing Prosperity An average of 5.2 million acres of wheat is planted each year in Oklahoma and contributes approximately $1 billion annually to the state’s economy.

The image of waving wheat is as

synonymous with Oklahoma as the state song suggests, though many take for granted the work that goes into making wheat the state’s prominent crop.

“Genetically improved cultivars developed by our OSU Wheat Improvement Team (WIT) have long been the lifeblood of this important aspect of Oklahoma life and culture,” said Dave Porter, head of the department of plant and soil sciences. “Wheat growers need varieties that provide good yield potential, drought resistance and disease resistance while delivering the milling and baking characteristics desired by national and international food industries.”

More than 40 percent of wheat varieties planted in the state were developed by the interdisciplinary group of WIT scientists, who in 2013 released a new hard red winter wheat variety: DoubleStop CL+.

“This variety signifies the first wave of twogene Clearfield­­® advanced materials to cycle through our wheat improvement program,” said Brett Carver, holder of OSU’s wheat genetics chair, a WIT member for 25 years and

its leader since 1998. “The variety is adapted to all of Oklahoma, though the area of greatest competitiveness will be in the northern half of the state.”

DoubleStop CL+ provides a favorable combination of yield potential, test weight and dough strength. Carver said the variety should appeal to producers who have enjoyed success with Centerfield, a previous WIT-developed Clearfield® release.

Only the third scientist to hold the position of wheat breeder at OSU since the 1940s, Carver said part of the staying power of those in the role is because each of them recognized the importance of the work undertaken.

“More than a major contributor to the state economy, wheat is and has long been vitally important in helping to alleviate hunger,” he said. “With a projected 9 billion people on earth by the year 2050, that capability is more important than ever. A billion people currently consume fewer than 1,800 calories a day.

Wheat provides 21 percent of all food calories consumed in the world.”

– DS

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On Top of the Turf World OSU is rapidly solidifying its stature as a

developer of world-class turfgrasses.

This summer, both the NFL’s Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans installed one of OSU’s most recently released varieties, Latitude 36, on their home fields. The Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles also have sodded multiple practice fields with the grass.

“The NFL is the ultimate for any football player, so we are delighted that a Bermuda grass created by OSU experts has reached this pinnacle of success,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “The NFL also is the ultimate test of a turf’s durability, and we’re confident the teams will be pleased with the performance of Latitude 36.”

The award-winning variety was released in 2010, and currently nine outlets nationwide, including two in Oklahoma, are sublicensed to produce the grass through the licensing firm Sod Solutions.

Latitude 36 is ideal for use in parts of the eastern, western and southern United States where traditional Bermuda grasses tolerate summer conditions but can experience winterkill during particularly cold winters.

The grass is well suited for sports fields, golf course fairways and tee boxes, commercial

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grounds and residential lawns because of its tolerance for traffic; recuperation rate; improved cold hardiness; and excellent color, texture, density and uniformity.

Dennis Martin, OSU Cooperative Extension turfgrass specialist and one of five DASNR researchers credited with developing the grass, said it is meaningful for the turfgrass program to be linked to such high-profile venues because it shows researchers did their jobs well.

“That means we did our jobs, assessed the market correctly and the market is accepting the product,” he said. “We’re on the front end of Latitude 36’s popularity.”

Latitude 36 was intensively tested at OSU before being independently evaluated in the rigorous National Turf Evaluation Program (NTEP). The grass claimed overall top honors in the national Bermuda grass test in the 20072012 NTEP trials.

Riviera, an OSU seeded Bermuda grass, was used on two baseball fields at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Another OSU variety, Patriot, is installed on the Purdue University football field, the Indianapolis Colts practice fields and the Chesapeake Energy’s Green Roof Sports Field in Oklahoma City.

– LM

Print

The University of Virginia’s home baseball field, Davenport Field, is just one of several high-profile venues around the nation showcasing OSU’s award-winning Bermuda grass, Latitude 36.

The NFL’s Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans also installed the high-end, elite-performing grass on their home fields.

Print on Demand (POD) is the database for all Extension and research fact sheets, leaflets, andotherdocumentsforreading and/or downloading.

There are more than 4,500 documentsonthewebsitewith subject matter ranging from gardening, cattle, insects and economics to nutrition and family development.

Photo courtesy University of Virginia Athletics

on

Demand

Youmaybrowsethroughthe sitebyacademicdepartmental categories(ex.entomology) or by topical categories (ex. insects).

There also is a search tool at the top right of the page.

You may search by subject matter (ex. cattle, tomatoes, webworms, etc.) or by fact sheet number or title.

s ’ r o t a r e Op

MANUAL If you have any questions, contact your local county Extension educator for help.

Heorshecanprovideprintouts of fact sheets, or help locate information for your particular need.

Research-based information on a wide variety of subjects such as agriculture, economic development, family and consumer sciences, and youth development is available.

OSUFACTS.OKSTATE.EDU

Genetics MOOving Forward Sifting through 4.6 pallets of paper with

different series of the letters A, T, G and C in search of a particular sequence would be exhausting.

Luckily, researchers are doing that dirty work for us. Megan Rolf, assistant professor of animal science, said there are about 3 billion base pairs of DNA in the bovine genome.

