Volume 27, Number 2 - Summer/Fall 2025

OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture Volume 27 Number 2 • Summer/Fall 2025

Celebrating 50 Years!

Tune in Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on OETA. oklahomagardening.okstate.edu

4 SUMMER/FALL 2024

COWBOY JOURNAL Summer/Fall 2025 | Vol. 27 No. 2 EDITORS SARA HOWARD EMMA MENEFEE BRIELLE PROCK

GRAPHIC & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS ELENA SANTIAGO RYLEE SMITH

MANAGING EDITOR SHELLY PEPER LEGG, PH.D.

STAFF ABBY BELL KIERSTEN BOURQUIN KATEY BRICKMAN GRACE BRYSON MORGAN DENNIS EMMA FARMER MORGAN GRAVATT PAYTON IRICK TAYLOR KELNER MCKENZIE LAYTON CAITLYN MACK OLIVIA MCGUIRE KATE MUNSON JAMI MUSSHAFEN BRILEE PAYNE KARLEE SHIERY HARTLEY SILVA LANEY WARRINGTON SIDNEY WHITNEY EMILY WISE MARY WOOD MADISON ZWEIACKER

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS DWAYNE CARTMELL, PH.D. AUDREY KING, PH.D. ANGEL RIGGS, PH.D. KENNA SANDBERG, M.S. QUISTO SETTLE, PH.D. KAYLEE TRAVIS, M.S. HANNAH WILCOCKS ASSISTANT EDITORS REGAN DAVIS BRIANNA STOCKWELL LAURA WUEBKER SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR ALLIE JO OWENS PHOTO COORDINATOR ADDISON RABER

FEATURED STORIES 24

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ON THE COVER

Oklahoma State University as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the vice president for agricultural programs and has been prepared and distributed at no cost to the taxpayers of Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma Gardening,” Oklahoma State University Extension’s longrunning television program, celebrates 50 years of educating and inspiring viewers across the state in 2025.

Produced by OSU Agriculture, the show provides expert advice on gardening, landscaping, and sustainable practices tailored to Oklahoma’s unique climate. See the story on page 56. Photo by Abby Bell.

COWBOY JOURNAL 3

LIVING TO SERVE

OKLAHOMA FFA ASSOCIATION

Serving. Leading. Making a Difference.

405-743-5498 | info@okffa.org

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INSIDE Years of Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Red Dirt Meets Desert Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Into the Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Sharp Minds. Sharp Blades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Traces on the Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Paving the Way for the Next Generation . . . . . . . 28 Against All Odds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Winning Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Superhero Reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Nuggets of Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Partnering with Passion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Farm Strong and Rugby Tough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Crawling Threat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 From the Ground Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Innovation & Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Meating Demands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Cowboys in the Capitol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Beyond the Mound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORS

As editors, we are proud to present the final issue of the Cowboy Journal under the leadership of Shelly Legg. Each story within these pages — and all those that came before — reflects the hard work and dedication of agricultural storytelling. As you read through this issue, we hope you feel a sense of pride to be a part of the Cowboy family whether you are a student, an alum, a faculty or staff member, or a friend.

We thank those who made this issue possible, including our 32-member staff, Braeden Coon, Mandy Gross, Kristin Knight, Keona Mason, Jami Mattox, Elizabeth Perdue, Macy Shoulders, Bree Snowden, Sydney Trainor and Hannah Wilcocks.

A heartfelt thank you to Dwayne Cartmell, Audrey King, Shelly Legg, Angel Riggs, Kenna Sandberg, Quisto Settle and Kaylee Travis for their commitment to the agricultural communications program.

Although this might be the end of an era, our dedication to telling the stories of the Cowboy family endures.

Forever Loyal and True,

COWBOY JOURNAL 5

FEATURED STORIES

INSIDE Insects of Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

112

Growing Successful Spores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Freezing for a Cause 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Raising the Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Bravo! Bravo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Innovative Water Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Up with the Pines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Driven by Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Strong as an Ox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Opening Global Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Ranches & Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Food + Forensics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Developing Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Classmates, Partners & Soulmates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

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Setting the Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124 Ferguson College Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 Alumni Society News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 Once a Cowgirl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

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Cultivating professional women in agriculture. sigmaalpha.org

@sigmaalpha_okstate COWBOY JOURNAL 7

sigmaalpha.org

Really bad things can happen to you in life, so you can make the decision to move forward and have a positive impact.

BLAYNE ARTHUR

The Survivor Tree at the Oklahoma City National Museum & Memorial continues to grow 30 years later. Photo by Kiersten Bourquin.

8 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Years of

Light

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DEAN’S DIALOGUE COMMEMORATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF OKC BOMBING

he morning of April 19, 1995, began like any other until it did not. In an instant, downtown Oklahoma City was forever changed.

Thirty years later, the sounds of sirens have faded, the debris has been removed, buildings have been reconstructed, and the tragedy of that day has been turned into purpose.

The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building has been etched in history as a horrific tragedy that took 168 lives, including 19 children, and injured hundreds more.

Now, to honor the past and inspire the future, the Journey of Hope was designed as a reminder of one day of darkness and years of light, according to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

As part of the Journey of Hope program, staff members from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum are traveling to all 77 counties in Oklahoma.

First responders and survivors are telling the story of April 19, 1995, through innovative technology to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the bombing, said Kara Jones, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum outreach program manager.

“We want to bring the story to those who have not heard it,” Jones said.

“The students currently in schools were not alive 30 years ago when the bombing happened. Therefore, most do not fully understand the deep impact it had on Oklahoma.”

The Journey of Hope program focuses on what people learned from the bombing as well as what happened and the details of that day, she said.

To tell the Journey of Hope stories authentically and genuinely, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum incorporated “First Person: Stories of Hope,” Jones added.

“We invite a first responder from the scene, survivor of the bombing or a family member of a victim to every county we travel to, specifically to the county the ‘First Person’ is from,” said Martha Beliveau, Oklahoma City National Museum & Memorial outreach program manager.

“This gives the students an opportunity to hear firsthand how the bombing affected many lives and also allows healing opportunities for them through the First Person: Stories of Hope,” Beliveau added.

The Journey of Hope program came to Oklahoma State University and the COWBOY JOURNAL 9

Jayson Lusk (left) talks with Blayne Arthur about how the bombing affected her at the Dean’s Dialogue Journey of Hope event. Photo by Mitchell Alcala.

DEAN’S DIALOGUE Hosted each semester by Ferguson College of Agriculture and Jayson Lusk, Dean’s Dialogue fosters meaningful conversation and discussion on critical topics in agriculture. Lusk became vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture in August 2023. He created Dean’s Dialogue to inform and engage the university with real-world challenges and solve these problems together while fostering collaboration and inviting special guests.

This semester, Lusk honored resilience and instilled hope by inviting the Journey of Hope to campus. The Oklahoma City bombing has a lasting impact on Oklahoma, so Lusk chose to discuss this topic with the intention to inspire hope within the students at the Ferguson College of Agriculture as they continue their college days and beyond.

Source: OSU Agriculture 10 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Ferguson College of Agriculture on Jan. 27, 2025.

The event was hosted by Jayson Lusk, OSU Agriculture vice president and dean, for Dean’s Dialogue, where Lusk invites special guests to address relevant topics in agriculture.

“When I realized this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, I knew I wanted to incorporate and partner with the Journey of Hope for Dean’s Dialogue,” Lusk said.

The Ferguson College of Agriculture and the people in it strive to create a welcoming, empathetic and growing place, Lusk added.

The best part about working on a college campus and with students is seeing the hope and the reason why students come to college, Lusk said.

They want to gain knowledge, make connections, and expand their skills, he added.

The Journey of Hope program needed to come to campus to continue to instill hope and resilience in students, Lusk said.

“I wanted to invite Secretary Blayne Arthur to be a guest at a Dean’s Dialogue event to talk about her job as Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture,”

Lusk said. “However, this was a different angle, inviting her as the First Person: Stories of Hope.”

Arthur lost her mom, Margaret “Peggy” Clark, in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

“I love the Journey of Hope,” Arthur said. “It gives students and adults across Oklahoma a chance to hear directly from someone who has been impacted by the bombing.”

Although April 19, 1995, was a life-changing day for Arthur and her family, they have held on to hope and faith to see them through the hard days, she said.

“Really bad things can happen to you in life, so you can make the decision to move forward and have a positive impact, or you can let that change your trajectory in a negative way,” Arthur said.

“On the really hard days, I think to myself, ‘How can I use this time to make a positive difference and show people in my circle of influence and my community what hope is and how we can make something positive out of tragedy,’” she added.

As Oklahoma commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Arthur wants everyone to remember the people who responded to help on the scene and the tough days that followed.

“People responded with love and did everything they could to make a terrible situation better,” Arthur said.

“So many of us have the image of the building with the smoke coming off of it in our heads when we think about the horrific day.

“I wish the image we had in our head was of everyone responding, helping, donating items, and providing time or resources,” she added.

As the Journey of Hope program travels across the state, a special seedling is being planted at each stop on the journey.

“A child tree of the Survivor Tree, which is physically on memorial grounds and survived the bombing, is being planted at each school we visit,” Beliveau said. “The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and

Forestry sends a team member to lead the planting of the tree.”

From there, the FFA programs at the schools will help care for and maintain the tree, Beliveau added.

“We have the Journey of Hope program, but we thought it is important to leave behind something permanent as a reminder of hope and resilience for the students to remember for years to come,” Beliveau said.

The Journey of Hope program is possible because of ODAFF. “The support of the Oklahoma legislature and ODAFF is unmatched,” Jones said. “Secretary Arthur and her team have played a crucial role, and we are so grateful.”

KIERSTEN BOURQUIN LUBBOCK, TEXAS

A chair at the Oklahoma City National Museum & Memorial honors each victim. Photo by Kiersten Bourquin.

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RED DIRT DESERT SANDS MEETS

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OSU STUDENTS EXPLORE MOROCCO’S ANCIENT AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

ith the golden sands of the Sahara, the bustling markets of ancient medinas, and the rolling olive groves of the countryside, Morocco is a land where history and agriculture intertwine.

For 18 Oklahoma State University students, a two-week study-abroad course provided an immersive experience in this culture and an agricultural system vastly different from their own.

The Ferguson College of Agriculture offers several studyabroad courses for students, said Steve Phillips, plant and soil sciences professor and a Morocco course leader.

“They’re primarily agricultural-focused, but we also want to expose the students to a variety of cultural

aspects, including architecture, arts, cuisine, religion, politics, geography and history,” Phillips said.

Arakssi Arshakian, the college’s student engagement and international experiences director, started working with Phillips the summer of 2023 on the details for the course to Morocco.

The travel portion occurred from Dec. 28, 2024, to Jan. 11, 2025.

“Study-abroad courses do not just happen overnight or even a few months,” Arshakian said. “They take about a year of planning in advance.”

Phillips lived in Morocco for four years as a researcher for a nonprofit international research organization.

While in the country, Phillips focused on precision agricultural research and education.

Vibrant markets, traditional music and local cuisine capture the rich culture and hospitality of Morocco. 1. Students experience Morocco’s landscape from atop camels, following ancient caravan routes. 2. The entrance to traditional desert tents invites students to experience Moroccan hospitality under the Sahara sky. 3. Hamza Akkad (center), owner of a Moroccan pottery shop, joins students Tori Booker (left), Kate Leeper, Tess Haddock, Lexie Robinson, Taylor McGill and Emma Nelson as they admire his hand-crafted clay pots and plates at a pottery workshop. 4. Kate Leeper (back) and Mattie Pettus ride camels across the Sahara Desert to desert tents. Photos by Tori Booker and Taylor McGill.

“I have three college-aged children who are the same ages as these students who were in the course,” Phillips said. “I know the effect living in Morocco had on them in terms of dispelling their preconceived ideas about a country like Morocco.”

The course provided the opportunity for students to explore the agriculture and culture in a less-developed country, Phillips added.

“In parts of Morocco, you’re literally taking a step back in time,” he said.

During the fall semester, the 18 students in the study-abroad course attended four class sessions, Arshakian said.

“For this course, we had in-person classes to learn about the topics we would study in Morocco,” said Josey Austin, animal science junior.

The students in the course developed presentations on various aspects of the Moroccan culture and agriculture to share with the rest of the class, she added.

“Dr. Phillips did a great job of preparing us for what to expect when interacting with the locals in Morocco, COWBOY JOURNAL 13

Ancient Roman ruins stand as a testament to the rich history and civilizations that once thrived in Morocco. Photo by Laura Wuebker.

and those classes were super beneficial,” Austin said.

Once in the country, the class made a full loop through Morocco, starting and ending in Casablanca, Phillips said. Traveling from the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert, students explored the country’s diverse agricultural opportunities, he added.

“We never stayed more than three nights in one location on the two weeks of the course,” Phillips said.

This study-abroad course allowed some students to leave the country for the first time, said Tori Booker, crop science doctoral student.

“I had never been on a plane before, I had never been outside of the Midwest, and I had never seen the ocean,” Austin said. “I got to experience all of that for the first time during this course.”

The study-abroad course featured a balance of agricultural tours and cultural experiences, Phillips said.

“For our cultural days, we visited the medinas and the king’s palaces,” Booker said. “We would get to immerse ourselves in the culture there.”

On the agricultural-focused days, the class visited olive groves, vineyards, argan oil cooperatives and 14 SUMMER/FALL 2025

research institute facilities. They also participated in a cooking class, Arshakian said.

The study-abroad course focused on crop sciences but included visits to a sheep and goat farm and a honeybee farm, providing students with a well-rounded view of agricultural practices, Phillips said.

“We visited my old employer, saw some of the research, and talked to some of the faculty there about the things they are doing in different parts of Africa,” Phillips said.

In Morocco, crop research focuses on breeding disease-resistant crops and improving irrigation efficiency, Booker said.

“A lot of what we’re focused on in the U.S., too, is making our varieties more disease-resistant and trying to make the best use out of the little water we have,” Booker said.

One of the most memorable agricultural tours for the students involved the argan oil cooperative, Phillips said.

Argan is a tree nut used for cosmetics, he added.

“If you have heard of the brand Moroccan oil, like hair products, they use argan oil, and it’s primarily grown in Morocco,” Booker said.

The argan cooperative still uses ancient methods to extract the oil from the nut, and students had the chance to try cracking the nuts themselves.

“There are only a few cities in the world able to produce authentic argan oil,” Austin said, “and three of those cities are in Morocco.”

The students also visited a rose oil farm, where they learned about the extraction method of rose water and how to make cosmetics, Phillips said.

While traveling in Morocco, the class stayed overnight in tents on the Sahara Desert.

The class rode in four-wheel drive vehicles to the sand dunes. They then traveled about two hours on the back of camels to their lodging.

“We rode the camels an hour into the sand dunes, and then we sand boarded, which is basically like snowboarding,” Austin said.

As the sun set on the Sahara Desert, the students began to head to their campsite for the night, Phillips said.

“I told them in class, ‘You can see pictures of it, but until you are actually sitting on the dune watching the sunset and the colors change the sand, it really is not something you can describe,’” Phillips said. “You just have to experience it.”

After their camel rides, sandboarding and a sunset over the dunes, students reached the heart of the Sahara Desert.

“It was hard to grasp we were in the Sahara Desert in Africa,” Booker said.

Be curious about global agriculture, and be curious about culture.

ARAKSSI ARSHAKIAN

Left: Moroccan women carefully prepare argan nuts, showcasing a centuries-old craft. Photo by Tori Booker. Right: Students Josey Austin (left), Shayde Harris, Laura Wuebker, Trell Amoss, Kenna Tatsch, Michael Steimel and Taylor McGill embark on a journey across the Sahara Desert. Photo courtesy of Laura Wuebker.

The Moroccan culture is driven by religion, Phillips said. The nation is ruled by a constitutional monarchy with the king the head of state.

“The first thing I noticed as really different was the lack of fixed prices or taxes,” Austin said. “Anything we wanted, we could haggle for it.”

The markets in Morocco are called medinas and are full of art, shops, dancers, snake charmers, and people selling goods, Austin said.

“I grew up in a very hospitable culture, but Moroccan people take it to the next level,” Arshakian said.

America is a young country, but Morocco has an ancient culture, Booker said.

Moroccans want to preserve their history and want tourists to see where they came from, Booker added.

The main languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic and French.

“The regional Arabic they speak isn’t the classic Arabic I grew up with,” Arshakian said. “I’m Armenian from Eastern Europe but was born and raised in Iraq. Armenian was my first language and Arabic my second.”

The architecture, history, festivals, landscape, agriculture and language

vary from what Americans are used to, Phillips said.

“We would be in the Sahara one second, up in the mountains the next, and then on the coast the next,” Austin said. “Morocco had a very diverse terrain in such a small country.”

This is the first study-abroad course to Morocco offered by the Ferguson College of Agriculture, Arshakian said.

“Being my first time to lead a studyabroad course, I think my experiences were more based on the student reactions, and I am very impressed with the way they embraced the opportunity,” Phillips said.

A study-abroad course has a profound impact on students, expanding their perspectives, Arshakian said.

“This course reignited a travel bug in me,” Booker said. “It made me want to learn about different cultures in different countries.”

Phillips is proposing to teach the course again in May 2026.

“They need to keep Dr. Phillips in charge of the course because he lived and worked in agriculture in Morocco,” Booker said. “Having him teach this course is very vital to the success of the study-abroad course.”

With the potential for the course in the summer, the pre-session classes would occur during the 2025-26 school year, Arshakian said.

Students considering a studyabroad course should investigate the host country thoroughly before traveling, including its history, culture, customs and agricultural practices, Arshakian said.

She encourages students to approach new cultures with curiosity and an open mind, allowing them to try new things and gain a deeper appreciation for global perspectives, she added.

“Be curious and challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone,” Arshakian said. “Be curious about global agriculture, and be curious about culture.”

RYLEE SMITH

OOLOGAH, OKLAHOMA

COWBOY JOURNAL 15

Brooke Taylor (left) embraces Elsie, her 5-year-old daughter, and husband, Damon. Photo by Chelsea Littleton.

16 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Into the

STORM ALUMNA CREATES FOUNDATION TO SERVE CANCER WARRIORS

G

oing through life, achieving every dream she ever worked for, Brooke Taylor devoted the early part of adulthood to her career.

Then, on July 22, 2019, Taylor’s world shifted.

A breast cancer diagnosis the day she welcomed her daughter into the world quickly changed Taylor’s perspective on life, she said.

During the final stage of Taylor’s pregnancy, she discovered a lump on her breast. She advocated for herself, asking for the evaluation that led to cancer identification.

As a result, her baby needed to be delivered so more testing could be done, Taylor said.

“I received the call at 8 a.m., ‘I’m sorry, kiddo. It’s cancer’ and became a mom six hours later,” she said.

This was not the first time Taylor had encountered cancer. She lost her father early in her childhood and her grandfather during her pregnancy because of cancer, she said.

She and her husband, Damon, who also graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource ecology and

management, had planned to keep her pregnancy quiet, she said, and announce it after their daughter, Elsie, was born.

After the cancer diagnosis, however, Taylor chose to share the best and worst day, she said.

“My very best day and my very worst day were on the same day,” Taylor said.

“Being human means we get to feel the tragedy and hard things in our life, and if we’re really lucky, we get to experience the exceptional days on top of it.”

During high school, Taylor’s counselor told her she was not smart enough to go to college, she said. This inspired Taylor to pursue a degree in agricultural communications at OSU where she graduated with distinction in December 2008.

While at OSU, she immersed herself into every opportunity possible, she said. As a first-generation college student, she balanced leadership positions, membership in clubs, and at one point, three jobs to pay her way through school. Taylor also was the 2008 OSU Homecoming Queen.

“I jumped into the deep end,” Taylor said. “I thought ‘I’m only here for a COWBOY JOURNAL 17

People ask why I’m so inspirational. But, I am just doing what any of us do — the next thing.

BROOKE TAYLOR short time. I am going to do everything I possibly can.’”

She stayed at OSU to obtain her master’s degree in international agriculture, and then, her career took off, she said.

Taylor advanced to the forefront of marketing and communications at advertising, reputation and management agencies across the country, she said. She worked with brands like Smithfield Foods, Bayer Crop Science and Elanco, eventually living

BEHIND THE LOGO When a storm comes, bison are known to face the storm while other animals run away.

Brooke Taylor, Rural Gone Urban Foundation founder, chose a bison for the organization’s logo to symbolize the people the Rural Gone Urban Foundation supports.

“They each chose to face to storm and come out on the other side,” Taylor said.

The bison design was hand drawn and created by Mattie Garrison, a former OSU student.

18 SUMMER/FALL 2025

in Nashville. In 2017, she decided to launch her own company, which allowed her to move back to Oklahoma, she said.

“It was terrifying to go from climbing the corporate ladder to launching my own brand and betting on myself,” Taylor said. “I launched Rural Gone Urban from an apartment in a horse barn in Payne County, Oklahoma.”

All the people who rallied behind Taylor during her career still supported her and her company, she said.

Many of the brands she had worked with during her career took the opportunity to work with her again. The same go-getter attitude followed her into each phase of her life, even the uncertain ones, she said.

“People ask why I’m so inspirational,” Taylor said. “But, I am just doing what any of us do — the next thing.”

The next thing for Taylor sparked the establishment of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation.

Even after completing active treatment for Stage 2B triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer, Taylor was excited to “live with no evidence of disease,” she said.

Two years later, Taylor learned her cancer had returned. The date was March 11, 2022, the same day 29 years after her father died from colon cancer.

This time, the cancer was much worse — metastatic triple negative breast cancer with an estimated survival rate of about 13 months, Taylor said.

“We met back at my house after the diagnosis to make an end-of-life plan, which sounds really sad,” said Stephanie Gibbs, Rural Gone Urban Foundation vice chair. “She did not have a good prognosis, and we needed to decide what kind of legacy she wanted to leave behind for Elsie.”

Gibbs and Taylor met in sixth grade and quickly became best friends. The two have been through all walks of

life together, Gibbs said. When Taylor received the news of her cancer reoccurrence, she was at Gibbs’ house, where she stayed after PET scans to quarantine from her daughter because of a small dose of radiation.

Launching the Rural Gone Urban Foundation was Taylor’s vision. If she left her daughter behind, this is how she wanted to be remembered by her, she said.

The foundation provides three types of support pillars to rural women: scholarships, small-business grants and Love Bombs.

Each pillar represents a pivotal moment in Taylor’s life, she said, reflecting her experience as a first-generation college student, launching her own company, and continuing to experience life despite a cancer diagnosis.

Love Bombs are financial assistance meant for those with a cancer diagnosis to allow them to focus on their living legacies, Taylor said.

“A friend of mine who had also been fighting cancer reached out and told me I needed to check out Brooke Taylor and the Rural Gone Urban Foundation,” said Brandy Clevenger, a Love Bomb recipient. “My friend told me Brooke’s story was very inspiring.”

Clevenger was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine in November 2023.

Typical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy did not work for Clevenger, so her medical team surgically removed her first tumor and the additional tumors she developed.

After following Taylor online, Clevenger said she began to feel connected to Taylor. Then, about three months into engaging with Taylor’s social media, Clevenger discovered the Love Bombs.

“My family and I had been talking about taking a trip when I was

Brooke Taylor holds Elsie Taylor as they dance at the Rural Gone Urban Foundation’s fundraiser, WanderLust. Photo by Brittany Parker.

feeling better post-surgery because we wanted to make memories together,” Clevenger said. “I had seen that’s what the Love Bombs were for, and I knew with my medical stuff, financially we couldn’t afford to travel.”

After receiving a Love Bomb, she and her family took a vacation to Denver, which was a great opportunity to enjoy their time with one another, Clevenger said.

“It’s been inspiring and empowering,” Clevenger said. “We know the memories our family made were gifted

to us from people who have shown love by giving somebody something when they’re going through a hard time.”

The foundation officially launched March 28, 2022.

As of today, they have distributed 52 scholarships, Love Bombs and grants since 2023.

Taylor, now living again with no evidence of disease, serves as the founder, board chair and executive director of Rural Gone Urban Foundation.

Each day, she builds the foundation as a legacy for her daughter, she said.

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Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association 405.235.4391 | okcattlemen.org 2500 Exchange Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108

COWBOY JOURNAL 19

SHARP MINDS.

SHARP BLADES.

I

OSU STUDENTS COMBINE TRADITION AND INNOVATION

n agriculture, tradition and innovation are words not often heard together. But, Oklahoma State University students Landon Sechrist, agribusiness senior, and James Perdue, aerospace administration and operations senior, set out to change that.

The pair developed AgriBlades in the fall of 2024.

Through AgriBlades, they sell blades and bearings used in farm equipment and offer installation at the customer’s farm.

“We both grew up on farms in rural Oklahoma and are both members of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity,” said Sechrist, co-owner. “We met there and quickly became friends who have similar interests.”

Sechrist grew up in Mountain View, Oklahoma, where his parents own and operate an animal compounding pharmacy, have a cow-calf operation, and run stocker cattle. He has attended farm shows and other expos across the country with his family, crediting his experience to how he learned to interact with customers, he said.

Perdue was raised on a cattle and row crop farm in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. His family owns a cow-calf

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operation, runs stocker cattle, and harvests a variety of crops. Perdue’s roots in agriculture run deep, he said, and he is involved in each aspect of his family’s operation.

“We didn’t set out to start a business,” said Perdue, co-owner. “We just saw a need and figured we could fill it. We work on discs, planters, and vertical tillage implements, and we sell blades and bearings. Then, we come and put them on — the full package.

Not many people want to do that anymore, and we saw a need.”

The pair has dreamed of owning their own business to be involved in agriculture and helping people, especially farmers, Perdue said.

“My dad and other farmers were always asking who could do this work for them,” Perdue said. “That’s when we realized, ‘Why not us?’”

The pair began planning their business, looking for farm shows to attend, and finding customers, Sechrist said.

At this point, Perdue and Sechrist realized they needed marketing materials, so they looked to Elizabeth Perdue, James Perdue’s sister, who is an agricultural communications master’s student.

Landon Sechrist (left) and James Perdue install new blades for a farming implement. Photo by Taylor Kelner.

COWBOY JOURNAL 21

a little scary at first, just the We are not just selling a product. two“It’s of us figuring everything out,” Sechrist said. “But, we’ve learned how We are making life easier for to problem-solve on our own.” you are young, some people farmers, and that’s what matters. don’tWhen take you seriously at first, James

JAMES PERDUE “I remember sitting in the kitchen over Christmas break, watching them write ideas in a notebook,” Elizabeth Perdue said. “That’s when AgriBlades really started.”

At first, potential customers did not know what “AgriBlades” meant, Elizabeth Perdue said.

When designing their brand and marketing materials, she had to ensure potential customers understood the value right away through all printed materials, social media, and other marketing avenues, she added.

“They had the idea, the skills and the drive,” Elizabeth Perdue said.

“They just needed a brand to match.”

With marketing materials and a game plan in hand, James Perdue and

Sechrist began looking for clients, James Perdue said.

“The connections we’ve made at OSU have been life-changing,” Sechrist said.

Success in the agricultural industry relies on knowledge and connections, Sechrist said. OSU brought him together with Perdue and allowed him to work in the industry, he added.

“From business advice to industry connections, OSU gave us the tools we needed to take this idea seriously,” James Perdue said.

According to a study by Business Dasher, an online business resources hub, the U.S. has 33.2 million small businesses and 15.9% of small business owners are under 35 years old.

Perdue said, but once they see the work, that changes.

“People buy when they’re going to gain more than they give,” said Kim Anderson, agricultural economics emeriti professor who taught Sechrist in a junior-level agricultural sales and marketing course.

This mindset helped Sechrist and James Perdue prioritize providing value to their customers, said Anderson, who taught the course for 24 years.

Finding customers and attending farm shows while building a consistent schedule can be a struggle, Elizabeth Perdue said, but Sechrist and James Perdue have handled it well.

The AgriBlades duo attended their first farm show, KNID Agrifest, in January 2025 in Enid, Oklahoma.

“Our first farm show was huge,” Sechrist said. “Handing out business

James Perdue (left) and Landon Sechrist prepare to install new disc blades. Photo by Taylor Kelner.

22 SUMMER/FALL 2025

cards and talking to people made us realize this business could really grow.

“Farming is already expensive,” Sechrist said. “If we can save farmers money and time, why wouldn’t we?”

Sechrist and James Perdue work to keep their prices affordable, James Perdue said. Their goal is to sell blades and bearings for a lower price than farmers can purchase them anywhere else and then install them in a timely manner, he said.

Sechrist and Perdue are dedicated to do the job right and take care of their customers, said Trae Hooper, AgriBlades customer.

Hooper’s son and Sechrist grew up together in Mountain View, Hooper said. Sechrist told Hooper about AgriBlades, and Hooper had a 24-foot John Deere disc that needed new blades, he said.

“AgriBlades was able to give a more affordable quote on blades and was there a few days later to install them,” Hooper said.

They arrived at Hooper’s shop and began working, Hooper said. By the

end of the day, the pair had replaced the blades, and the disc was ready to go, he said.

“The pair showed up at the farm on time, had great equipment, and got the job done in a day,” Hooper said. “That’s hard to beat.”

Sechrist and James Perdue are both hard workers and were motivated to do the job the right way, Hooper said.

“It’s not what or who you know — it’s who knows you,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s goal was to teach students to address people’s needs in a way that makes them feel the solution was their own idea, he said.

“I always told my mom I didn’t want to work for anybody,” Sechrist said.

“My parents worked for themselves.

They worked really hard and lots of hours, but they could take off and we could go on a family trip.

“When you own your own business, you may work harder than other people, but you can do what you want to do,” Sechrist added.

The co-owners’ goal is for both to work full-time with AgriBlades,

expand their workload, and eventually bring on employees Sechrist said.

“Starting this business has taught us resilience,” Sechrist said. “When things don’t go right, we figure it out and keep going.”

James Perdue encourages others to take action when they see a need, he said, emphasizing a person does not have to have everything figured out.

The important part is to simply get started, he added.

“We’re not just selling a product,” James Perdue said. “Were making life easier for farmers, and that’s what matters.”

TAYLOR KELNER

BRADLEY, ARKANSAS

Landon Sechrist (left) and James Perdue replace a set of blades on a disc. Photo by Taylor Kelner.

COWBOY JOURNAL 23

J

TRACES ON T

NREM POSTDOC UNCOVERS YELLOWSTONE’S ECOLOGICAL HISTORY

ohn Wendt, who is a postdoctoral fellow in ecology and environmental sciences at Oklahoma State University, is pushing the boundaries of ecological research with his innovative approach to studying herbivore populations and their impact on ecosystems.

Wendt’s work is advancing the field of paleoecology, which is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments across geologic timescales. His work provides critical

24 SUMMER/FALL 2025

insights into ecosystem management essential for conservation efforts across North America, he said.

Wendt, now based in the OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, began his journey at Montana State University where he obtained his doctorate in ecology and environmental sciences and studied the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park.

The area, known for its large herds of bison and elk, is one of the most

ecologically significant regions in the United States, Wendt said.

“If you’ve ever visited Yellowstone and seen herds of bison in grassy valleys, you were probably in the Northern Range,” Wendt said.

The Northern Range, where bison survived near extinction in the late 1800s, remains a critical area for ecological research because of its diverse herbivore populations, Wendt added.

At MSU, Wendt introduced an innovative method to study these

This Yellowstone lake holds 2,000 years of history in its sediment, allowing the study of ecosystem changes. Photo courtesy of John Wendt.

N THE RANGE populations: coring lake sediments to extract preserved chemical compounds called fecal steroids.

These compounds are molecular traces of herbivore waste that can persist in lake sediments for millennia. This technique allowed Wendt to track herbivore populations and their ecological impacts during the past 2,000 years.

“The goal was to identify and quantify fecal steroids from herbivores like elk, bison, and moose to understand

how these populations have changed over time and influenced the landscape,” Wendt said.

In his research at MSU, Wendt discovered grazers, specifically elk and bison were the dominant herbivores in the Northern Range the past two millennia. Their population dynamics reflect both natural changes and the impacts of human management practices, Wendt said.

“One of the most surprising findings was how changing management

strategies during the 20th century influenced the herbivore population and its effects on vegetation,” he said.

“Our work highlights the connection between modern wildlife management strategies such as predator control, bison and elk population culling, eventual reintroduction of wolves and historical ecological shifts,” he added.

As a postdoctoral fellow in the OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture, Wendt is continuing his research to gain a deeper understanding of COWBOY JOURNAL 25

Left: Georgianna Fischer (left) and John Wendt document and package a core extracted from Upper Mirror Lake, South Dakota. Right: John Wendt returns from a field site on the Beartooth Plateau, Wyoming, by mountain bike with sediment cores strapped to his backpack. Photos

by Dave McWethy.

herbivore populations across diverse ecosystems, he said.

“At OSU, I’m working to expand our knowledge beyond Yellowstone by examining herbivore populations in other regions, such as the Great Plains,” Wendt said.

His goal is to understand how herbivore dynamics vary in ecosystems with different ecological and management practices, he added.

Wendt’s work at OSU is further supported by advanced laboratory equipment and collaborative partnerships. Tracy Quan, professor in the OSU Boone Pickens School of Geology, will provide the technical assistance needed to analyze complex organic molecules like fecal steroids.

“Our lab provides the essential equipment for safely analyzing these complex molecules,” Quan said.

“John is the expert on his biomarkers and research area, where my role is to make sure he has the resources and support to carry out his work effectively,” she added.

While Quan’s lab serves crucial support, Wendt remains the driving force behind the project, refining molecular biomarkers and improving ecological models that deepen the understanding of how past herbivore activity relates to current wildlife management strategies, Quan said.

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Craig Davis, a professor of wildlife management in the NREM department, is another collaborator on Wendt’s research.

Davis, who specializes in wetlands and range management, is contributing his expertise to inform Wendt’s palaeoecological work.

Davis’ work included a project exploring carbon sequestration in the Nebraska Sandhills, he said, which inspired his collaboration with Wendt.