“These bases code for amino acid sequences that make up the proteins that do everything from operate standard biological processes that keep us alive to determine coat color in cattle,” Rolf said. “Small changes in the DNA sequence, anything from a single base change to an insertion or deletion of DNA sequence, can cause a change in the way an animal appears or how efficiently their body processes work.”

These changes also affect performance traits that are economically important in the beef industry, such as weaning weight or carcass traits. While genomic sequencing is not yet a practice commonly commissioned by producers like genotyping is, several

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beef breed associations have taken a lead in beginning to sequence influential sires in their respective breeds.

“The fact that breed associations are taking a lead in sequencing highly influential bulls in a breed shows a lot of confidence in genomics and makes them well-positioned for increasing the utility of genotyping technologies for producers,” she said.

Mutations can have positive or negative effects on economically important traits, so information from sequencing can help researchers understand the links between genotype and biological function.

“Sequencing also may help in continued efforts to identify causal mutations,” said Rolf.

“Knowing the actual causal mutations that result in different phenotypes would decrease genotyping costs for producers and increase the accuracy of genomic predictions generated from these data by breed associations, researchers and DNA-testing companies.”

– SH

One of the main drivers of what type of tools producers can use is cost. You can genotype an animal for less than $100, but sequencing an entire genome with enough depth can run into the thousands. However, the prices of both technologies have dropped rapidly over the last few years.

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Oklahoma Gardening Reaches New Milestone W

hat began in 1975 with plants displayed on a tabletop in the Oklahoma Educational Television Studio in Oklahoma City has blossomed into something hundreds of thousands of gardeners across the state have been tuning in to watch for 40 seasons.

Featuring sage plant tips, gardening how-tos and tried-and-true horticulture advice, “Oklahoma Gardening” has withstood the test of time and continues to meet the needs of the gardening public.

“Oklahoma Gardening” celebrated 40 seasons on air in July 2013. Joe Maxson, who served as the show’s inaugural host, remembers “Oklahoma Gardening’s” humble beginning.

“I drove down to the OETA studio every week with the plants I was going to use and decorated the set. There’s no way to glorify it. The set was basically a table top,” Maxson said. “When we were done shooting, we’d load it all back up, drive back to Stillwater and unload the plants in the OSU greenhouses.”

Over the past 40 seasons, the show has flourished. Each of the 10 hosts has brought his or her own passion, unique experiences and special touch to the show. In fact, Ray Campbell hosted the show from his own backyard from 1980-1986. Campbell recalls filming a show and planning to demonstrate the proper application of pesticides. However, once filming began he learned the sprayer did not work.

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“The thought came to my mind that I would just show how to repair a sprayer,” he said.

“Sometimes we had to improvise. We couldn’t do a lot of retakes and editing like they do today. Sometimes, we just had to make it work.”

Fortunately, in 1986, “Oklahoma Gardening” was given a parcel of land west of Stillwater, and the rest is history. The once-overgrown patch of land now features demonstration gardens, a children’s garden, a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden and more. New features are added every year.

“Oklahoma Gardening” also showcases cooking segments with Extension food specialist Barbara Brown highlighting vegetables and herbs grown in the garden. Extension consumer horticulturist David Hillock provides viewers with sound gardening advice.

Kim Toscano, Oklahoma Gardening’s host since 2007, said a healthy living environment and being a good steward of the land are driving forces behind her programming.

“Our mission hasn’t changed over the course of 40 seasons,” Toscano said. “And as we move forward, we will continue to inspire our viewers and provide practical information specific to Oklahoma’s unique gardening environments. We strive to address issues viewers bring to our attention and provide programming that will continually meet their needs.”

– TG

Kim Toscano, “Oklahoma Gardening” host, is joined by former hosts.

(Front row, L-R) Sue Gray-Melaugh (1987-1990 and 1995), Toscano (2007-Present) and Brenda Sanders (1996-2000) (Back row, L-R), Steve Owens (2001-2007), Ray Campbell (1980-1986) and Steve Dobbs (1990-1995) Couch courtesy 9 th Ave. Market, Stillwater, Okla.

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Hitching Their Wagon to OSU T

he relationship dates back many decades and several generations.

President/Co-CEO of Hitch Enterprises, Guymon, Chris Hitch, graduated from OSU. So did his wife, his brother and sister-in-law, his parents, grandfather, cousins and aunt.

“We’re an OSU family,” Hitch said. “The school has been very good to us. It has provided our company with a massive amount of information from studies, advice and education.”

Thanks to a recent $250,000 gift from Hitch Enterprises to OSU’s DASNR, more information can be disseminated through the Hitch Family Professorship in Ruminant Feedlot Nutrition.

Photo courtesy Hitch Enterprises, Inc.

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“The professorship will advance the science associated with cattle feeding in Oklahoma and the surrounding area,” said Clint Rusk, head of the department of animal science at OSU. Appointed to the professorship is Dave Lalman, OSU Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist, animal science professor and the 2013 American Society of Animal Science Extension Award winner.

“Our hope is to identify important issues to Oklahoma cattle feeders and industry stakeholders,” Lalman said. “I truly appreciate the generosity of the Hitch family and am confident that the earnings from this fund will assist us in our work with Oklahoma producers for generations to come.”

– SH

DASNR DONORS EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Through Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University, donors are providing the support the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources needs to even more successfully fulfill its land-grant mission.

DASNR set a $28.5 million goal for the seven-year campaign and exceeded it with $48 million in gifts and commitments. Branding Success surpassed its $1 billion goal earlier this year, but there are still many remaining fundraising priorities on campus and in DASNR, and the campaign will continue through its scheduled conclusion in December 2014.

Tremendous donor support allowed DASNR to surpass its campaign goals in three of the four priority areas.

The support funds life-changing scholarships for students who dream big and work hard. It empowers OSU to recruit and retain the best faculty and researchers, and it enhances programs that inspire academic excellence through innovative efforts. During the campaign, 22 chairs and professorships, as well as 135 scholarship funds, were added in DASNR. But there is still work to be done. The fourth key to transforming DASNR is facility support, which funds premier teaching and research spaces and provides state-of-the-art equipment. These improvements maximize our efforts to tackle the nation’s modern problems.

Among the campaign’s remaining priorities are the Endowed Centers of Excellence, each of which focuses on a different challenge: the Water Research and Extension Center, The Botanic Garden at OSU, the Equine Center, and the Biobased Products and Energy Center. Another priority is renovating historic Barn A, which will become a premier conference center.

For more information or to discuss ways to make an impact now or through an estate gift, call the OSU Foundation at 405.385.5618.

David Loyless

Senior Associate Vice President of Development OSU Foundation

Kathy McNally

Senior Director of Development OSU Foundation

STUDENT SUPPORT: GOAL $14.25M

172%

$24.5M FACULTY SUPPORT: GOAL $5.7M

289%

$16.5M PROGRAM SUPPORT: GOAL $4.25M

162%

$6.9M FACILITY SUPPORT: GOAL $4.25M

1.9%

$79K

Judging Team Champs 2012 AQHA World Champion Horse Judging Team

Front Row (L to R): Brooke Devore, Haley Collins, Emily Handke, Rhianna Stockton, Lauren Wells, Bryce Williams and Natalie Baker (Asst. Coach).

Back Row (L to R): Dr. Steve Damron, Dr. Mike Woods, Esteban Minero, Dr. Clint Rusk and Dr. Steven Cooper (Coach).

2012 National Champion Livestock Judging Team

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Front Row (L to R): Dr. Cynda Clary, Clint Mefford (Asst. Coach), Rashele Blakley, Emily Bardot, Marrissa Garside, Morgan Meisenheimer, Katie Duysen, Shelby Skinner, Chris Hall, Brenda Johnson and Dr. Mark Johnson (Coach).

Back Row (L to R): Dr. Mike Woods, Blake Bloomberg (Asst. Coach), Ryan McCoon, Mark Sims, McKenzie Clifton, Chastin Leggett, Clay Zwilling, Jake Warntjes, Jamie Bloomberg, Chris Hofschulte and Dr. Clint Rusk.

Fertile Ground for Education Emptying a bag of fertilizer onto the ground

is not going to get the job done.

“Education on proper application of fertilizer to farmland can improve crop or forage yield, reduce environmental impact and reduce producer costs by properly managing nutrient inputs,” said Josh Payne, OSU Cooperative Extension area animal waste management specialist.

That education is provided through the Poultry Waste Management Education Program.

“We offer initial nine-hour training courses covering poultry waste management for all new poultry producers and poultry waste applicators,” he said. “Both poultry producers and poultry waste applicators are required by law to receive this education.”

Producers and applicators must then earn three hours of continuing education each year, helping to ensure they are up-to-date on the most current information.

“These educational opportunities provide vital information to producers on topics such as soil and litter testing, soil fertility recommendations, proper land application rates, current regulations and basic nutrient management,” Payne said.

– SH

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Extension’s response to a deadly outbreak of tornadoes in May was broad and far-reaching. Cleveland County Extension’s Tracey Payton Miller captured this image of the destruction while she and two colleagues gave cold drinks and snacks to those affected by the powerful storm that ravaged Moore on May 20.

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2013 Moore Tornado

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Photo courtesy Tracey Payton Miller

The tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on May 20, 2013, caused an estimated $2 billion in damages. Twenty-five lives were lost and 377 people were injured.

Pictured is a black pickup truck with a red “X� indicating it has been searched.

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The Storms Extending help after destructive tornadoes

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ccording to the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma averages about 21 tornadoes each May. In 2013, 57 reportedly roared through the state.

The out-of-the-ordinary cluster of storms provoked an extraordinary response from Extension at home and across the nation.

“Just when you think the world may not be a nice place to live, you get to see the good in people,” said Tracey Payton Miller, Cleveland County Extension horticulture specialist.

Miller and two colleagues spent two days pushing cold Gatorade and snacks into survivors’ hands about a week after a massive tornado destroyed homes, businesses and, sadly, lives, in Moore May 20.

Cleveland County Extension also answered calls for information and assistance, passed out 750 coloring books and crayons to children in relief centers, sent out press releases on disaster-related topics, and helped coordinate a lost and found for misplaced animals at the nearby county fairgrounds.