“We started doing some work on carbon sequestration in the Sandhills, and it got us thinking about how John’s work could lend itself to telling a broader story, whether you’re working in the Sandhills or here in Oklahoma,” Davis said.

Davis sees a deep connection between Wendt’s palaeoecological approach and modern conservation strategies, he said, especially in understanding the historical effects of grazing and fire on landscapes.

“The idea of going back in time is really intriguing to me,” Davis said.

“Studying past herbivore impacts gives us the tools to understand how present-day wildlife management strategies help shape ecosystems.”

Though Davis’ role has been more peripheral, he said collaborating with Wendt is fascinating because he has never worked in this type of research.

“This research could add a lot to our knowledge about how ecosystems have been shaped through time and help guide how we might shape them in the future,” Davis said.

Looking ahead, Wendt said he plans to expand his research to more locations in the Northern Range and beyond. He aims to build collaborations to refine methods and broaden the understanding of ecological dynamics, he added.

“We need to cover a broader geographic range to better understand herbivore migration, seasonal usage and the impacts of different management practices,” Wendt said. “My goal is to use palaeoecological methods to uncover details of the history of herbivore-ecosystem interactions, which could ultimately guide more effective conservation strategies across North America.”

BRILEE PAYNE DENISON, TEXAS

PAVING T FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO USES OSU EDUCATION IN MAMMALIAN CLONING & GENETICS

F

or the Russell family of Gainesville, Texas, the horse industry is a way of life.

The family members have built their lives around appreciation for horses and the industry involved, said Blake Russell, president of ViaGen Pets and Equine and 1986 Oklahoma State University alumnus.

Russell was raised in Duncan, Oklahoma, on his parents’ small Quarter Horse racing facility, laying a foundation for his passion for the horse industry, he said.

After earning an associate degree in animal science from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in 1984, Russell transferred to OSU. “Oklahoma State will always hold a special place in my heart because of the friendships formed there,” said Julie Russell, Blake’s wife, who spent two years at OSU. “Did I mention that I also met my husband at OSU? Our first date was at Hideaway Pizza.”

The education gained and relationships developed in the animal science program paved a path to Blake Russell’s current professional successes, he said.

“Charles Maxwell, the OSU Extension swine specialist and an animal science professor, took an interest in me and convinced me I should consider the rapidly advancing world of commercial swine genetics,” Blake Russell said.

Maxwell arranged an on-campus interview for Blake Russell with an international genetics firm, the Pig Improvement Co., leading to a fulltime employment opportunity.

“I spent 18 gratifying years at PIC and learned a lot about technology, business, global cultures, and relationship building,” he said. “Our focus was on the commercial swine industry.

“I climbed through the ranks at PIC and helped service or initiate businesses in more than 20 countries,” Blake Russell added. “We were actively involved in all aspects of genetics and reproduction as well as their role in advancing the commercial value of pigs and cattle.”

Through his role at PIC, Blake Russell observed the work at The Roslin Institute, known for later producing the first successful somatic cell nuclear transfer: Dolly the Sheep.

I was amazed by the potential of cloning technology to impact the world.

BLAKE RUSSELL 28 SUMMER/FALL 2025

for the

“When Dolly the Sheep was produced at Roslin, she opened up a new world of possibilities,” Blake Russell said. “The founder of ViaGen was John Sperling. I was contacted in the beginning by Dr. Sperling and asked to commercialize this technology. I was amazed by the potential of cloning technology to impact the world in many ways, and I felt I was ready for a new challenge.”

Blake Russell saw the challenges and concerns associated with joining a startup company, he said. However, the opportunity to highlight newly developed, advanced reproductive technology heightened his excitement, he said.

Twenty years later, Blake Russell leads ViaGen Pets and Equine, which is considered a world leader in mammalian cloning, he said.

ViaGen Pets and Equine is paving the way for reproductive technological advancements, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, sexed semen sorting, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and the use of biotechnology to support conservation, Blake Russell added.

“The ViaGen team has provided cloning services for more than 20 years, and we are the most accomplished team in the world,” Blake Russell said. “This team is unmatched in experience and commitment.”

ViaGen Pets and Equine has recovered several endangered species through the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer and holds the exclusive

N

G THE WAY Next Generation

Lexie Russell (left) and Blake Russell collect follicles from a mare for an intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Photo by Regan Davis.

COWBOY JOURNAL 29

Lexie Russell analyzes oocytes collected from a mare. Collected oocytes will be used for an intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure to develop embryos. Photo by Regan Davis.

license to sexed semen sorting for equine ICSI, a revolutionary discovery for the equine industry, he said.

“We have produced healthy cloned offspring from a dozen species,” he said. “We continue to advance our field with innovative approaches to genetic preservation techniques and cloning new conservation species.”

Lexie Russell, daughter of Blake and Julie Russell, watched the advanced reproductive technologies and genetics emerge in the hands of her father and the ViaGen team, she said.

“Lexie found her passion for horses at a very early age,” Julie Russell said.

“She wanted to spend every waking minute with her horses, and when she

UNDERSTANDING THE WORK Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an alternative option for mares not suitable to carry a foal. ICSI and embryo transfer are especially beneficial for performance horses in competition. The process gives owners the opportunity to produce multiple embryos. The mare’s oocytes, or developing eggs, are retrieved by an ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration. Once the collected oocytes have matured, a single sperm cell is injected into each and grown into an embryo in-vitro. At this point, the newly developed embryo may be frozen for later use or transferred into a recipient mare.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning) is the process of developing an identical twin of a donor animal. In horses, immature oocytes are harvested from a healthy recipient mare through transvaginal aspiration. As the oocytes mature in vitro, the original DNA is removed and replaced with the DNA of the donor being cloned. The oocytes undergo a proprietary process including electrical stimulation with the goal of stimulating fertilization. After developing in vitro for six to eight days, the embryos are transferred into a recipient mare.

Sexed semen sorting is achieved by staining the sperm cells correlating to the DNA content, differentiated by X or Y chromosomes. This process uses a flow cytometer, or “cell sorter,” separating the sperm cells based on their DNA content.

Sources: Tessa Plagmann and Lexie Russell

30 SUMMER/FALL 2025

wasn’t riding them, she wanted to talk about them.”

At 8 years old, Lexie Russell became fascinated with the breeding and cloning process, she said.

“When my dad joined ViaGen, he wanted a clone of his own,” Lexie Russell said. “So, my dad went to my grandpa and his racehorse training buddies at the coffee shop.”

Blake Russell asked for input on the group’s top choices of racehorses to clone. He came away with a list of suggested horses, and $1.2 million Quarter Horse Tailor Fit was at the top of the list.

The group suggested starting at the No. 2 horse on the list, knowing the unfavorable odds of acquiring cloning rights to Tailor Fit, Lexie Russell said.

Tailor Fit was recognized as the American Quarter Horse representative in the Hall of Champions in 2004.

“My dad ended up getting the cloning rights to Tailor Fit,” Lexie Russell said. “When I was 8 years old, Pure Tailor Fit, was born, and I was in absolute awe of him. I didn’t understand the science behind cloning, but I knew something cool was happening.”

Lexie Russell’s paternal grandpa JR “Bob” Russell inspired her devotion to racehorses and the horse industry because of his passion for it, she said.

“My grandpa was my best friend,” Lexie Russell said. “The fact he was in so much awe over Tailor Fit, the science behind cloning, and that we were about to produce his clone, I knew the science must be special. This was my first taste of how the breeding industry really does something cool.”

Bob Russell and the development of Pure Tailor Fit inspired the establishment of Lexie Russell’s performance horse production, Coffee Cup Horses, she said.

“Grandpa Bob was Blake’s dad, and he was the real deal as far as cowboys go,” Julie Russell said. “When it came time for Lexie to brand some of her horses, she took some time and one day she said she knew what she wanted the brand to be: a coffee cup — a tribute to her Grandpa Bob.” Her passion for the breeding industry continued to grow, she said, and by

third grade, she knew this was the path destined for her.

“In third grade, I dressed up as an OSU vet student for Halloween,” Lexie Russell said. “I decided I was going to be a veterinarian.”

Julie Russell monogrammed scrubs for Lexie saying ‘Dr. Lexie Russell, DVM Oklahoma State University Veterinary School’ across the top.

“Lexie used to tell us her dream was to have her veterinary practice on both sides of the Red River,” Julie Russell said. “Well, she is living that dream.

She has her recipient mare herd in Stillwater, north of the Red River, and we have the recipient herd in Gainesville, south of the Red River.”

Growing up surrounded by equine reproduction and cloning technologies, Lexie Russell developed a profound love for the equine reproductive industry and its possibilities, she said.

“With my dad so involved in the horse industry, I became consumed with everything breeding-related, mostly on the mare-and-foal side,” Lexie Russell said. “I had the opportunity to be around some great veterinarians. I learned a lot at a very young age about what it takes to have a successful breeding operation.”

Lexie Russell brought her love for the horse industry and rodeo with her to Stillwater when she became a member of the OSU Rodeo Team, earning several accolades in breakaway roping and barrel racing.

“I qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo four of the five years on the rodeo team in breakaway roping, including one year as a full-time vet student,” Lexie Russell said.

Lexie Russell’s younger years of watching the evolution of the breeding industry guided her path and her current pursuits as a third-year OSU veterinary student.

Prior to Lexie Russell’s decision to enroll at OSU, she met with Mellissa Crosswhite, animal and food sciences assistant professor.

“At this point, I wasn’t fully convinced I wanted to go to OSU,” Lexie Russell said. “I sat down for an hour with Dr. Crosswhite, and after the meeting, there was nowhere else I

Lexie Russell (left) and Blake Russell with Pale Dancer Nic, 8-year-old mare and American Paint Horse Association World Champion producer owned by Randle Tune, and Bear, Lexie Russell’s dog. Photo by Regan Davis.

was going to go. She had me hooked on OSU. I left that room 110% certain OSU is where I need to be.”

Lexie Russell pursued her childhood aspiration of becoming an OSU veterinary student after graduating with a major in animal science.

As Lexie Russell prepares to complete a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, she is ambitious to give owners the joy she felt when she was 8 years old, she said.

“I am excited to get out and start serving clients,” Lexie Russell said. “I can’t wait to see the joy on their faces when a foal I helped create is born.

That’s what makes it all worth it.”

Moving forward, the father-daughter duo plan to work together to continue improving the industry, Blake Russell said.

Lexie Russell plans to expand ViaGen post-graduation by providing the equine industry with a full-service embryo transfer and recipient mare

facility. She also plans to grow the current ViaGen mare population of 300 recipient mares to 1,000 mares, she said.

“I am fortunate Lexie will soon be working alongside me in this business,” Blake Russell said. “She is smarter, more energetic and more engaging than I am.

“Hopefully, this work will play a role in helping her achieve her goals and dreams,” he added. “We continue to devote our time in building a world-class team to carry this business forward.”

REGAN DAVIS

CHICO, CALIFORNIA

COWBOY JOURNAL 31

Connor Colby honors his country through duty and discipline and embraces education as a path to greater heights. Photo by Hartley Silva.

32 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Against All Odds FERGUSON COLLEGE SENIOR BALANCES FATHERHOOD, COLLEGE AND MILITARY SERVICE

A

s juniors at Oklahoma State University and with a baby on the way, Connor Colby and his wife, Maliah, had to make some tough decisions about their future.

Looking for stability, Colby turned to his country for support, he said.

His father, Brian Colby, serves in the U.S. Air Force, following generations of men before him.

“I have never endorsed the military or pushed any of my children to join,” Brian Colby said. “When Connor called me, I asked him if he had been talking to his brother.”

Independent of one another, Connor Colby and his younger brother, Jake, called their father on the same day to say they wanted to join the Air Force.

Brian recommended they enlist in the Air National Guard, he said.

To remain on track to graduate in Spring 2025, Connor Colby completed basic training in Fall 2023, followed by three months of technical training.

Majoring in biosystems engineering with a pre-medical focus and a passion for electronics, Connor Colby spent his three months of technical training learning avionics.

Avionics refers to the electronic systems used in aviation. As an avionics technician, Connor Colby designs, programs, and maintains the electrical systems in aircraft.

When Connor Colby left for basic training, his and Maliah Colby’s son, Cayson, was 2 months old.

Maliah Colby, a full-time student in business administration, moved her studies online to stay on track for graduation in Spring 2025.

After completing his technical training, Connor Colby hoped to push his two months of on-the-job training until Summer 2023, he said, so he could continue his education at OSU. However, plans changed. Faced with this challenge, Connor Colby asked his professors to work with him, he added.

“When I got the call to do on-thejob training, I weighed postponing my studies a semester, but to continue my current degree plan, I would have had to wait another year to do the prerequisite courses,” Connor Colby said.

“Otherwise, I would have to take my yearlong capstone class at the same time. I did not want to sacrifice a year for a semester’s worth of work.”

He had four classes to complete during the Spring 2023 semester to graduate on time. To devise a plan, Connor Colby worked with his academic adviser, Kevin Moore, OSU biosystems and agricultural engineering assistant professor.

After Connor Colby communicated his dilemma to his professors and with Moore advocating for him, his COWBOY JOURNAL 33

Brian Colby (left) and Connor Colby share a commitment to duty, family and country. Photo by Hartley Silva.

Every week, I would tell him that I was proud of him, not because of the things he has done but because of the person he is on the inside.

BRIAN COLBY

34 SUMMER/FALL 2025

professors agreed to publish their lectures and homework online.

Some of the classes Connor Colby took also had a laboratory component.

At 9 p.m. on the night Connor Colby could drop all his classes and get a full refund, he received a call from the biosystems and agricultural engineering department head, Mari Chinn.

Although supportive, Chinn wanted to ensure he would be successful, he said, so they discussed allowing him to fulfill 40 hours a week in Tulsa and only be in class one day a week to complete his in-person work. Connor Colby told Chinn this was something he knew he could do.

To meet his course requirements, Connor Colby traveled from Tulsa, where he was completing his onthe-job training Monday through Thursday, to Stillwater to finish any lab work on Fridays. Connor Colby then spent the weekends with his wife and son.

“Connor had proven to be a dedicated and focused student,” Moore said.

“He also did not leverage his situation to gain special treatment. He has

worked hard for everything he has ever done.

“He doesn’t complain when challenges arise,” Moore said. “He just works harder.”

With his professors and department investing in him, he knew he couldn’t let them down, he said.

“It was frustrating to know that my family wasn’t going to have my presence for a lot of the time,” Connor Colby said. “Knowing that my wife was a full-time student and taking care of a kid pretty much by herself because I would only be home on the weekends kind of ate away at me and was just challenging to grapple with.”

His frustration and guilt went away with encouragement from his family and teachers, Connor Colby said.

The plan took a lot of hard work and dedication. However, no matter how hard it got, failure was not an option, he added.

“I have seen him exhausted, but his strong sense of responsibility drives him,” Moore said.

Connor Colby kept an open line of communication with not only his

professors but also with everyone in his life, he said.

By communicating others, they knew the situation, so they could help him. Most of the help he received came as motivation from his family and professors, Connor Colby added.

By going through the Air National Guard program, Connor Colby had only three months to meet all the training tasks an active-duty member would have more time to complete, said Master Sgt. Harry Hannah with the U.S. Air National Guard 138th Fighter Wing.

Connor Colby’s days were spent completing his training tasks, Hannah added, and he stayed up late at night to finish his homework.

Throughout Moore’s career, he has seen many dedicated students, he said, but Connor Colby is dedicated at a higher level in achieving his goals.

Though Connor Colby will act like what he did is the same as any other college student, not many would have been able to handle the stress and finish with all A’s, Moore said.

“I haven’t been impressed by anyone like him in a long time,” Hannah said.

“He has a lot of resilience and guts to pull off what he did in the time that he was completing his training. He came through the struggle without falling apart. That alone is what is impressive about him.”

Connor Colby is a prime example of how much a person can accomplish with hard work and a determined mindset, Hannah said.

“Every week, I would tell him that I was proud of him, not because of the things that he has done but because of the person he is on the inside,” Brian Colby said.

HARTLEY SILVA

MODESTO, CALIFORNIA

Made for COWBOYS

by COWBOYS COWBOY MEATS RETAIL STORE Cowboy Meats is student operated and offers a wide variety of locally processed meats.

The retail store is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Fridays at Dock 4. For more information, visit food.okstate.edu or call 405-744-MEAT. Scan the QR code to connect with Cowboy Meats.

COWBOY JOURNAL 35

Winning W W

hen the time comes to interview for a position, students want to dress for success. But, what if they cannot?

To prevent this situation, Oklahoma State University is taking major steps to ensure its students are prepared for the professional world through the new Cowboy Career Closet.

Whether for interviews, internships or job opportunities, the Cowboy Career Closet will serve as an essential resource to help students make a strong impression and feel confident, said Kellie Ebert, director of OSU Career Services.

An initiative aims to raise funds to provide students with professional attire for any situation, Ebert said. The program is set to establish a $3.6 million endowment, ensuring perpetual support for the initiative, she added.

The funds will enable the Cowboy Career Closet to offer a wide range of professional clothing options to OSU students at no cost, eliminating a significant barrier to career success, Ebert said.