Additionally, the office managed an outpouring of donations such as clothing, money and 4-H project items such as horse blankets and halters from around the state and country.

“Extension can help families prepare for emergencies and think of the ‘what ifs,’” said Cleveland County Extension Director Susan Moffat. “If disaster strikes, our response to the storms in the spring only proves we’re ready

and able to do our part to rebuild and restore lives.”

In response to a deadly tornado that tore up parts of El Reno May 31, Canadian County Extension Director Brad Tipton said the office dealt with water wells, water sampling and horticulture inquiries.

“One of the biggest jobs was assisting landowners with trees that were damaged, removing debris and getting that debris collected so it could be ground into mulch,” he said.

Other corners of Extension provided aid, as well. For instance, 4-H’ers made 1,560 Hugs (cooling neck wraps) for survivors and emergency responders. Oklahoma Home and Community Education members crafted 100 pillowcases and donated pillows to relief centers.

Ultimately, James Trapp, associate director of OSU Cooperative Extension, firmly believes the agency has a crucial role to play in the state’s disaster recovery efforts now and in the future.

“Extension isn’t equipped to be a ‘first responder’ in disasters such as tornadoes, fires and ice storms,” he said. “But we are equipped to be the first to provide sciencebased answers to many questions survivors might face following a disaster and to put that knowledge into action for the good of Oklahomans.”

– LM

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The first Advanced Cow-Calf Boot Camp attracted 46 producers from across the state to Muskogee in June.

The advanced course is only open to graduates of the Cow-Calf Boot Camp.

Advancing Cow-Calf Knowledge With strategies picked up at OSU’s Cow-

Calf Boot Camp helping him weather the ongoing drought, longtime Roger Mills County producer Carl Manske wanted to learn more.

So he signed on for the inaugural Advanced Cow-Calf Boot Camp.

“I wanted to learn as much as I could, and the subjects looked interesting,” Manske said.

Forty-six new and seasoned producers met in Muskogee in June for the three-day advanced camp, which was less hands-on and more classroom-oriented than the basic course.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service experts led spirited discussions around topics

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such as reproduction, estate planning and risk management.

“We just tried to introduce them to more of the industry,” said Earl Ward, OSU Cooperative Extension Northeast District area livestock specialist. “Something that surprised me was their eagerness to ask questions. It wasn’t just the new guys. Guys who’ve been in the industry a long time were picking up stuff.”

Satisfied with the first effort, Ward is looking ahead.

“We feel like it’s a good camp,” he said, “but we’re always looking for ways to improve it.”

– LM

Drilling waste is categorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a special waste and is exempt from federal hazardous waste regulations under subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Land application of drilling “mud” is regulated and permitted by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Clearing Up a Muddy Issue A

t this point, it is about as clear as mud.

With the recent boom in oil and gas exploration, there also is an increase in waste produced from the drilling process. Many agricultural producers have opportunities to provide their property as disposal sites for drilling mud applications and receive payment in return, said Chad Penn, associate professor of plant and soil sciences at OSU. “Most producers will have the material applied to pasture or rangeland that has a relatively low production capability,” he said.

“The land application of drilling mud may or may not inhibit future production.”

PhotocourtesyChadPenn

Scientists have done little research about potential impacts of drilling mud application on land quality. However, OSU is in the early stages of conducting research.

Penn said the long-term goal may require several years and increased research funding.

The intent is to produce a site-specific tool for landowners to assess risk, potential yield reduction, time required for salt leaching, or alternatively estimate the maximum waterbased mud application in which little to no yield reduction will occur.

– SH

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(R-L) Students Jacee May, Alicia Fisher, Rosie Templeton, and alums Jaret Fipps and Dr. Chad Cummings. The panelists were part of an internship information panel during the “New Beginnings in Orange Country” Transfer Student Success Conference sponsored by Dow AgroSciences.

SCOUTing the Path for New Transfers T

he College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at OSU welcomes approximately 300 new transfer students each semester.

To help ease the transition from a junior college or another four-year institution, CASNR has created a program to help students.

“The Success Coaches for Outstanding Transfers (SCOUT) program is a peer-mentor group for incoming transfer students who have successfully navigated the transfer experience themselves with regard to academics, student involvement, and personal and professional

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development,” said Amy Gazaway, CASNR career development coordinator.

In its first year, the program had 15 SCOUTs who had successfully made the transition to OSU from other institutions.

SCOUT does not just provide academic assistance, but also career support, and even helps with everyday problems like parking.

“Once the program becomes known to incoming transfers, the communication between the SCOUTs and the students will make the program be an ace in the hole,” said Mindy Andres, CASNR senior and member of SCOUT.

– SH

s e r u t n e Ad v CASNR! The

of

Stud of get ents exper ie ting w ater to nce challen ge hilltop comm s unity Local Guatemalan children enjoy playing with OSU students

Students explore ruins of an ancient Guatemalan church

Brazil. Ecuador. Italy.

Students share gardening experiences with local women

OS

U facu Thailand. Ireland. Where do l locals ty instruct st in con you want to go? tainer udents and g arden Students in OSU’s CASNR ing can go virtually anywhere they wish to study abroad. Each year dozens of students pack their bags and fly around the world to learn and teach agricultural practices through an experience they will never forget.

This photo essay takes us along with students who recently studied in Guatemala.

– SH

OSU students play with local school children

ROBERT M. KERR FOOD & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CENTER

Impacts

Food Safety

2008 - 2012

FAPC conducts microbial food safety research from farm to table.

INCREASE IN ANNUAL PAYROLL

2.1M

$

5.7M

$

INCREASE IN ANNUAL SALES

DIRECT, INDIRECT & INDUCED $ IMPACTS

Th e Ce nters fo r Di se as e Co nt ro l es tim ates 48 m ill io n pe op le ge t sic k, 128,000 are ho sp ita lized an d 3,000 die from fo od bo rne di se as es each ye ar.

This research involves detection, isolation and characterization of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in food and food-processing environments.

PAYROLL

8.9M

JOBS

368

TOTAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

18.7M

$

Water Use by Eastern Redcedar Increasing concern about limited water supplies for human use and our natural resources has heightened interest in water demands of Eastern redcedar, which is rapidly encroaching in grasslands of the Great Plains and Midwest.

THE RESEARCH APPROACH

Soil water content was lower where redcedars had encroached.

Intensive measurements were conducted on trees and soil, and measured water flowing off two watersheds — a grassland and a grassland encroached by Eastern redcedar.

Soil water content was measured at 15-minute intervals on the grassland and the grassland encroached by redcedar. Eighteen soil water stations were evenly split between the two watersheds.

To determine water use by an individual tree, an instrument was used to measure sap flow. Trees of different sizes grown in the open and in closedcanopy stands were measured.

30

Trees used water year-round, averaging 0.5-21 gallons/day—more for larger trees in less dense stands encroached.

Watersheds were equipped with an H flume, stage recorder, datalogger, rain gauge, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, soil temperature, air temperature and relative humidity sensors.

Only heavy rains break through the tree canopy to the ground. Rain captured by redcedars does not run off and replenish streams or groundwater.

Redcedars can thrive in various soil and topography types, and tolerate drought and extreme temperatures, but young redcedars are no match for fire.

Research data provided by Oklahoma Water Resources Center

Money Matters Financial literacy for millennials

A

love of money might be the root of all evil, but knowing how to confidently handle your funds is a good and necessary life skill.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is adding its two cents to the state’s efforts to educate youth about solid money management.

“Lacking basic money know-how can affect everything from grocery shopping to saving for retirement,” said Sissy Osteen, OSU Cooperative Extension resource management specialist.

Oklahoma is one of 46 states with stand-alone personal finance standards for school children.

Per the Passport to Financial Literacy Act of 2007, as of the 2013-14 academic year, every 7th through 12th grader in the state is required to complete 14 financial literacy standards before graduating.

A cumulative record of completing each standard will follow students through their secondary school career, even if they transfer to a new district.

Extension offers multiple resources to help educators and students fulfill those standards, which range from earning an income to renting and buying a home, to understanding insurance to charitable giving.

One of the most notable programs, Reality Check, is an interactive, hands-on experience that meets eight of the 14 financial literacy standards.

During the 90-minute to 2-hour program, students assume the roles of typical 25 year olds with jobs and family responsibilities trying to meet financial obligations on a monthly budget.

Additionally, teachers can tap into the Financial Education Toolkit, which includes multiple games and activities, and is available for checkout from local county Extension offices. Upon request, Extension educators can present the lessons.

Through Extension’s partnership with the National Endowment for Financial Education, high school teachers, students and parents also can access free educational materials associated with the High School Financial Planning Program. This program addresses 11 of the 14 standards. For more information on how to get materials, contact your local county Extension office.

Osteen noted Extension has long supported youth personal finance education and will continue to do so.

“With schools facing challenges such as lack of qualified teachers; insufficient classroom time; and lack of funding for materials, training and other needs, Extension is excited about the opportunity to use our resources and expertise to support our state’s educators and students in this crucial effort,” she said.

– LM

31

Okanola is A-OK I

t was standing room only at the July 17 Oklahoma-Kansas Winter Canola Conference in Enid, with some 350 participants attending; ditto for the next day’s conference in Altus.

A series of canola field tours in April proved equally popular with producers, as did the Canola College in March.

Each is part of The Okanola Project, and an outgrowth of both producer need and DASNR’s commitment to providing solutions to the concerns and issues of Oklahoma’s agricultural sector.

The Okanola Project was established in 2004 with the purpose of introducing winter-hardy canola as a profitable rotational crop for Oklahoma and Kansas wheat growers to improve wheat yields and quality, aid in pest management and facilitate adoption of no-till crop production methods.

Josh Bushong, OSU Cooperative Extension canola specialist, said widespread producer interest in The Okanola Project is not surprising.

“If properly managed, canola can yield as many bushels as wheat in this area,” Bushong said. “Given market prices are higher than the price of wheat, it becomes obvious canola has great potential to yield high returns, which is welcome news for growers’ wallets and the state economy.”

DASNR data suggests wheat following canola can increase wheat grain yields by

32

approximately 15 percent, and more in some areas.