“The Cowboy Career Closet is about more than just clothing,” said Teresa Gustafson, OSU Foundation senior director of development and team lead for OSU Agriculture. “It’s about opportunity and access for students.”

Fundraising for the Cowboy Career Closet is ongoing, and once the endowment goal of $3.6 million is reached, a grand opening date will be announced.

The Cowboy Career Closet will have men’s and women’s clothes of all sizes. Photo by Morgan Gravatt.

36 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Any gift, regardless of the size, matters and can be made in honor of an influential mentor or member of the Cowboy Family, Gustafson said.

Claudia and Gary Humphreys established this endowment with a lead gift and are asking fellow alumni to join them in the effort, Gustafson said.

“As we have opportunity, let us do good for all,” said Claudia Humphreys, 1985 agricultural economics alumna.

The Cowboy Career Closet is more than just clothing because of the opportunities and access it provides, Gustafson said.

“We want every student to feel prepared and empowered as they enter the workforce,” she said. “By providing professional attire, we are helping to level the playing field and remove financial burdens that may prevent students from pursuing their dreams.”

The goal is to relieve students’ financial pressure, allowing them to focus on the event itself instead of worrying about their professional attire, Gustafson said.

The initiative is gaining momentum through collaboration among university staff, alumni and the community, Ebert said.

Raising awareness about the Cowboy Career Closet is a crucial step in achieving the endowment goal and ensuring the program’s success, Claudia Humphreys said.

“The more people understand the impact this resource can have on

g Wardrobe OSU WORKS TO OPEN THE COWBOY CAREER CLOSET

students’ lives, the more likely they are to support our mission,” she said.

Graduate students from OSU’s career services team echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value such a resource would bring to campus.

Many students face financial hurdles while pursuing their education, Gustafson said, and purchasing professional attire only adds stress.

“By providing access to high-quality, professional wear, the Cowboy Career Closet will ensure students have the opportunity to present themselves more confidently in professional settings with less stress,” Ebert said.

The key investment areas for the initiative include funding for the Student Union space where the program will operate, a program coordinator dedicated to managing the closet and its staff, student interns who will gain retail management experience, display equipment, and supplemental inventory.

“Over the years, I have had many students share with me how they can’t find professional attire for various reasons, including the lack of availability in local stores, not being able to travel to get the attire, or the cost of the clothing,” said Breanna Gallagher, OSU Career Services senior career coordinator. “I’ve seen students decide not to attend a career fair because of the lack of professional clothing.

“That breaks my heart,” she said. “I want every OSU student to have access

to professional wear to make a strong first impression at interviews, career fairs or networking opportunities.”

Fundraising for the Cowboy Career Closet is ongoing with a significant milestone in sight, Gustafson said.

Supporters are encouraged to contribute to help OSU meet this goal and provide students with this important resource, she said.

“The Cowboy Career Closet is an investment in students’ futures,” Gustafson said.

As the initiative moves forward, the university remains committed to fostering an environment where students can achieve their goals and aspirations without financial barriers, she said.

With continued community support and advocacy, OSU will make a lasting impact on student success for years to come, Ebert said.

To learn more about supporting the Cowboy Career Closet, please contact Teresa Gustafson at 405-385-5601 or tgustafson@osugiving.com.

MORGAN GRAVATT OAKDALE, CALIFORNIA

COWBOY JOURNAL 37

Aleks Schaefer encourages determination and leadership in those who dare to dream big. Photo by Emily Wise.

38 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Superhero

A

REALITY CHILDHOOD DREAMS HELP SHAPE A FUTURE AT OSU

leks Schaefer knew from a young age he wanted to impact the world like a “superhero.”

Schaefer grew up in the Texas Panhandle. While in high school, he moved to southwest Kansas.

Throughout his youth, his parents, Erich and Christy, always encouraged and supported him in his education, Schaefer said.

“When my children were little, we would ride bikes a lot and rode in some very rough places, as well,” Erich Schaefer said. “I always told them they have to pedal, pedal, pedal, never stop pedaling, and to look where they want to go, not where they don’t want to go.”

Christy and Erich Schaefer now hear those sayings when their sons talk to their grandchildren, Erich Schaefer said.

Those are the lines of the family, Christy Schaefer said.

Christy Schaefer always encouraged her two sons to do well in school, to get good grades, to study, and to do the things they needed to do to be successful, Erich Schaefer said.

“Aleks played with superheroes a lot, and he wanted to grow up and be a superhero,” Erich Schaefer said. “We were always pushing education for our boys, even when they were just little bitty 3-year-old guys. We would talk about them going to ‘superhero’ college and where they would go to do that and how they’d accomplish that.”

Aleks Schaefer enrolled in 2004 at Friends University, a Bible college in Wichita, Kansas, where he played on

the football team, sang in the choir, and participated in clubs.

He met his wife, Kasie Schaefer, and after graduation in 2008, they moved to the Kansas City area. He earned a law degree in 2011 from the University of Kansas, focusing on international trade and finance.

“When I was getting my degree, I kind of fell in love with this type of economics,” said Aleks Schaefer, now an associate professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics.

While he was in law school, he also took math and economics classes in preparation for a doctorate.

After he graduated law school, he went to the University of California, Davis, where he earned a doctorate in agricultural economics.

“I’ve gotten the opportunity to go all over the world,” Aleks Schaefer said.

“My first job was at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. Then, I was a professor at the University of London and came back to the U.S.”

It is just indescribable how much it feels like we are grounded in Stillwater.

ALEKS SCHAEFER

He worked for Michigan State University for a few years before coming to Oklahoma.

“We’ve been trying to get back here closer to home since I graduated,” Aleks Schaefer said.

While he and his family were at MSU, a job became available at OSU. “It didn’t fit me very well, but another position opened that did,” he said. “It was sort of my dream job, and I was able to come back.”

Aleks Schaefer brought his international experience, knowledge, connections and collaborations to OSU, he said.

Multiple members of Aleks Schaefer’s family attended OSU, which made him excited to work at a place his family has been, he said.

His job also allowed him to move his family closer to his parents and grandmother, he added.

Aleks Schaefer’s grandfather, Kurt Schaefer, earned his doctorate at OSU in entomology and taught at Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

“The reason that OSU is one of the coolest places in the world is because we get to be in a wonderful small town, kind of the heart of America,” Aleks Schaefer said.

Aleks and Kasie Schaefer have two daughters, Haven, 11, and Ryan, 8.

Until moving to Stillwater, Oklahoma, the family never felt like they had a place to call home, Aleks Schaefer said.

“They just seem to be so much more relaxed, happy and engaged with all the COWBOY JOURNAL 39

things that are going on around here,” Christy Schaefer said.

OSU has always felt like home, even though he never lived in Stillwater, Aleks Schaefer said.

“It’s just wonderful to get to be home and get to do this job in a place like Stillwater and at a place like Oklahoma State University,” Aleks Schaefer said.

OSU has changed the lives of Aleks Schaefer and his family because of how lucky they feel to be a part of such a tight-knit community, he added.

“It is just indescribable how much it feels like we are grounded in Stillwater,” Schaefer said.

For Aleks Schaefer, getting to be a professor at OSU was a dream come true because not only can he do what he loves but also because he is in a place that feels like home, Christy Schaefer said.

Now, Aleks Schaefer can be a faculty “superhero” and impact students and beyond within the halls of the OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture.

Aleks Schaefer (left) explains economic principles to Elnaz Asadi and Jungman Choi. Photo

by Emily Wise.

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Emily Nimmo (left), Amy Down Steward, Jacqueline Tinoco and Missy Engel conduct research testing at the Tyson Discovery Center in Springdale, Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Amy Down Steward.

Nuggets OF Success A

ALUMNA LEADS IN MEAT SCIENCE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION

s a fourth-generation agriculturalist growing up on her family’s row crop and livestock operation in central Illinois, Amy Down Steward was surrounded by agriculture from the start.

Down Steward raised Shorthorn cattle and judged livestock, developing a deep-rooted dedication to the agricultural industry from a young age, she said.

“Growing up in agriculture really influenced me to want a career in agriculture,” said Down Steward, Tyson Foods’ principal food scientist and 1997 Oklahoma State University alumna. “My parents were supportive of me, so that was a huge motivation.”

Fueled by her passions, Down Steward pursued a livestock judging career after high school. After starting at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, transferring to OSU to finish her degree and compete on the livestock judging team was an easy choice, Down Steward said.

“Being on the judging team reinforced teamwork,” Down Steward said, “and we were a very close team.

“That really started to define who I was as a young professional and catapulted into my time in graduate school,” she added.

Exploring courses during her animal science degree, Down Steward took ANSI 3333 Meat Science, which

sparked deeper curiosities about meat production and processing, she said.

“We called the course ‘Blood and Guts,’” Down Steward said, “and I absolutely loved that class. At that point, I knew I wanted to get my master’s in meat science at OSU. It was definitely a turning point.”

Pushed by OSU mentors and advisers to become involved in meat industry organizations like the American Meat Science Association, Down Steward was exposed to different meat science companies and professionals. As a result, she gained access to different individuals who helped shape her career path today, she said.

COWBOY JOURNAL 41

Amy Down Steward (left) and Karla Borges engage in the McDonald’s Culinary Guided Experience at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain. Photo courtesy of Amy Down Steward.

“We worked with a lot of different companies at that time,” Down Steward said. “Being able to take our technical expertise and skills and apply those to projects was a large part of graduate school, and having relationships built and communication with those companies was huge.”

Completing graduate school and transitioning into her early career, Down Steward began her first role at Advanced Food Co. Her passion for innovation pushed her to explore new opportunities, and she pivoted to a new role at Tyson Foods.

“Whether it’s a career change or a different position within the same company, don’t be afraid of change,” Down Steward said. “I started out in quality assurance, but I knew I wanted to be in research and development. I made the move to Tyson Foods, and I’m so glad I did.”

Moving up the ladder at Tyson Foods, Down Steward now leads the McDonald’s account global research and development team.

Down Steward takes on many roles in her position, said Gena Bumgarner, Tyson Foods’ senior vice president of sales in Asia Pacific and Europe for McDonald’s. Working together for almost 19 years, the two have spent time developing and marketing products for McDonald’s outside of the U.S. “We call her the nugget expert because she really knows what it takes to develop a best in class McNugget no matter where you are in the world,” Bumgarner said. “From a leadership perspective, Amy has always been eager to grow and do things outside of her comfort zone.”

While growing in her role, Down Steward still finds ways to connect back to OSU.

Whether through staying active in the OSU Animal Science Alumni Association or interacting with colleagues, “bleeding orange” carries into her everyday professional life, Down Steward said.

“It’s a very tight-knit group of people,” she said. “I still interact on a daily basis with people I went to graduate school with, whether at companies that are our competitors or people on our accounts.”

Staying engaged at OSU not only has personal benefits but also affects Tyson Foods’ employee recruitment and retention efforts, Bumgarner said.

Down Steward’s ongoing connections with faculty, alumni and students creates a strong bond between the two organizations, she added.

“We have a significant number of OSU alumni working at Tyson because of people like Amy,” Bumgarner said,

Whether it’s a career change or a different position within the same company, don’t be afraid of change.

AMY DOWN STEWARD 42 SUMMER/FALL 2025

“and we’ve been able to keep talent flowing to our organization. She helps keep OSU at the top of mind when we think of the food science space.”

Down Steward’s commitment to authenticity and approachability creates a space where her mentees feel comfortable to ask questions, Bumgarner said. Her efforts to build community allow Tyson Foods to attract, retain, and develop talent, she added.

The impact of Down Steward’s dedication goes beyond employee engagement and reinforces the partnership between Tyson Foods and OSU, said Gretchen Mafi, animal and food sciences professor.

“Because of Amy’s commitment to our programs, our relationship with Tyson continues to thrive,” Mafi said.

“Having that strong of a relationship with a major potential employer we can send our students to is an incredible asset.”

Down Steward’s commitment to the success of OSU animal and food sciences does not go unnoticed. In

2024, she was named the OSU Animal and Food Sciences Advanced Degree Graduate of Distinction.

“Her awards speak for her presence and the commitment she has,” Bumgarner said. “It’s a key part of who she is, and she is dedicated to developing the ‘next Amy’ from OSU.” In addition to professional accomplishments, Down Steward has extended her commitment to developing the next generation of animal and food scientists by establishing a scholarship fund in memory of her father, David Down, for out-of-state livestock judging students.

“I want to give back because I give 100% of the credit of success in my career to my time at Oklahoma State,” Down Steward said. “It’s important for me to give back to not only the school but also to the students.”

Down Steward’s scholarship fund honors her family’s agricultural legacy and creates meaningful opportunities for students within the department, Mafi said.

“Her scholarship is a testament to her passion for our program,” Mafi said. “It helps ensure we can attract talented individuals and shape the next generation of leaders.”

Through supporting students, Down Steward is investing in the future of the industry as well as helping preserve the values instilled in her growing up, she said.

“A lot of it is about passion for my family’s legacy in agriculture,” she said. “Looking back to the history of my family is really important to me.”

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Partnering w

he responsibility of caring for an animal, anticipation before hitting the show ring, and bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye are all things students experience when exhibiting livestock.

The annual Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby allows Oklahoma youth the opportunity to exhibit swine, obtain experience with animal care, and explore career opportunities in the pork industry, said Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council.

For two years, the Pork Partners Derby has provided swine projects for sixth to 12th grade students who have never exhibited livestock. The Pork Partners Derby is supported by the

Oklahoma Youth Expo, the Oklahoma State University Swine Unit, the Oklahoma Pork Council and the Oklahoma FFA Association.

“The goal of the Pork Partners Derby is to help bridge the gap between the show pig and the commercial pork industry to support pork production in a positive and correct manner,” said Jim Coakley, OSU swine herd manager.

“The OSU Swine Unit produces and provides all of the pigs supplied to exhibitors participating in the program.”

The Pork Partners Derby consists of two events: the orientation draft and the Derby Show, said Justin Crosswhite, OSU Extension youth livestock specialist. The orientation draft is where students receive their

1

44 SUMMER/FALL 2025

barrows, and this year, around 50 barrows were provided to students.

“The OSU Swine Unit breeds and farrows the sows, performs castrations, gives vaccinations, cares for the pigs through weaning, and then sorts them for the draft day,” Coakley said.

“The draft supplies students with purebred Hampshires, Yorkshires and crossbred barrows.

“I would like to provide mainly purebred hogs in the future because it symbolizes the OSU Swine Unit,” he added. “It also allows exhibitors the opportunity to exhibit in the purebred show, which coincides with OYE.” The orientation draft occurs during the last week of October at the Totusek Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

2

g with Passion

OSU SWINE UNIT ASSISTS WITH ANNUAL OKLAHOMA PORK PARTNERS DERBY

The morning of the draft includes multiple educational sessions about a variety of topics pertaining to the students’ projects. This helps teach the exhibitors how to take care of their animals properly, Crosswhite said.

“During the draft, students learn basic livestock evaluation skills from the OSU livestock judging coach, Parker Henley,” Coakley said. “Additionally, a veterinarian comes to explain biosecurity and animal health. Scott Carter, animal and food sciences professor, provides a swine nutrition workshop, and I explain how to perform daily care and showmanship skills.”

Students also build communications skills by networking with others at the draft, Coakley added.

The Oklahoma Pork Council provides a session on draft day about careers in the pork industry.

“During this, the students take an online career quiz to match them with pork industry roles that align with their strengths and interests,” Deniz said. “This interactive and eye-opening exercise introduces students to potential career paths they may have never considered.

“These students are now a part of the pork industry, and we hope they will consider seeking pork industry career opportunities to stay within it,” Deniz said.

Throughout the draft, exhibitors receive instructions on how to participate in the Derby Show, Deniz said.

3

After the educational sessions, the students have time to view their pigs and receive instructions on how to access registration papers.

Before being sent home with the youth, the barrows receive vaccinations. The students receive a bucket, a brush and a bag of show feed supplied by several sponsors, Crosswhite added.

“To sign up for the draft, students must pay a $250 fee and email an application to Oklahoma FFA with a parent’s and an educator’s signature,” Crosswhite said. “In 2025, the Oklahoma Pork Council paid this fee for exhibitors.”

The draft system is randomized, and a selection order is established.

Students receive their draft number

4

1. Judges Jim Coakley (left) and Bobby Listen evaluate Derby Show exhibitors and their livestock projects. 2. Brandon Grantz from the Garber 4-H Club has his eyes on the judge as he shows his reserve grand champion barrow. 3. Madilyn Linch from the Jones FFA Chapter presents her fifth overall barrow during the Derby Show grand drive. 4. OSU President Jim Hess speaks to attendees and exhibitors during the Derby Show grand drive.

Photos by Mckenzie Layton.

COWBOY JOURNAL 45

We have to promote these students, and it has to be all about them.

JIM COAKLEY when they register the morning of draft day.

“Following the draft, students are free to exhibit their animals throughout the show season and do what they want with their projects,” Crosswhite said. “Barrows in the Pork Partners Derby are also eligible for the selection of county or district premium sales if they are not terminal.

“Exhibitors are then allowed to compete in the Derby Show at OYE in mid-March,” he said.