“Even though conditions were less than optimal in 2013, the canola crops of Oklahoma and Kansas demonstrated resilience in the face of drought in the fall, and late freeze damage and storm-related challenges in the spring,” he said.

DASNR data suggests wheat following canola in a crop rotation can increase wheat forage by 20 percent and wheat tillers by 32 percent, both of which would favor stocker cattle operations.

“In terms of weed management, data from several wheat farms in central Oklahoma indicated rotating to canola for one year reduced wheat dockage an average of 85 percent and practically eliminated foreign material in the wheat,” Bushong said.

Canola acreage for the region has increased dramatically since 2010. Estimates indicate approximately 500,000 acres will be planted in the southern Great Plains states for the coming year.

“Canola has made me a better farmer, not only for canola but for my wheat,” said Jeff Scott, Great Plains Canola Association president and a Grant County producer. “You have to go where the money is, and canola is a crop that has turned around my operation.”

– DS

519

37

%

SURVEYS DISTRIBUTED

RETURN RATE

NEARLY

1/2M

THESE ACRES REPRESENT

5

%

ACRES REPRESENTED BY FORAGE MANAGERS WHO ATTENDED ONE OF THE 11 PROGRAMS OF TOTAL ACREAGE DEVOTED TO THE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INTRODUCED PASTURES IN OKLAHOMA

SURVEY RESPONDENTS ASSESSED THAT

79

%

OF OKLAHOMA INTRODUCED PASTURES

SUFFERED MODERATE TO SEVERE DROUGHT DAMAGE

RESULTS IN ESTIMATED FORAGE AND PASTURE LOSSES DURING

2011

AT

WITH AN AVERAGE FORAGE PRODUCTION LOSS OF

136 $

PER ACRE

26M $

JUST FOR THE 37% WHO REPSONDED

Drought Relief

1B $

ESTIMATED 2011 TOTAL FORAGE LOSSES IN OKLAHOMA

During 2012, a total of 11 “Pasture Recovery Following Drought” programs, covering 13 counties, were held to address specifics of pasture recovery due to extreme drought conditions using weed control, fertilization and grazing deferment. Presented here are the results from surveys completed by program participants. Forage producers valued this program at $70/acre, translating into an economic impact of $17.7 million, based on participant feedback.

DASNR Scientists Team Up on Climate Variability A

pair of multi-million dollar grants will help DASNR scientists investigate aspects of climate variability over the next five years.

The first project puts DASNR researchers with other southern Great Plains scientists and educators receiving $9.6 million during the five-year period. The goal is to improve understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of beef production in an environment of increased climate variability, dynamic landuse and fluctuating markets.

The award is provided through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, under the backing of its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative funding opportunity.

Administered through DASNR’s Water Resources Center, the team includes 32 scientists from seven organizations.

“Our team’s goal is to safeguard and promote regional beef production while mitigating the environmental footprint of agriculture,” said Dave Engle, center director. “The project also includes education and Extension components to train the next generation of producers and researchers in addressing climatic effects on beef cattle.”

The southern Great Plains states are among the nation’s most important beef-producing regions. However, climate variability makes the system as a whole more vulnerable to factors such as drought, flooding and high temperatures.

In addition, producers raise their livestock using forages from rangeland, introduced perennial grasses and winter wheat. What may

34

work best for one area of a state may not be the best choice for another part, economically or environmentally.

Another DASNR research endeavor is part of a $20 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research grant. It looks at how socio-ecological systems can adapt sustainably to climate variability.

“Knowledge gained will be used to educate Oklahomans about the expected consequences of regional environmental change and help individuals develop solutions to related issues,” said Jonathan Edelson, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station associate director.

DASNR collaborators include Engle; agricultural economists Tracy Boyer, Jodi Campiche and Dave Shideler; soil scientist Tyson Ochsner; and natural resource ecology and management researchers Sam Fuhlendorf, Duncan Wilson and Chris Zou. “One of the important aspects of this research will be adding to Oklahoma Mesonet data,” Engle said. “This data will expand and enhance both general climate-variability knowledge and specific decision-making capabilities made available through the Mesonet.”

The NSF award is a multi-institutional collaborative project that includes researchers from OSU, the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa.

– DS

Handy Free Apps Researchers at OSU are making things a

little handier for producers and farmers.

DASNR soil fertility researchers Bill Raun and Brian Arnall have developed two new mobile device apps, one allowing a producer to measure ammonia losses from urea and another to calculate the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed by crops.

“The apps are free and can be downloaded from Apple,” Raun said. “Smartphones have given people unprecedented connectivity and access. Well-designed apps allow a producer to judge operational management needs quickly and easily, without ever leaving the field.”

Raun contends app development is a natural adaptation of DASNR’s GreenSeeker™ and other precision agriculture technology.

The GreenSeeker™ handheld sensor unit is the latest generation of technology developed

by DASNR scientists and engineers. The unit collects data points used in conjunction with other agronomic references to index basic nutrient response, crop condition, pest and disease impact, yield potential and plant stress.

“GreenSeeker™ technology has been employed around the world in precision agriculture where the application of fertilizer, pesticides, plant growth regulators and defoliants are based on the crop status and field conditions,” said Brian Arnall, OSU Cooperative Extension precision nutrient management specialist. “The handheld unit allows a producer to apply only the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed on a crop.”

The unit is manufactured and sold commercially by Trimble.

– DS

35

Panhandle Research Benefits Region T

here is no lack of variety in research taking place at the Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center (OPREC).

The 550-acre research unit is home to experiments geared toward dryland and irrigated production in animal science, animal waste management, crop residue management, forage crops, small grains and much more.

“We have all sorts of things going on out here,” said Rick Kochenower, area research and Extension specialist. “Our mission is to help producers find the most cost effective and efficient ways to use land and water resources.”

36

Amongst the corn and sorghum performance trials, and wheat variety trials, OPREC recently released the longest term no-till versus minimum-till plot data.

The report shows yields for both grain sorghum and wheat grains were significantly higher for no-till.

“This confirms research from around the country that no-till can and will increase yields on summer crops,” Kochenower said.

“Irrigation is not confined to the Panhandle region. What we learn about efficient utilization of irrigation water here can translate to any region of the state.”

– SH

DASNR’s Super Bohl B

orn and raised in the small town of Walsh, Colo., managing farmland while dealing with dry conditions is nothing new to Lawrence Bohl.

A bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU), followed by a master’s degree from OSU, was just the beginning of a long-lasting relationship Bohl had with both institutions.

“Being from this part of the country, I already had a great appreciation for the work being done at both schools,” Bohl said. “Then, going to work for the research center was just a perfect match.”

After years of managing farms for Hitch Enterprises and OPSU, Bohl was hired to be the station superintendent by OPREC in 1994. Nearly 20 years and many, many research experiments later, Bohl retired in the spring of 2013.

“I decided when I got to be 65, it’d be a good birthday present,” he said. “However, I’m busier now than when I was working.”

Bohl is nothing if not proud of the work being done at the research center.

“Our research station is very important,” Bohl said. “Texas County is the largest ag money-maker in the state when you add cattle, irrigation crops and swine. I’m glad I got to be a part of it for so many years.”

– SH

37

Camp TURF Reaches Future Students C

amp participants are found racing down a zipline, digging in the dirt, dissecting grasshoppers, identifying trees, grafting plants together and making terrariums. Traveling the state, harvesting potatoes, determining the sugar content of blackberries and filming a segment for “Oklahoma Gardening” - these are just a few of the activities at Camp TURF (Tomorrow’s Undergraduates Realizing the Future). Not your typical summer camp, Camp TURF is a two-week residential academy at OSU, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Shelley Mitchell, OSU Extension associate in 4-H/youth development (horticulture), learned about youth opportunities at Regents’ summer academies while teaching at Stillwater High School. After coming to work at OSU, she developed the concept for Camp TURF. The camp completed its fourth year in June 2013, and is geared toward upcoming Oklahoma high school freshmen and sophomores who will be the first in their families to attend college.

“We introduce campers to career fields in horticulture and landscape architecture, while giving them an opportunity to experience

38

college life at OSU,” Mitchell said. “They live on campus and participate in hands-on activities led by professors. We try to take the ‘unknown’ out of college and make them feel comfortable in the university setting. We hope to provide students with a basic understanding of the relevance of agriculture, and end up with a few new Cowboys, as well. Research has shown students who attend Regents’ academies are more likely to go to college. Several former Camp TURF participants have come to OSU.” The group takes day trips to Tulsa, Norman, Oklahoma City, Pawnee, Perkins and Woodward, visiting botanic gardens, experiment stations, organic farms, the Oklahoma City Food Cooperative, the Regional Food Bank and vineyards. Evening activities include swimming, volleyball, lifesized Jenga, bowling, live theater, Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show and a painting class.

“The students who come to this camp are from all over the state, but by the time they go home, not only do they have a greater understanding of horticulture and agriculture, they’re like family,” Mitchell said.

– TG

Pebbles Cross (left) and Kassy Salas learn about types of plants during a Camp TURF outing to TLC Florist and Greenhouses in Oklahoma City.

39

Chang-An and Linda Yu Chang-An and Linda Yu, professors in biochemistry and molecular biology, retired in the spring of 2013, after more than 30 years at OSU. Recipients of a National Institutes of Health MERIT award in 2000, their work focused on how food is turned into energy for work in cells.

Science Pokes: Partners in Discovery W

hen Chang-An and Linda Yu arrived at OSU in 1981, they were already making strides in their fields.

By the time the husband-and-wife research team retired from OSU’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), they had made their mark on the world.

“The Yus’ legacy is their research and the many graduate students, and postdoctoral and visiting scholars in whose scientific lives they actively participated,” said John Gustafson, head of BMB. The pair studied the cytochrome bc1 complex, which is essential for producing the biological energy required by all cells. Their

40

discovery of the complex’s crystal structure is revered internationally for its contribution to understanding biological energy transduction.

Recipients of a National Institutes of Health MERIT award in 2000, the Yus earned millions in research funding, produced 200 peerreviewed scientific publications and wrote more than 20 book chapters.

“I can only hope OSU is lucky enough to attract just one more scientist like either one of the Yus, who called themselves ‘OSU Science Pokes,’” said Gustafson. “I look at the Yus’ careers and life together with immense admiration, and come quietly away constantly

thinking, ‘wow.’”