The Pork Partners Derby Show takes place during the market show week at OYE. “These pigs will show in the Pork Partners Derby Show, and they are also allowed to show in OYE and in the purebred shows if they are a registered breed,” Crosswhite said. “The classes in the Pork Partners Derby Show are divided by weight. However, there are no overall restrictions.”

Students also exhibit their projects in the weight-per-day-of-age and average-daily-gain contests that make up the performance competition, Crosswhite said.

The Pork Partners Derby consists of the show, showmanship, performance, carcass data, recordkeeping and a knowledge test, Deniz said. Exhibitors in the Pork Partners Derby have a specific check-in process, Deniz added.

“The knowledge test is also conducted during the Pork Partners Derby,” Deniz said. “This test includes production information and facts around the pork industry.”

Prior to the Derby Show, the students must bring their pig to the ring for an ultrasound scan to collect, the live placing and showmanship, Deniz said. Showmanship will be scored individually in each class, Deniz added.

“During the ultrasound scans used to collect carcass data, students can

actually see the ultrasound image on the screen,” said Scott Nemecek, Oklahoma FFA adviser.

Crosswhite does a great job explaining to the students where specific carcass parts are and how they are measured, Nemecek added. Even the adults were intrigued because they do not often see the carcass side of things, he said.

“The results from the categories are then tabulated together, and the top 10 exhibitors go through an interview process,” Deniz said. “We try to give out as many of the awards as possible in the ring as the show is ending.

During the market grand drive night, we notify the overall winners. Some of the awards include banners, specialty items, money and additional premiums managed by OYE.” Barrows exhibited in the Pork Partners Derby can receive premiums but are not put in the sale order, Deniz said. After the Derby Show, students can take their animal home with them, Crosswhite said.

“These events are meant to engage students past the show ring and allow students to gain all of the benefits they can from taking care of an animal,” Crosswhite said. “Simply being around

OKLAHOMA PORK PARTNERS DERBY ELIGIBILITY AND RULES • Participants must not have shown any species previously and must be a 4-H or FFA member from sixth to 12th grade.

• Participants will be selected through an application process.

Priority will be placed on one participant per county.

• Selected participants must attend the orientation and pick up their pig with a parent and an agricultural education teacher or 4-H educator.

• A project record report must be kept and submitted by March 1.

• Pigs are tagged and nominated at draft day. Participants must enter their pigs through the OYE 46 SUMMER/FALL 2025

•

•

•

•

entry procedure. Premiums will be awarded in each class.

Participants must follow all rules applying to OYE swine entries and shows. Entries must be submitted by the OYE entry deadline.

Each pig will be weighed at OYE for the weight-per-day-of-age and average-daily-gain contests.

There will be no maximum weight for the Derby Show. Derby pigs may be shown in the regular OYE swine classes; however, the pigs must meet the weight requirements of the barrow divisions to be shown in OYE. Exhibitors will be scored on showmanship during their class

in the Derby Show. Awards and premiums will be given to the top five exhibitors in Derby Show placings, performance, project recordkeeping, showmanship, a knowledge test and carcass data.

• The top 10 exhibitors from combining the above areas will then go through an interview process to establish the top five overall winners.

• For additional information about the program, scan this QR code.

Christian Hammons, OSU assistant swine herdsman, allows the students to view the barrows before the selection process on draft day. Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Pork Council.

other exhibitors and gaining the satisfaction of caring for a pig can help lead a student to become interested in this industry. Being exposed to the various tasks and contests can also lead a student to being interested in an area.”

When the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby was started, the idea was to provide a way for students who were unable to show livestock to do something beyond a livestock show, Nemecek said.

“This is a great way for students to get experience with animal agriculture and a project that requires them to have responsibility,” Nemecek said.

“Students can gain a lot of employability skills from having a livestock project, particularly this one, because there is opportunity to see things beyond just exhibiting the animal.”

Sponsors plan to continue the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby for years to come, Nemecek said.

“We are continuing to learn as we go, but we will continue to support and fundraise to make the program approachable for first-time students,” Deniz said. “To make sure the students are deeply connected to the industry, we have also talked about doing an industry trip to take students to a large commercial farm in the future.”

The partners of the Oklahoma Pork Partners Derby hope to spread awareness and interest to eventually have a pig per county exhibited in the event, Deniz said. Having strong interest and support can help develop further opportunities within this program and help students become more exposed to the pork industry, Deniz added.

“We have to promote these students, and the program has to be all about them,” Coakley said. “If we give them a pig, we can incorporate production into their experiences.

“We hope this results as a benefit to the commercial side as well as the show side, while also fostering the importance of growing good kids with good values,” Coakley said.

MCKENZIE LAYTON POCASSET, OKLAHOMA

COWBOY JOURNAL 47

Farm Strong and

Rugby Tough

Abby Gurski (left), Galilea Zunun and Emma Fox run a drill focused on safe tackling. Photo by Payton Irick.

48 SUMMER/FALL 2025

T

OSU WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM COMPETES WITH GRIT

he crisp air swirls as the players take their positions on the pitch. Cleats dig into the turf as they wait for the whistle to blow.

The referee steps forward, whistle in hand, and the air tenses. A deep breath. A final glance across the pitch.

A sharp whistle pierces the silence.

The ball is dropped and takes flight with one swift kick.

In a rush of bodies making calculated movements, the ball crashes into waiting arms. The first collision is swift — a clash of bodies with opposing missions — to move the ball forward and stop the opposing team from gaining ground.

A ruck forms as players dive for possession, working together to secure the ball, and the match begins.

Oklahoma State University is home to a women’s rugby team as well as a men’s rugby team. The women’s program was established in 2016 but was disbanded in 2019.

However, in 2021, a group of determined players brought the sport back to campus, said Taylor Massie, president of the OSU Women’s Rugby Team and animal science senior.

The team had a humble restart, Massie said. The first practice drew in only four players, but over time, the team grew.

“The first practice for someone new can be really intimidating,” Massie said. “You kind of just have to jump in head first and learn as you go.”

Now, the team hosted their first women’s tournament in February 2025, bringing 11 rugby teams from across the nation to Stillwater.

Rugby has two seasons and two ways of playing.

In rugby, sevens or 7s, is played in the spring, and fifteens, or 15s, is played in the fall.

The OSU Women’s Rugby Team only competes in 7s, but the members’ goal is to grow their membership enough to have a 15s team, said Kylie

COWBOY JOURNAL 49

You kind of just have to jump in head first and learn as you go.

TAYLOR MASSIE Johnson, the women’s rugby coach and animal science alumna.

Despite the team’s growth, recruiting new members remains a challenge, Johnson said.

“The lack of knowledge of the sport and how it’s played is our main problem,” Johnson said. “Potential players may see a clip of the sport and just think its people running around and hitting each other.”

Rugby is a popular sport worldwide but was mostly unknown in the U.S. until the 2024 Summer Olympics, Johnson said. The sport has since gained traction. The OSU team has seen more interest as people become familiar with the sport, she added.

Rugby is a physical game with limited padding for players, which can intimidate those unfamiliar with the sport, Massie said.

“There are no helmets and no pads — just your boots and your mouthguard,” Johnson said. “That’s why we work so hard to learn safety. It’s actually a very safe sport.”

Players learn proper tackle and falling techniques, Johnson said. All tackles are done at waist level, and the tacklers must fully wrap their arms around a person and go down with her, reducing impact and risk, she said.

Unlike many who hesitate to join because of fear of injury, Massie sees rugby differently, she said. Instead of worrying about the risks, she focuses on the sense of belonging and purpose the sport provides, she added.

“The transition from home to college can be really tough,” Massie said.

“I didn’t want to go through that alone, and I knew I’d need an outlet. Being around the team helps take away the toll that life can have on you.”

Balancing school and sports is no easy feat, especially in a demanding 50 SUMMER/FALL 2025

major like animal science, she said.

Massie prioritizes school over sports, and rugby has served as a motivator to limit procrastination of schoolwork, she said.

“I learned taking a break is OK,” Massie said. “It’s 14 minutes per game.

When I’m out there, I don’t allow myself to think about anything other than the game.”

For Emma Fox, animal science sophomore from Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, rugby is not only a sport but also a personal growth tool, she said.

Fox started playing rugby in fourth grade while also helping with the daily operations of her family’s Angus, Hereford and commercial sheep operation. Rugby has since taken Fox around the world — from her hometown in Canada to the green hills of Ireland and now to Stillwater.

Sports often teach competitors valuable life lessons, Fox said, and rugby is no exception.

“One of the best things I’ve been told is the team that wins isn’t the team that makes no mistakes,” Fox said. “It’s the team that makes better ones. That doesn’t just apply to rugby.

“You are going to make mistakes in life, in sports and in agriculture,” Fox added. “Just try to make the better ones.”

In Fox’s mind, rugby and agriculture are similar, she said, and the skills she gained from working in agriculture have helped her. On the field, she can visualize her opponents’ next move, much like anticipating animals’ movements when handling them, she added.

“Agriculture sets these players apart,” Johnson said. “Their work ethic is incredible. They get up with the sun and don’t stop until it’s down.

During the time in between, they just work hard and get the job done.”

PAYTON IRICK

SEMINOLE, OKLAHOMA

RUGBY 101 Objective Score the most points by carrying, passing, and kicking the ball while avoiding tackles.

Types of Rugby • In sevens, or 7s, teams have seven players on the pitch, and games consist of two seven-minute halves, making for a fast-paced, high-energy match.

• In fifteens, or 15s, teams have 15 players per side, and matches last two 40-minute halves, allowing for a more traditional strategic style of play.

Terms • The field is called the pitch.

• A ruck occurs when the ball carrier is tackled to the ground and both teams compete for possession.

• All passes must be made backward, or behind the ball carrier.

• A try zone is similar to an end zone.

• A penalty kick is a kick awarded after the opposing team commits a major infringement.

• Drop goal is a kick taken during open play where the ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces off the ground.

Scoring • Try — Ground the ball in the opponent’s try zone, worth five points.

• Conversion — Kick after a try through the posts, worth two points.

• Penalty kick — Kick through the uprights after a penalty, worth three points.

• Drop goal — Drop kick through the uprights during open play, worth three points.

Source: Kylie Johnson

Alpha Gamma Rho | Pi Chapter

For information about OSU AGR, contact President Cash Slezickey at 405-589-5859 osuagrs.com

The Asian longhorned tick affects cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, dogs, cats and multiple wild animals. Photo by Katey Brickman.

52 SUMMER/FALL 2025

CRAWLING

THREAT

ASIAN LONGHORNED TICK THREATENS OKLAHOMA LIVESTOCK

A

long Oklahoma’s northeastern border, a new invasive threat is beginning to make its presence known. The Asian longhorned tick, once confined to distant regions, is crawling into the state, sounding alarms for livestock producers, said Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist for livestock entomology and parasitology and assistant professor of entomology.

The Asian longhorned tick, or ALT, is native to East Asia and has spread globally through trade, Cammack said.

“It was first found in New Zealand and Australia about 100 years ago,” he said. “Since being established in the northeastern United States, it has been moving south and west.”

This past summer, ALTs were identified in northeast Oklahoma, making Oklahoma the 21st state to have identified the pest.

“The Asian longhorned tick is known as a three-host tick, meaning each of its life stages — larvae, nymph and adult — requires a blood meal, usually from a different host animal species,” Cammack said.

Typically, in a three-host tick life cycle, larvae feed on smaller creatures, such as rodents. Nymphs target slightly larger animals, like raccoons. Adults prey on even larger animals, such as cattle or deer, he added.

“With the Asian longhorned tick, all three life stages have been seen feeding on the same species or individual,” Cammack said. “In the case of livestock, that could be a cow.

“We could have instances where as many as 1,000 of these ticks could be feeding on a single animal at a given time,” he continued. “That could result in the animal dying due to blood loss.”

Beyond feeding habits, the ALTs’ ability to reproduce can threaten the livestock industry, Cammack said.

With a single tick introduction, the population can be established at a quick rate, said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, clinical assistant professor of veterinary medicine at OSU. Biggs also serves as an OSU Extension beef cattle specialist and veterinarian.

“The Asian longhorned tick can reproduce without mating through a process known as parthenogenesis, meaning they do not need a male to reproduce,” Cammack said.

By eliminating the need to find a mate, this reproductive strategy allows the population to grow faster, he said.

The small size of the ALT also contributes to the challenge of controlling its spread, Cammack said.

An adult ALT is easy to overlook, measuring from 3 to 5 millimeters, similar to the size of a sesame seed, Biggs said.

When checking for ticks, inspect the head, neck, flank, tail and sometimes the back.

JUSTIN TALLEY COWBOY JOURNAL 53

An adult female Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, feeds on its hosts. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cammack.

In addition to being small, the ALT can transmit a disease that affects livestock and presents challenges for livestock management, Biggs said.

The ALTs will parasitize multiple species, including, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, dogs, cats and multiple wild animals, she said.

“The tick can transmit a protozoan pathogen known as Theileria orientalis, specifically the Ikeda genotype,” Cammack said. “Since it is a protozoan and not a bacterium, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.”

ALTs can transmit this pathogen at a high rate, essentially impacting the livestock industry overall, he added.

T. orientalis has similar clinical signs to anaplasmosis, Biggs said.

“However, it has a different distribution, meaning that it has a tendency

to impact young animals,” she said.

“Anaplasmosis, on the other hand, typically affects older animals.”

Symptoms of T. orientalis include anemia, weakness and incoordination, which are also seen in anaplasmosis, Biggs said.

“We could also potentially see neurological signs due to decreased oxygen levels from reduced blood volume,” she said.

“The mortality rate for Theileria is variable,” she added. “In some instances, it has been as low as 3% and as high as 90% in herds that were infested.”

Oklahoma has not been exposed to T. orientalis Ikeda, so the state’s cattle population is naïve to the disease, Biggs said. No labeled treatment is available for the disease, which limits management options, she added.

“My recommendation for Oklahoma producers is if they suspect anaplasmosis and the cow is not responding to treatment, they should consider sampling for Theileria orientalis, specifically the Ikeda strain,” Biggs added.

To reduce the risks associated with T. orientalis, producers should implement preventative measures, she said.

The ALT is expected to remain a concern in Oklahoma, so treating the animals and environment is important, said Justin Talley, professor and head of the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

“Pasture rotation and patch burning can significantly reduce the tick population,” Talley said.

Implementing patch burning has been shown to reduce tick populations by more than 80%, Cammack said.

“It stands to reason that we could see the same impact of patch burning on this pest species, but we don’t have that data yet,” he said.

Chemical products labeled for tick control are effective against the ALT, Cammack said.

“If producers are concerned about their herds, they should start putting cattle through the chute,” Talley said.

“When checking for ticks, inspect the head, neck, flank, tail and sometimes the back.”

If ticks are found on the animal and ALTs are suspected, collect a sample, and consult your veterinarian or a local OSU Extension educator.

The state veterinarian is monitoring reports of ALTs closely, Biggs said.

Producers should remain vigilant in monitoring their herds, Talley said. By taking proactive steps now, producers can protect their cattle and minimize the impact of this new invasive species, he added.

KATEY BRICKMAN

KINGFISHER, OKLAHOMA

WOULD YOU HELP WITH OSU RESEARCH? Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine has an ongoing, internally funded research project focused on the spread of the Asian longhorned tick, Theileria orientalis, and anaplasmosis in cattle, led by Drs. Ruth Scimeca, John Gilliam and Rosslyn Biggs.

The team is seeking 20 to 30 cattle operations in Oklahoma and surrounding states to participate in the project.

Producers, in collaboration with their veterinarians, can submit up to 20 blood samples per operation for testing. They may also submit up to 15 ticks, if collected.

All laboratory testing and shipping supplies are provided at no cost to the participants.

Producers and veterinarians will receive reports on the results of the testing.

“We are trying to assess if this tick has potentially marched further west,” Biggs said.

“Hopefully, this will lead to a better understanding of environmental factors, wildlife populations and future research opportunities,” she said.

54 SUMMER/FALL 2025

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COWBOY JOURNAL 55

From the

Ground Up

56 SUMMER/FALL 2025

A

“OKLAHOMA GARDENING” CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BLOOMING SUCCESS

s “Oklahoma Gardening” celebrates its 50th season, the program will take viewers back to its roots to explore the history of gardening in Oklahoma and the timeless tips and tricks from hosts throughout the years.

In this season, new memories will be cultivated, and gardeners from around the world can tune in and grow with “Oklahoma Gardening,” said Casey Hentges, 11th and current host.

Hosts from throughout the seasons will be back in the garden to film the new season and reminisce about what they have accomplished, Hentges said.

“Every host has had a different spin on ‘Oklahoma Gardening,’ so we will take a look at what each host has accomplished,” Hentges said. “However, this season is not just to look back but also to look forward.”

Each host brings his or her own personality and uniqueness to “Oklahoma Gardening,” said Ray Campbell, the show’s third host. All have a different focus, which adds so much to the show, Campbell added.

“I was a host in the early years of the show,” Campbell said. “I was a faculty member in the horticulture department when ‘Oklahoma Gardening’ first began, so I was very familiar with it.

“It was a new method of teaching for me and a different way to get out information statewide from a new source,” he added. “It was also a good way for the university to reach more people.”

One of the biggest changes through the years is the technology used to produce the show, Campbell said.

“When I was the host, we just had a camera and basically did tabletop demonstrations,” Campbell said.

Casey Hentges serves as the current host of “Oklahoma Gardening,” which is recorded in The Botanic Garden at OSU. Photo by Olivia McGuire.

COWBOY JOURNAL 57

HOSTS Joe Maxson, 1975 Raymond Kays, 1975-1979 Ray Campbell, 1980-1985 Paul Mitchell, 1986 Sue Gray, 1987 co-host Jim Gallot, 1987 co-host Steve Dobbs, 1990-1995 Brenda Sanders, 1997-2000 Steve Owens, 2001-2006 Kin Toscano, 2007-2015 Casey Hentges, 2015-Present

FAST FACTS • The show airs every Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. on OETA. Full shows and segments can be accessed anytime via Inside OSU or OETA’s website.

Viewers can also subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel, “Oklahoma Gardening.”

• The 50th anniversary of “Oklahoma Gardening” is bringing back the Plant-A-Row Challenge. Gardeners are encouraged to donate 50 pounds of their produce to enter a raffle to win a garden tiller.

• This year, youth in 4-H or FFA can submit pictures to be featured on the show.

• To recognize the anniversary of “Oklahoma Gardening,” T-shirts are available for purchase at Eskimo Joe’s. The profits will go toward “Oklahoma Gardening” as well as the Oklahoma State University Student Farm.

Source: OSU Extension To participate in these or other “Oklahoma Gardening” activities, scan this QR code.

58 SUMMER/FALL 2025

“There have definitely been a lot of technology advantages and improvements over the years.”

In 1997, Brenda Sanders, the eighth host of “Oklahoma Gardening,” and her crew recorded and produced the show in the same week, Sanders said, which was a big turnaround process.

“You would have a videotape that you could watch, but it wasn’t available to the public yet,” Sanders said. “With the challenges of Oklahoma weather, we had to find ways to record in time to send in the videotape to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority.”

Gardening has become more of a way of life for people in recent years, Campbell said. People garden because they enjoy it, not because they have to, he added.

“I am excited to see how gardening has become recognized as more of a therapeutic tool and has become more accessible to people who have physical limitations or are limited on space,” Campbell said. “I think we might see more gardening brought indoors.”

This season of Oklahoma Gardening will showcase the growth of the show while also navigating the challenges gardeners face, Hentges said.

The purpose of the show is to provide people with education and empower them, she said. From plant health to unpredictable weather, “Oklahoma Gardening” looks for new ways to overcome gardening challenges alongside viewers, she added.

“We’re facing the same challenges as our viewers,” Hentges said. “We acknowledge when things aren’t working in our own garden without creating a picture of perfectionism.”

The show isn’t about being perfect, Hentges said, but rather about being realistic and providing education.

“I have seen a lot of improvements in people’s confidence in gardening, whether they’re a novice or have been gardening for a while,” Campbell said.

“The show has made people much more aware and interested in gardening as a healthy aspect of living.”

Gardening is good for the body and mind, Campbell said.

“It’s exciting to see where gardening in Oklahoma is going,” Sanders said.

The show has made people much more aware and interested in gardening.

RAY CAMPBELL “More and more people are interested in gardening, and I think it’s because of the show. The outreach is so much wider now, and it’s exciting to see.”

Produced by OSU Extension, “Oklahoma Gardening” airs weekly on OETA and on The Rural Channel in Canada. The show is also available on the “Oklahoma Gardening” YouTube channel.

The growth of “Oklahoma Gardening” during the 50 years of broadcasting is amazing, Sanders said.

Using YouTube and social media have expanded the show’s national and international audience, Hentges said.

“We write the show, present it, and it’s done, but through YouTube, the episodes are still being used,” Hentges said. “It’s nice to know your previous work is still making a difference.”

Although “Oklahoma Gardening” is celebrating this milestone anniversary, organizers are staying true to their origins, Hentges said. The season will still feature how-to tips and help viewers find new and innovative solutions as they change with technology.

“Oklahoma Gardening” is such a striking tradition, offering a legacy passed down from host to host, Hentges said, and today, it remains popular among viewers.

OLIVIA MCGUIRE

WELCH, OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND FORESTRY

YEAR OF YOUTH IN

AGRICULTURE

ag.ok.gov | 405-521-3864

Michael (left) and Susie Buser are loyal and true fans deep in the heart of Texas. Photo by Ainsley Treesh.

60 SUMMER/FALL 2025

INNOVATION & DEDICATION FERGUSON ALUMNUS PROVIDES HONORABLE SERVICE TO AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

F

rom small town beginnings to groundbreaking research, Michael Buser has dedicated his career to improving the field of agricultural engineering.

Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Buser watched his father, Gary, work for the oilfield industry, which led to Buser moving across Oklahoma as a child, he said.

Upon graduation, Buser attended Oklahoma State University for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biosystems engineering.

After completing his master’s degree, Buser accepted a position at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Mississippi to be a research engineer.

“After starting at the USDA-ARS as a research engineer with only a master’s degree, I quickly learned those scientists without an engineering doctorate were not openly welcomed to research planning meetings,” Buser said. “After a few of those meetings, I figured if all I needed was another piece of paper, I was going to go back to school to get my Ph.D.” While earning his doctorate from Texas A&M University, Buser continued to work for the USDA-ARS in Stoneville, Mississippi.

During the fall and spring semesters, he took on campus classes, and during the summer, Buser went back to Stoneville to continue research. While at Texas A&M, Buser worked with Calvin Parnell, who was the cotton engineering chair and one of the most

respected researchers within the cotton industry, Buser said.

After completing his doctorate, he and his wife, Susie, moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Buser set up one of the largest air quality labs in the country to conduct agricultural particulate matter research. The data from these tests are now used in more than 98% of the cotton ginning air-quality permits in the U.S. as well as internationally, Buser said.

While returning from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers annual meeting in 2008, Buser sat on a plane next to Doug Hamilton, OSU biosystems and agricultural engineering faculty member.

“Doug asked if I was ready to come home,” Buser said. “It took me a minute to clue in, but he was saying a position was open to be on the faculty at OSU in the BAE department.”

Buser accepted the OSU Extension and research position and moved with his family to Stillwater, where he

If the research is not going to benefit the producers, then I don’t need to be doing it.

MICHAEL BUSER

served as a faculty member for nine years. While at OSU, Buser connected with Mark Wilkins, a former OSU BAE faculty member. Wilkins and Buser became good friends through the opportunity to work on multiple projects together, Wilkins said.

“Mike is hard working, smart and gets things done,” Wilkins said. “If you were to look at his résumé or curriculum vitae, he has all of these different projects and has been an integral part of them.”

Buser had his boots on the ground doing the work, Wilkins said. He remembers watching Buser in the field harvesting switchgrass, not afraid to put in the time, Wilkins added.

“Buser can work well in multiple fields,” Wilkins said, “whether in academics, in research or in the field.”

One of Buser’s career highlights, he said, was working on a large national air sampling study for cotton ginning.

“When I do research, it needs to be stakeholder-driven,” Buser said. “If the research is not going to benefit the producers, then I don’t need to be doing it.”

Buser’s work ethic, passion and desire to educate have made a significant impact on students as well as on industry professionals, said Erin Portman, assistant manager of marketing and communications in the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

Buser is in the profession to make the cotton industry better for future generations, Portman said, whether COWBOY JOURNAL 61

The CEAT Hall of Fame selection process takes up to six months, as nominations are gathered and given to a selection committee for review.

After the CEAT selection committee has made its final decisions, the CEAT dean calls to congratulate the honoree, she added.

The CEAT Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed to individuals who have made an impact on the college and their area of discipline, Portman said, and is a way CEAT can say thank you.

“I am humbled to have received this honor,” Buser said. “Most people receive this award upon retirement, and I feel like I am just getting started.”

Michael Buser (right) accepts the 2024 CEAT Hall of Fame award from Mari Chinn, biosystems and agricultural engineering department head. Photo courtesy of Annie Buford.

that is through teaching students or serving on the national level. His passion for the industry shines through, she added.

In Fall 2024, Buser was inducted into the CEAT Hall of Fame.

62 SUMMER/FALL 2025

“To be selected for the CEAT Hall of Fame, the individual must be a distinguished engineer, architect or technologist who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession or OSU,” Portman said.

CAITLYN MACK

DRUMMOND, OKLAHOMA

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MEATING D W

MacKenzie Thiessen learns the importance of meat quality and consistency. Photo courtesy of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.

64 SUMMER/FALL 2025

hen the Oklahoma meat processing industry faced the challenge of finding qualified workers, Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center team sought a way to help.

“After COVID-19, many meat processors opened their doors, but there was a big shortage of trained professionals,” said Ravi Jadeja, animal and food sciences associate professor and principal investigator for the project.

“When the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a workforce development grant, we applied and received funding to address this issue,” he added.

Funded by the USDA grant, the OSU Meat Mastery Program at the FAPC has trained dozens of workers in the meat industry since 2023.

The five-week intensive training program offers participants hands-on experience in meat processing, including live animal handling, slaughter and value-added product development.

Participants worked with the Osage Nation to gain experience in harvesting buffalo, pigs and cattle, allowing participants to train across multiple species, Jadeja added.

“Our goal was to prepare workforce-ready participants by offering technical training in meat harvesting and processing,” Jadeja said. “We also ensured they earned four industry-recognized food safety certifications — hazard analysis and critical control points, sanitation, food defense, and good manufacturing practices.”

OSU has offered the program during summers, and participants have received grant-funded housing on the OSU-Stillwater campus and a $2,000 stipend upon program completion.

“This training program is intended for anyone in the state or outside the state interested in getting proficient in meat processing,” Jadeja said. “Many participants were already working

G DEMANDS elsewhere, so to cover their expenses while they attended, we provided a stipend through the USDA grant.”

Finding skilled workers has long been a challenge for the meat processing industry, said Joel Jackson, meat pilot plant manager at the FAPC. The physically demanding nature of the work, combined with rural plant locations, makes it difficult for processors to hire and retain employees, he added.

“Labor has always been an issue within the meat realm,” Jackson said. “Harvesting livestock is not for everyone. Working in extreme heat or extreme cold and handling dangerous equipment makes it a challenging job.”

The program addressed this issue by allowing individuals to gain in-depth training, Jackson said. Employers recognized the value of hiring program graduates, as many returned to their workplaces with improved efficiency and technical skills, he added.

“Many participants who were already in the meat industry said they were able to increase their efficiency by more than 20% to 30% after completing our training,” Jadeja said. “Not only are they getting things done, but they’re doing it much faster, which helps their companies tremendously.”

Gavin Nuttall, a meat processor at One Sixty Processing, found the program to be an invaluable experience, learning more than he initially expected, he said. He appreciated the comprehensive nature of the training, which covered everything from cutting techniques to food safety, and the opportunity to earn key industry certifications, Nuttall said.

“My favorite part was processing pigs and learning about snack sticks and pork fajita hot dogs,” Nuttall said.

“We learned the basics of value-added processing from an industry expert, which was incredibly useful.”

Beyond the technical skills, Nuttall valued the opportunity to work alongside a great group of people, he said.

USDA-FUNDED TRAINING BOOSTS SKILLS AND EFFICIENCY IN MEAT INDUSTRY

Josh Hering (front) teaches Faith Gatley to sort and quality grade meat cuts. Photo courtesy of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.

COWBOY JOURNAL 65

Our goal was to prepare workforce-ready participants by offering technical training in meat harvesting and processing.

RAVI JADEJA Nuttall has remained in touch with several of the participants, sharing ideas and discussing industry trends, he added.

The teaching assistants also played a role in making the learning experience supportive and engaging, he said.

As part of the program, participants visited Osage Nation’s processing facility. They gained valuable insight into real-world operations and exposure to different processing methods and equipment, Nuttall said.

Other processing businesses should consider sending their workers to this program, Nuttall added.

The three-year program was made possible through the USDA and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The Agricultural Workforce Training Grant funding is set to end after a final training session from May 20 to June 21, 2025.

Although 2025 marks the end of the structured five-week course offering, discussions are underway about continuing meat processing training in some capacity, Jackson said.

“We are looking at ways to continue offering short-term, skill-based training, even if it’s on a smaller scale,” Jackson said. “The demand for trained meat professionals isn’t going away, and we want to support that need.”

The program funding allowed 60 participants in three years with 20 in 2023, 19 in 2024 and 21 expected in 2025. The program addressed workforce shortages and established a foundation for future trainings.

“We have addressed the industry’s needs effectively by installing professionally trained individuals into the workforce,” he said. “Some graduates have even gone on to train others, creating a ripple effect in the industry.”

The OSU team is developing shorter courses tailored to the needs of the industry while still providing hands-on, skill-based education, Jadeja added.

“The Meat Mastery Program’s success demonstrates the ongoing need for workforce development in meat processing,” Jackson said. “Whether through new grants, partnerships, or university-led initiatives, Oklahoma’s meat industry will continue to benefit from the training and knowledge that began with this program.”

BRIANNA STOCKWELL DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN

The 2024 Meat Mastery class learned valuable skills they can use in any part of the processing industry: Jessica Patenaude (front left); Jacob Hernandez; Gavin Nuttall; MacKenzie Thiessen; Nathaniel Ingram; Image Bhattarai; Jiwan Deuja; Cheri Jones; Faith Gatley; Christopher Ingram; Nicholas Mull; Roy Escousbas, Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center director; Chinemerem Ugo; Jimmy Komardley (back left); Arthur Fields; Trevor Burton; Isaiah Teran; Kevin Moody; Steven Coican; and Elijah Howell. Photo courtesy of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.

66 SUMMER/FALL 2025

COWBOYS IN THE CAPITOL STUDENTS WORK ALONGSIDE LEGISLATORS TO GAIN FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE THROUGH INTERNSHIPS

N

early 50 years ago, a student in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture served as the first intern in the Agricultural Legislative Internship Program, leading the way for dozens to follow.

In 1976, the program was established with funds for one college of agriculture student, regardless of major, to intern at the Oklahoma State Capitol with the chair of the Senate or House agricultural committees.

The internship program was created to provide students with a unique experience and a working knowledge of the structure and operational procedures of the Oklahoma state government, said Danielle Bellmer, Ferguson College of Agriculture assistant dean of academic programs.

“We want to give our students the opportunity for exposure to jobs and careers as well as connections,” Bellmer said. “Getting them at the Capitol, meeting people — sometimes it’s as much about who you know as what you know.

“Students can network outside of the legislature with different commodity groups who help fund their internship stipends,” she added.

68 SUMMER/FALL 2025

The program grew for the first time in 2010, when funding was increased to allow up to two students to serve.

As of 2019, funding is available for up to three students to participate in the program each spring semester.

During the fall semester, interested students complete an application and interview process. The program is intended for juniors and seniors. The internships are considered full-time jobs because of the time commitment.

A committee selects interns based on scholarship, leadership, professional goals and character, Bellmer added.

Selected students work at least 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Oklahoma State Capitol within a legislator’s office during the legislative session, which begins in early February. Interns participate in the daily activities at the Capitol, which include attending Senate or House agricultural committee meetings, briefing bills, and communicating with constituents.

In addition to the experience, participating students can receive up to six credit hours in AG 3010 Internships in Agriculture and a $4,000 stipend to help with living and travel expenses.

Riley Gilreath (left), Liberty Carson and David “Gus” Ward spend much of their time at work observing the legislators. Photo by Brielle Prock.

COWBOY JOURNAL 69

Steve Thompson (left), Jami Longacre, David “Gus” Ward, Riley Gilreath, Liberty Carson and H.J. Reed discuss current agricultural issues presented in the Agriculture Committee meeting. Photo by Hannah Wilcocks.

Students also can enroll in up to six additional credit hours, typically online, if they need full-time enrollment status to keep scholarships and financial aid, Bellmer said.

“When applying, you need to have your class schedule planned already,” said Riley Gilreath, agribusiness prelaw junior. “I’m only taking six hours of classes, but with the internship credit hours, I’m a full-time student.”

Gilreath is interning in the office of Rep. John Pfeiffer, who serves as vice chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. This is Pfeiffer’s first year having an agricultural legislative intern in his office.

“Historically, the student interns have been with the Senate or House chair for the agricultural committees,”

Pfeiffer said. “Recently, we’ve had one with the Rural Caucus chairman of the House. Even though I grew up on a farm outside of Mulhall, Oklahoma, and care a lot about agricultural policy, I’ve never actually gotten to be an Agriculture Committee chair.

“I was very sad about that because I never got to have an intern, but because of some spacing issues, Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky didn’t have room for one this time,” he added. “I have a little bit bigger office, so I got Riley to come down here.”

Pfeiffer, who graduated with a degree in animal science in 2020, was not involved in the intern program during his time at OSU, but he had friends who were, he said. He sees the program as a unique and interesting experience

It’s neat for these students to come in and see firsthand how we make policy.

JOHN PFEIFFER 70 SUMMER/FALL 2025

at the Capitol and a strong partnership with OSU, he added.