– LM

Robert Westerman

Dale Maronek

Robert Westerman and Dale Maronek are among the DASNR faculty who retired in 2013.

Westerman served OSU for 37 years, while Maronek finished a 25-year tenure.

A Generation of Service DASNR bid farewell to several dedicated

faculty who retired from OSU in 2013.

Robert Westerman, assistant vice president for agricultural programs, and Dale Maronek, head of horticulture and landscape architecture, are among seven retirees who account for more than 170 years of collective commitment.

Mike Woods, interim vice president for DASNR, said their careers are a testament to the importance of the land-grant mission.

“We deeply appreciate their service and contributions,” Woods said. “Their excellence in teaching, research and Extension has positively enhanced the lives of Oklahomans. They leave our programs poised for a bright future.”

DASNR faculty who retired this year include: • Robert Westerman, DASNR - 37 years • Billy Warren Roberts, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture - 26 years • Harry Lee Field, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering - 26 years • Dale Maronek, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture - 25 years • Don Turton, Natural Resource Ecology and Management - 25 years • Michael R. Dicks, Agricultural Economics - 24 years • Craig Roy McKinley, Natural Resource Ecology and Management - 14 years

– LM

41

MORE

Extension

DASNR The Oklahoma Quality Beef Network (OQBN) helped cattle producers throughout the state increase revenue by $500,000 in 2012 through effective management techniques and innovative marketing practices.

In 2012, the 4-H military partnership and the Oklahoma Military Kids (OMK) initiative reached 1,650 kids, and a 4-H Club grant helped reach an additional 723 military children through family support activities and events.

Extension drew more than 3,000 producers to more than 40 wind energy leasing workshops across the state in 2012. The successful negotiation of a wind energy lease can net a total lifetime payout of $225,000 to $1.2 million for a typical 30-year Oklahoma lease agreement, depending on the number of turbines per quarter-section (160 acres).

The highly interactive youth nutrition program, OrganWise Guys, served nearly 6,600 young Oklahomans in 270 classrooms throughout the state.

Afterward, kids participating in the program reported increasing servings of fruit, skim milk and physical activity, while decreasing sweets, fat eaten and screen time.

Research

OSU stored products engineers secured funding to study the physiological effects on a human body entrapped at different levels in grain in order to create immediate response treatment protocols for emergency responders to grain bin accidents.

DASNR faculty, in collaboration with USDA-ARS researchers, discovered cotton gin PM2.5 emissions were lower than originally estimated, which could keep industry operators from violating U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits, and potentially save $1.1 billion in equipment modifications and $85 million per year in equipment maintenance.

Since 2006, the OSU Wheat Improvement Team has developed and released 10 wheat cultivars with increasingly superior disease resistance and agronomic performance in targeted environments. For example, in 2012, Gallagher offered a 5.9 bushel/acre average yield advantage over Duster, indicating a potential increase in Oklahoma farm revenue of $53 million annually if producers meet the goal of replacing 1.2 million acres of Duster with Gallagher in the next five to seven years.

Teaching

OSU Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering faculty along with researchers from the USDA-ARS Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory (N.M.), New Mexico State University and Flory Industries (Cal.) developed an abatement device that works with existing machines to reduce sometimes significant particulate emissions from nut harvesting. Initial tests show the device can remove 77 to 105 pounds of material per minute from the air stream.

In fall 2013, CASNR students accounted for eight of the Top Twenty Freshmen Men and five of the Top Twenty Freshmen Women at OSU, and during the 2012-13 academic year, 15 of 48 Seniors of Significance and three of 14 Outstanding Seniors also were students in the college.

Twenty-nine students conducted research with a faculty mentor in the jointly sponsored CASNR/Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station Undergraduate Research Scholar program, including 20 who presented their research in OSU undergraduate paper competitions and/or regional and national meetings. One student received a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship.

The college’s enrollment has grown 15.3 percent over the past five years, reaching a record fall 2013 enrollment of 2,886 students from across the U.S. and many foreign countries.

CASNR students received more than $1 million in scholarship support during the current academic year.

42

Funding Sources

Budget by Agency Teaching

State Appropriations

59%

+ Tuition

Endowments

3.9% 9.8% 10.4% 16.9%

+ Program Fees

Federal Appropriations Revolving, Station Sales + Carry-over

Grants and Contracts

7.6%

82.53M

$

10.76M

$

5.44M

$

13.76M

$

Research

53.3%

14.56M

$

74.62M

$

23.71M

$

FY2014

Extension

39.1% 54.66M

$

Expenditures

17.22M

$

26.20M

$

37.66M

Fringe Benefits

Maintenance & Operations

$

Other Salaries & Wages

12.3%

18.7%

2013 Royalty Funds

26.9%

1.6M

Professional Salaries

42.1%

2013 Sponsored Research

19.3M

$ $

58.92M

$

USDA DoE NIH NSF SunGrant Federal Initiatives Other

- $5,203,099 - $272,091 - $547,370 - $1,877,402 - $432,805 - $0 - $10,933,637

43

Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 102 Agricultural Hall Stillwater OK 74078-6019

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