“It’s very neat for these students to come in and see firsthand how we make policy,” Pfeiffer said. “They get to develop those one-on-one relationships with lawmakers who help make the laws for all of us and learn how we do it.”

Serving as an agricultural legislative intern is providing Gilreath the skills and relationships to help her pursue a career in agricultural policy and rural advocacy, she said.

“My experience as an agricultural legislative intern has given me a deeper understanding of how policy decisions impact the agricultural sector,” Gilreath said. “This hands-on experience has sharpened my ability to analyze legislation and communicate its implications effectively.”

David “Gus” Ward, agribusiness senior, previously interned with the Oklahoma Pork Council, which centered around policy.

This semester, Ward is the agricultural legislative intern in Rep. Judd Strom’s office. Strom serves as the

House Appropriations and Budget Committee chair.

“Through the legislative internship, I have gained invaluable experience at the intersection of agriculture and policy, which has clarified my career goals and deepened my passion for serving Oklahoma agriculture,” Ward said.

Liberty Carson, agribusiness and animal science senior, also has a background in agricultural policy. Carson worked as a public policy intern for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and spent this past summer in Washington, D.C., as the Frank Lucas Congressional Intern.

Inspired by her previous experiences, Carson applied to the program wanting to better understand the Oklahoma side of policy to help support her future career, she said.

“This internship has given me invaluable firsthand experience in policymaking, leadership and public service,” Carson said. “It has strengthened my understanding of government operations and reinforced my passion for serving the people of Oklahoma.

“The internship experience has allowed me to build meaningful

connections and develop strong research skills essential for crafting effective policy,” Carson added.

As they move into their careers, many past participants are proud to have been legislative agricultural interns, Bellmer said.

“My experience truly shaped the path that led me to my career,” said Karlee Belle Gholson, 2020 agricultural intern and deputy director of public policy for OSU/A&M Board of Regents.

“I don’t believe I would be where I am today without participating in the internship program,” she added. “It offers so many valuable opportunities that allow your career to thrive right out of school — opportunities that are hard to find in other internships.”

For Gholson, understanding the importance of the program is why she has joined the program’s selection and interview committee.

She also checks in with the interns through her role at the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, keeping her involved in the program as an alumna.

The future of agriculture is rooted in policy and the Agricultural

Legislative Internship Program, Pfeiffer said. Legislators recognize the importance of creating these experiences for students, as many interns have returned to work at the Capitol, he added.

For students interested in agricultural policy, this program is a great option to explore the career field and make a network of professionals within the policy field, Gholson said.

“Simply taking the risk to apply and putting yourself out there — even if you’re unsure about working in public policy — can be incredibly rewarding,” Gholson added. “I truly think you should go for it, as it will open the door to countless great opportunities.”

BRIELLE PROCK

DENAIR, CALIFORNIA

APPLICATION DETAILS Agricultural Legislative Internship Program applications typically open in September before the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Fair and will be posted on the Ferguson College of Agriculture Canvas page.

Interested students can visit the program’s booth during the career fair and ask questions about the program. Application requirements include a résumé and short statement of interest.

Applications are due in early October with interviews scheduled for mid-October. The positions are announced late October.

Riley Gilreath (right) works with Rep. John Pfeiffer who serves Oklahoma’s 38th District.

Photo by Hannah Wilcocks.

Source: Ferguson College of Agriculture COWBOY JOURNAL 71

Kyle Waters was a walk-on pitcher for the Oklahoma State University Baseball Team in 1995. Photo by Madison Zweiacker.

72 SUMMER/FALL 2025

BEYOND THE

S

MOUND

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE ALUMNUS PROVIDES ATHLETIC FACILITY LEADERSHIP

ometimes the mark of a player is not determined by strikes or home runs. Success can be measured by how a player handles the curveballs of life.

Kyle Waters, senior associate athletic director of facilities for Oklahoma State University, has experienced a few curveballs firsthand.

Growing up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Waters spent most of his days with his best friend Josh Holliday in the dugout at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, home of the OSU Baseball Team.

“Everything Josh would do, Kyle would do,” said Tom Holliday, head coach for the OSU Baseball Team from 1997 to 2003. “He was at our house every day. If the weather was good, they would go outside and hit baseballs, throw footballs around, shoot some hoops, or go fishing. Kyle never had to knock on the door.”

In fall 1995, Waters became a walkon pitcher for the OSU Baseball Team, but then, the curveballs of life started coming. After three shoulder surgeries and three years without stepping on the field, Waters decided to pursue a different dream, he said.

“I became the equipment manager in the spring of 1997,” Waters said.

“After all the surgeries, I could never throw without shoulder pain, much less with any velocity.”

Spring 1998, however, brought a life change. Waters was placed on academic suspension from OSU and had a bursar bill to pay.

“It was good and bad, depending on how you look at it,” Waters said. “I was working at Coney Island, the Wormy Dog Saloon and The Barn while still

working as the equipment manager. I had more time to work on the field.”

During that time, Waters made connections and proved his value on the field in a different way, he said.

“I had the highest level of trust in him, and he was like my third kid,” Tom Holliday said. “He reported to the coach. He liked working on the field and was good at handling the equipment we had. We never had to worry about Kyle.

“He wanted to be a manager, but I did not want that for him,” Tom Holliday added.

In the fall of 1998, Dean and Sue McCraw paid $850 for Waters’ bursar bill to be cleared, and he was able to return to school. Dean McCraw was an OSU Extension horticulturist in the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.

“Dr. McCraw was a huge influence in getting me back on the right path,” Waters said. “I remember talking to Greg Bell, who was my academic adviser, and Dennis Martin, horticulture and landscape architecture professor, about taking horticulture and turfgrass courses, and I never looked back.”

In December 2002, Waters took a job in Buffalo, New York, as a groundskeeper for the Buffalo Bisons, a Triple-A baseball team.

“I was one class short of graduating,” Waters said. “I ended up taking it online and graduating in the Spring 2003 instead of Fall 2002.”

Waters earned a degree in horticulture and landscape architecture with emphasis in turf management.

In September 2003, Waters accepted a job in Los Angeles for Anschutz Entertainment Group.

For the next 13 years, Waters worked his way up from the sports turf and grounds director to facilities director to vice president of operations assessment at the soccer complex.

“I learned a lot at AEG,” Waters said. “We were challenged to generate revenue from what facilities we had.

We had as many as 200 events per year and needed to make $100,000. In addition, I learned how to communicate our goal with people — security, event staff, sponsors and guest services. I then learned to combine all the steps to have a successful event.”

Waters gained experience hosting major events such as major league soccer matches, tennis matches, music festivals, major league soccer cup and the ESPN X Games.

“We would push the field to the brink and then re-sod it,” Waters said.

“We finished the X Games on a Sunday, moved the dirt Monday through

A lot of people didn’t give up on me … but it’s not how you start something. It’s how you finish.

KYLE WATERS COWBOY JOURNAL 73

Kyle Waters (far left) receives an Above and Beyond Award from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame during the 2025 Boys from Oklahoma Concert. Joining Waters are Nicklaus Hamburg (front left), Nick Gedra, Grant Tracy, Jason Boland, Mandi Boland, Mike McClure, Stoney LaRue (right of Waters), Tony Corbell, Shannon Canada, Megan Herriman, Brad Piccolo, Randy Ragsdale, Grady Cross, Cody Canada, Chris Compton, John Cooper, Hugh Foley, Jeremy Plato and Ben Han. Photo by Phil Clarkin.

Tuesday, laser-leveled the field on Wednesday, laid new sod on the field on Thursday, and had a soccer game on Saturday.

“I still talk to my colleagues in California,” he added. “When you’re laying sod at midnight, the bonds with your team become strong.”

Then, Waters experienced the biggest curveball of his career during the spring of 2016.

“Former OSU Athletic Director Mike Holder called and asked me to come back to OSU,” Waters said. “I told him I didn’t think he needed a guy like me. He said, ‘I would like to talk to you about an opportunity.’”

After much thought and a call from Josh Holliday, who had become head coach for OSU Baseball, Waters accepted the job.

On April 1, 2016, Waters returned to Stillwater and became OSU’s senior associate athletic director of facilities.

“This was our ticket home,” said Kate Waters, Kyle’s wife. “We were going to be able to be close to our family, dirt roads, and the wide-open spaces that were hard to find in L.A.” Once back at OSU, Kyle Waters oversaw the construction of Neal 74 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Patterson Stadium for the OSU Women’s Soccer Team in 2018 and O’Brate Stadium for the OSU Baseball Team in 2020.

“His job is unique, very critical and never understood,” Tom Holliday said.

“Clean and beautiful ballparks are important to fans.”

Kyle Waters’ latest project was preparing and overseeing the 2025 Boys from Oklahoma concert. For him, though, the event was more than just a concert, he said.

“My relationships with the bands started when I was working at the Wormy Dog Saloon and with OSU Athletics,” Kyle Waters said. “At the Wormy Dog, Shannon Canada was my boss for four months. I used to see Cody Canada every Tuesday night.”

Shannon Canada and Kyle Waters kept in contact after she went to work full time for Cross Canadian Ragweed.

“Shannon and I worked hand-inhand on the concert,” Kyle Waters said.

When the time comes to move on, Kyle Waters wants to leave a legacy of empowerment, he said, and ensure OSU Athletics can continue to run well because of its great staff in facilities, events and operations, he added.

“I started with no idea what I wanted to do but eventually found something I truly enjoyed,” Kyle Waters said. “I love organizing live events and building a team.

“A lot of people didn’t give up on me even when I assumed skipping class consistently would help me in earning a degree,” Kyle Waters added, “but it’s not how you start something. It’s how you finish.

“Sometimes finding a passion then starting that process is the hardest part,” he said. “I am not ashamed of how I started because I learned life lessons, but I am proud of how I finished. Without people like Tom Holliday, Mike Holder, or Dean and Sue McCraw, Kate and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be back. I am forever grateful for that.”

MADISON ZWEIACKER STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA

Insects of

IMPACT

Tobacco hornworms are used in research on insect development and physiology from Haobo Jiang’s lab. Photo by Allie Jo Owens.

76 SUMMER/FALL 2025

T

RESEARCH HELPS BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN INSECTS AND HUMAN HEALTH

he hum of LED lights and the soft shuffle of microscope slides fill the entomology lab in the Oklahoma State University Noble Research Center. Students work intently, while Haobo Jiang moves through the room, offering guidance and sharing insights from the research he began in 1991.

Jiang, entomology and plant pathology professor at OSU, received his undergraduate degree from a university in Shanghai, China.

Jiang then moved to Kansas in 1991 to begin his graduate studies at Kansas State University, where his research on the tobacco hornworm began.

Jiang’s research is aimed at animal and human health improvement and agricultural pest control, he said.

“Nobody knows what’s going on inside an insect,” Jiang said. “If we understand the interactions that go on

inside them, we can use the knowledge to control agricultural pests.”

The tobacco hornworm, while not directly related to human health, is the model system in entomology research, said Michael Kanost, professor at KSU and Jiang’s graduate professor in 1991.

“It’s easy to grow, and it’s big,” Kanost said. “The tobacco hornworm is the entomologist’s version of the mouse for research.”

In 2000, Jiang accepted a job in the OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture where he continued the research on the tobacco hornworm.

The research consists of studying the insect’s genetic makeup and what signals are sent during the wound healing and immune responses to infection in the caterpillar’s blood.

“Understanding these pathways is key,” Kanost said. “The proteins found in a hornworm’s blood can be the key

to understanding insect-to-human disease transfer in other insects.”

The versatility of the tobacco hornworm’s genes and its body size allow the research to be used to understand more complex and smaller insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, Jiang said.

“It’s the elephant in the insect kingdom,” Jiang said. “Let’s start by working on this big caterpillar and then work on something smaller.”

Not only are ticks and mosquitoes pests in the agricultural industry, but also these insects carry deadly diseases to humans and animals, Jiang said.

Mosquitoes can carry malaria, parasites, and Dengue, Zika, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, while ticks can carry Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, Jiang said.

“Of course, mosquitoes are tiny,” Jiang said. “Therefore, you can only get a tiny amount of blood to study.”

COWBOY JOURNAL 77

Left: Haobo Jiang studies blood samples in his lab. Right: Haobo Jiang uses the tobacco hornworm model to showcase insect anatomy to his classes. Photos by Allie Jo Owens.

By graphing and documenting the tobacco hornworm’s genetic makeup, Jiang and his lab team have made academic strides toward working directly on the smaller insects that cause consistent issues for the agricultural industry, he said.

“Understanding the relationship between the parasite and host is vital,” Jiang said. “We may be able to use this new knowledge to control these agricultural pests, and that’s just one thing we can gain.”

The tobacco hornworm is the entomologist’s version of the mouse for research.

MICHAEL KANOST 78 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Although the desire to study mosquitoes is more prevalent in entomology, a researcher must start from somewhere, Jiang said.

“The knowledge from our basic biochemical research on a caterpillar was used to produce technology for a significant medical use,” Jiang said in part of his accepted grant proposal to the National Institute of General Medical Science.

The tobacco hornworm research continues to thrive because of the health impacts predicted by the results, Jiang said.

“NIGMS bought this theory because you need to start from the basics,” Jiang said. “Research needs to be built on a solid background, which is biochemistry. So, we can start there and build to other species.”

Although the tobacco hornworm research done by Jiang and his OSU team still needs time to continue to progress and expand, the concept that humans can be indirectly healed through caterpillar blood studies is possible, Jiang said.

“If smaller insects cannot be studied directly, we can study something that’s a bit of a long shot and still benefit,” Jiang said. “It is a very practical way to go toward what we need.”

Understanding this research from an outside perspective can be difficult, Jiang said. However, knowing the tangible solutions it can have on the agricultural industry is the reason behind his passion, he said.

Having worked with this same caterpillar species since 1991, Jiang has a genuine passion and love for finding ways to better human and animal health, he said.

“At this age, this is my destiny,” Jiang said.

ALLIE JO OWENS FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Successful

R

LEADER IN MUSHROOM PRODUCTION HAS A LASTING IMPACT

edefining local agriculture, Virgil Jurgensmeyer used his personal experiences to create a farm-to-table success story.

Now, his company, J-M Farms, is considered a national force in mushroom production, growing more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms a week.

Yet, the journey from spore to supper is anything but simple, said Curtis Jurgensmeyer, chairman of J-M Farms and son of the late Virgil and Marge Jurgensmeyer. With a master’s in agricultural education, Virgil Jurgensmeyer began his professional career as an industrial arts teacher in Elden, Missouri, he said.

After teaching, Virgil Jurgensmeyer went to work for Ralston Purina in St. Louis, where he managed a turkey processing plant.

“Ralston built several locations around the country,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said. “Eventually, they moved my father back to their corporate office in St. Louis, and he remotely oversaw all the mushroom farms east of the Mississippi River, and his co-worker, Daryl McLain, oversaw the mushroom farms west of the Mississippi River.”

The two worked together at the Ralston Purina corporate office. After working in a corporate environment,

the pair felt managing mushroom facilities from a remote location no longer satisfied their career goals, Curtis Jurgensmeyer said. The pair left Purina in 1979 and purchased land in Miami, Oklahoma.

“They started construction in 1979,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said. “They picked their first mushrooms in March of 1980. The farm was designed to grow 40,000 pounds of mushrooms a week. We’ve had multiple expansions to get where we are now.”

In May 1987, Senate Bill 187 was signed into action, setting in motion development of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center

J-M Farms sells portobella mushrooms to restaurants and grocery stores. Photo by Brianna Stockwell.

COWBOY JOURNAL 79

and envisioning an Oklahoma trade program to enhance the marketability and processing of Oklahoma products, said Roy Escoubas, the FAPC director.

“Virgil was a charter member of the center’s Industry Advisory Committee,” Escoubas said, “and he became one of the 15 people who were appointed to serve.”

The committee oversees the center’s prioritization, internal operations, business programs and much more, Escoubas said. Virgil Jurgensmeyer started as a committee member in 1997 and retired from his seat in 2020.

“After Virgil’s retirement, I recruited Curtis Jurgensmeyer to become a part of the Industry Advisory Committee,” Escoubas said, “He has held this position for five years now, following in his father’s footsteps.”

The Jurgensmeyer family felt it was time to give back to the FAPC, Escoubas said. After much discussion, the Jurgensmeyers decided to donate $250,000 in 2011 for an endowed

professorship within the FAPC and focusing on food safety research.

At the time, the OSU Board of Regents would match any monetary donation toward an endowment. This opportunity led to the creation of the Virgil and Marge Jurgensmeyer Endowed Professorship.

“Once it was launched, we held a competition for the professorship here,” Escoubas said. “It was only for faculty members in the FAPC. Currently, Ravi Jadeja, associate professor, holds the professorship.”

Today, J-M Farms employs more than 400 people. All mushrooms at J-M Farms are harvested by hand, and a new mushroom crop grows every day.

Picking and harvesting is conducted 365 days a year, which is necessary to ensure the highest quality of mushroom, Curtis Jurgensmeyer said.

“We are a fully integrated company,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said. “We make our own compost and grow, harvest, package, and distribute mushrooms to customers. We do it start to finish.”

Left: Virgil Jurgensmeyer. Right: Marge (left) and Virgil Jurgensmeyer lived and operated J-M Farms in Miami, Oklahoma. Photos courtesy of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.

80 SUMMER/FALL 2025

J-M Farms is equipped with more than 33,000 beds for growing, Curtis Jurgensmeyer added. The beds are 4 feet by 6 feet and filled with homemade compost. The compost includes wheat straw, chicken litter, gypsum, urea and cottonseed meal.

“We bring in the raw ingredients ourselves,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said.

“We use on average 60 tons of wheat straw a day and gather chicken litter from local producers in the area, so our compost is environmentally friendly.”

When the compost is no longer being used, J-M Farms pasteurizes it.

Not only will it kill any of the mushroom strains left behind, but also it diminishes any mold it could’ve grown during the process, he added.

After pasteurization, the remaining product is sold to people for potting soil. J-M Farms also practices sustainable agriculture by capturing water used for the mushrooms, Curtis Jurgensmeyer said.

“All water is captured, which means we don’t have any water runoff,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said. “We also irrigate with wastewater to try and reuse as much as we can.”

The varieties grown by J-M Farms consist of white button, cremini and portobella mushrooms. Trucks at J-M Farms distribute to corporate grocery store chains, including Walmart, Homeland, Safeway and United Supermarkets, he added.

“Deliveries are made to the Walmart distribution centers across Oklahoma,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said.

“We have trucks deliver roughly four times a week.”

Besides wholesaling, J-M Farms mushrooms are a menu staple to many restaurants, including Hideaway Pizza. J-M Farms has developed the perfect size for Hideaway’s famous fried mushroom appetizer, Curtis Jurgensmeyer said.

“The primary sizing spec is smaller than button size so they can batter, fry, and serve them as a delicious appetizer,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said, “I always order them when I go to Hideaway Pizza.”

A food distributor guarantees all Hideaway Pizza locations receive

mushrooms from J-M Farms in a timely manner, said Balay Hartman, director of marketing and branding at Hideaway Pizza. The proximity of using local products aligns with Hideaway Pizza’s initiative to serve freshness and quality, she added.

“Hideaway Pizza is very atmosphere-driven,” Hartman said. “Our competitors are more take-out driven, so the more family fun and the higher quality of the product, the better.”

Hideaway Pizza receives two different varieties of mushrooms from J-M Farms, button and cremini.

“We have worked with our food distributor and J-M Farms throughout the years to cultivate the perfect small to mid-range mushroom for frying,” Hartman said. “We look for a good ratio of batter to mushroom in our famous appetizer.”

Hideaway Pizza incorporates sliced cremini mushrooms on the menu for toppings and specialty pizzas, Hartman said. The connection between J-M Farms and Hideaway Pizza has been active for more than 20 years, she added.

“The connection started at a Made in Oklahoma event,” Curtis Jurgensmeyer said. “This is when Hideaway Pizza was a younger company, and they wanted to know if we could grow this particular size.”

J-M Farms and Hideaway Pizza are both members of the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

With time and innovation, Virgil Jurgensmeyer used his professional and career experiences as a gateway to build a family-owned operation.

As J-M Farms continues to expand, the impact left by Virgil and Marge Jurgensmeyer remains embedded in the daily farming operations as well as the FAPC.

EMMA FARMER

FORT COBB, OKLAHOMA

The mushrooms at J-M Farms grow in beds, or trays. These beds are filled with compost produced at the facility. Photo by Brianna Stockwell.

FAST FACTS • The original farm was built to produce 2 million pounds of mushrooms a year. J-M Farms now produces 25 million pounds.

• Mushrooms do not need sunlight to grow.

• J-M Farms picked the first mushroom crop March 13, 1980, and made their first delivery the next day.

• One cup of mushrooms has only 15 calories.

• The company was originally named J&M Farms but was later changed to J-M Farms when Virgil Jurgensmeyer purchased Daryl McLain’s interest in 1982.

• In 1991, the J-M Farms facility increased by 50%.

• Mushrooms double in size every 24 hours.

• Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants.

• The average American consumes roughly 4 pounds of mushrooms each year.

• When harvesting, pickers will cut the stem of the mushroom.

They then sort them by size into different containers.

• Fungi breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

• Certain varieties of mushrooms contain compounds that can help boost the immune system.

• Worldwide, button mushrooms are the most commonly consumed variety.

Sources: The American Mushroom Institute & J-M Farms COWBOY JOURNAL 81

Freezing for a

1 4 1. John Gustafson (left), Shane Robinson, Jason Warren, Jayson Lusk and Chelsea Alexander Fitzgerald prepare to make a plunge. 2. Cody Hollingsworth braces for a cold drop. 3. Ferguson College of Agriculture representatives splash for Oklahoma Special Olympics. 4. Chelsea Alexander Fitzgerald prepares to take a dive. 5. OSU Rodeo Team members Harli Gomes (left), Haley Hunt and A.J. Graft jump for a good cause. 6. John Gustafson is the strong man of the day. 7. Chelsea Alexander Fitzgerald (left), Camryn Fitzgerald, Halie Runner, Pistol Pete, and Shelly Legg say Go Pokes! Photos by Payton Irick and Addison Raber.

82 SUMMER/FALL 2025

r a Cause 2025

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5

6

3

7 COWBOY JOURNAL 83

Raising the Bar G

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR HELPS EXPAND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM

rowing up in Norman, Oklahoma, Julie LaBar never imagined she would find herself in Stillwater, shaping the next generation of environmental scientists. However, as an assistant professor for Oklahoma State University’s environmental science program, she is doing just that.

LaBar’s journey into environmental science was not straightforward.

Initially a chemistry and music major at the University of Oklahoma, she soon realized her passion lie elsewhere, a shift she credited to her undergraduate research experience, she said.

“I thought, ‘I want to solve problems,’” she said. “I gravitated toward environmental science, and that’s what I did for my bachelor’s degree.”

During her final year of undergraduate studies, LaBar discovered her passion for mining reclamation through her capstone project, she said.

The experience sparked her interest in research and problem-solving, leading her to pursue graduate studies in environmental science, she added.

While earning her master’s degree at OU, she worked as a research scientist in a mining remediation lab.

After earning her doctorate at OU, she

completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, researching coal mine fields before spending four years teaching at Centenary University in New Jersey.

Although LaBar enjoyed working with students, she found it challenging to incorporate research and applied projects in a teaching-intensive setting, she said.

“I like to do research with students and get them involved in more applied projects, so I knew I needed a different environment,” she added.

As LaBar began looking for opportunities, Oklahoma became a forerunner for many reasons, she said.

“The position at OSU was just everything I wanted to do,” she said.

“It was teaching, mentoring, advising and researching in a truly student-centric environment. OSU, especially the Ferguson College of Agriculture, has a concentrated and deliberate effort to maintain connection with students.”

Karen Hickman, OSU environmental science program director, was part of the hiring committee that brought LaBar to the university.

“Julie and I met in 2022 during her interview for the first assistant professor position in environmental

I learned reaching non-science students isn’t that different from reaching science students. It’s all about their mindset.

JULIE LABAR 84 SUMMER/FALL 2025

science,” Hickman said. “Before that, we never really had a dedicated faculty member for environmental science, so it was a big deal for our program.”

LaBar’s teaching philosophy was shaped by her time at Centenary University, she said, where she was known for making science logical to non-science students.

“I became known as the professor who could finally make science understandable,” LaBar said. “My classes were open to all students to fulfill their science credits. I learned reaching non-science students isn’t that different from reaching science students.

It’s all about their mindset.”

At OSU, LaBar expanded her teaching into more hands-on learning experiences. One of her newest courses, ENVR 4113 Advanced Environmental Sampling and Analysis, reflects her commitment to preparing students for the field, she said.

The decision to combine ENVR 4113 with ENVR 3113 Environmental Sampling and Analysis to create a two-semester sequence was influenced by student and faculty feedback, LaBar said.

“They collect samples, analyze data, write reports, perform statistics, and learn quality control measures to ensure their data is defensible,” she said.

The faculty in the environmental science program had analyzed hundreds of job postings to identify key skills students needed, LaBar said.

“I took that list and incorporated as many of those skills as possible into the two-course sequence,” LaBar said.

“I want to make sure all of our students are prepared.”

Julie LaBar finds her educational niche at OSU by getting students involved in applied projects. Photo by Abby Bell.

COWBOY JOURNAL 85

Julie LaBar (second from right) assists Eason Pinney (left), Evan Elk and Regan Deranek-Williams as they filter water samples to analyze concentrations of total dissolved and total suspended solids during an ENVR 4113 lab session. Photo by Abby Bell.

LaBar’s expertise has played a significant role in the program’s growth, Hickman said.

“She really solidified environmental science as a discipline within the plant and soil sciences department,” Hickman said. “She brought in relationships and perspectives we hadn’t had before.”

Hickman highlighted LaBar’s contributions to interdisciplinary studies, particularly in the crossover between environmental science and plant and soil sciences.

“Her academic home is in plant and soil sciences, which creates great opportunities for crossover,” Hickman said. “She stepped in to teach environmental soil chemistry, which is a critical course for students in both plant and soil sciences and in environmental science.

“Not many faculty members are willing to jump into a class that wasn’t originally designed for them, but she did it with real confidence and skill,” Hickman added.

One of LaBar’s key contributions has been exposing OSU students to the 86 SUMMER/FALL 2025

different protocols and quality control measures as well as helping them understand various organizations, Hickman said.

“She has experience with federal and state agencies, so she knows exactly what they look for,” Hickman said. “This means our students are now exposed to different agency standards, making them more prepared for careers in the field.”

Scotland Souders, who graduated in Spring 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, said LaBar’s classes helped shape her career path.

“Taking her class solidified my decision to work in environmental science,” Souders said. “I really enjoyed the lab work we did.

“It was very hands-on, and we spent a lot of time working outside,” Sounders added. “That experience made me excited about working in the field as a job and ultimately led me to become an environmental specialist.”

Beyond coursework, LaBar played a critical role in guiding Souders through her research, she said.

“Dr. LaBar did a great job of not only helping me understand my research topic but also teaching me the research process as a whole,” Souders said. “She showed me how to balance lab work while analyzing results, which has been really valuable in my career.”

Whether helping students navigate complex research topics or guiding them through hands-on fieldwork, LaBar said seeing them thrive is the most rewarding part of her work.

“The biggest thing I want students to take away is they are capable of doing the work,” she said. “The resources are always there, and if they can’t find them, I’m here to help. Our support doesn’t stop when they graduate.”

ABBY BELL

BRISTOW, OKLAHOMA

Bravo! Bravo!

OSU AGRICULTURE IT TEAM EARNS INAUGURAL BRAVO AWARD FOR PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY

B

ehind every groundbreaking project is a team whose hard work might go unnoticed.

In December 2024, the OSU Agriculture Information Technology Team received the inaugural Bravo Award for their preparation and ability to execute the technology plans for the new Agricultural Hall, a key facility to research and education.

The team, however, was unaware they would receive an award.

“It was a surreal moment because it was a huge surprise for all of us when our names were called to receive the Bravo Award,” said Mike Rasmussen, OSU Agriculture IT manager.

IT teams are not used to having the spotlight on them, he added.

Team members like to stay behind the computer and receive satisfaction from positive feedback from faculty and staff, he added.

The Bravo Award recognized the OSU Agriculture IT team for their behind-the-scenes contributions that made Agricultural Hall operational, said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture.

“The work included new technologies that advanced the educational opportunities for students,” said Dwayne Hunter, senior director of OSU Agriculture IT. The planning process to implement the technology infrastructure was monumental because of the timeliness of the project, Lusk said.

“We were tasked with integrating technology that wasn’t used anywhere else on campus,” Hunter said. “It was a big challenge, but also it was a huge opportunity for us.

“We had to ensure every system worked seamlessly and met the needs of both the faculty and students,” he

added. “It was groundbreaking for our division, and it set a new standard for the kinds of tools we can provide.”

The IT team got a first look at the building before moving technology to allow the team to approach this project appropriately, Hunter said.

Faculty members had visions and goals they wanted to meet in the new building regarding technology, Rasmussen said.

“We really listened to the faculty about what they needed in the new space,” Rasmussen said. “The five new computer labs were designed with that feedback in mind, and they are equipped with more advanced technology than ever before.”

OSU Agriculture includes more than 150 faculty members, and each one has computers, monitors, and often multiple devices. For those moving into the new building, this

Austyn Greenlee uses the agricultural communications computer laboratory in the layout and design class. Photo by Elena Santiago.

COWBOY JOURNAL 87

The OSU Agriculture Information Technology team receives the inaugural Bravo Award at the awards luncheon: Cynda Clary (lower front left), associate dean; Alex Hanson; Shawn Chiusano; Scott Wilson; Joseph Mukembo; Jessica Wilson; Mike Rasmussen, OSU Agriculture IT manager; Scott Senseman (back left), OSU Agricultural Research associate vice president; Dwayne Hunter, OSU Agriculture IT senior director; Andrew Lowe; Carl Hamby; Donald Smith; and Damona Doye, OSU Extension associate vice president. Photo by Mitchell Alcala.

technology had to be relocated and set up in a timely way, Lusk said.

The challenge was not only moving the equipment but also ensuring the software functioned as seamlessly as it did before, Hunter said.

The new computer labs needed to operate correctly — including a new agricultural communications classroom where Cowboy Journal is produced — and required entirely new systems, he added.

This meant installing new computers, loading applications, and ensuring everything was properly set up, Lusk said.

Despite the challenge, Hunter and Rasmussen had a solid team to support each other, Lusk said. Each person had a pivotal role, he added.

Rasmussen was entrusted in setting up the computer labs, Hunter said.

Other team members prepared faculty suites and huddle rooms.

“Everyone had a clear role,” Hunter said. “Each person took ownership of 88 SUMMER/FALL 2025

their area. The real sense of teamwork made all the difference.”

This dedication and teamwork brought about the surprise recognition, which the team received at the 2024 Annual Employee Appreciation Awards Luncheon.

“We had no idea we were even getting the award,” Rasmussen said.

“Dwayne Hunter just asked us to come to the luncheon, which is normal, so it took us completely by surprise.”

Lusk knew the importance of recognizing IT’s contributions, he said.

“The Bravo Award is a way to say thank you and job well done,” Lusk said. “I don’t think we do enough of that at times. Certainly, when we step back and think about the individuals or groups who are deserving of an extra pat on the back, IT was the first to come to mind.”

Hunter was a bit uneasy about going on stage to receive the award, he said, but pleased because he felt the team’s efforts were appreciated.

“I think to have that tangible recognition allows us to feel what we’ve done is valued,” Hunter said. “It shows the effort and energy we spent on the project was worth it.”

With the Bravo Award now established, the OSU Agriculture IT team has set an example for departments and other college to follow, Rasmussen said.

“Recognizing exceptional work helps set standards for excellence,” Hunter said. “It is a reminder that behind every successful project there’s often a team making it all possible.”

ELENA SANTIAGO

FREDERICK, OKLAHOMA

Innovative

Water Solutions

I

OKLAHOMA RESEARCHERS TURN DIRTY WATER INTO A CLEAN OPPORTUNITY

n Oklahoma, the largest byproduct of oil and gas production is produced water. However, through innovative research, Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Water Resources Center teams are working to develop methods to clean the produced water for industrial, agricultural and other uses.

“When we produce oil and gas, water comes out with that because it’s naturally present in the formations,” said Prem Bikkina, associate professor of chemical engineering in the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

“But when I say water, I mean it’s not drinkable,” he said. “It’s dirty, and

loaded with dissolved salts, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and sometimes radioactive materials.”

A common misconception is produced water is the same product as fracking fluid, said Kevin Wagner, OWRC director.

“That’s a small part of it, but the water produced day in and day out during

WHAT IS PRODUCED WATER?

Prem Bikkina works to find new and efficient ways to turn produced water into a usable resource. Photo by Hannah Wilcocks.

Produced water is the largest byproduct of the oil and gas industry and comes from all production stages. This includes water produced during fracking, flowback and production. The quality of produced water is poor, containing high levels of naturally occurring salinity, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other pollutants.

Produced water can be potentially contaminated with drilling fluids or other contaminants as well.

Because of the poor quality, produced water has been treated as a waste product being disposed of through reinjection, evaporation ponds and direct discharge.

Seven regions are identified as the most prominent in oil and gas development. One of these regions is the Mid-Continent, which includes Oklahoma, southern Kansas and northern Texas.

Source: Oklahoma Water Resources Center

COWBOY JOURNAL 89

All produced water starts with pumping oil. Photo by Sidney Whitney.

oil and gas production is where most of the produced water is generated,” Wagner said.

For every barrel of oil produced, up to 10 barrels of produced water are generated, according to the OWRC, which is housed in OSU Agriculture.

“That’s a huge volume,” Bikkina said. “Produced water is the largest liquid waste stream in the United States, far surpassing other hazardous liquid wastes.”

Treated as a waste product, the produced water is often reinjected, evaporated or discharged, Wagner said.

“Injecting produced water back into deep formations has been our go-to method,” Wagner said. “But, when you inject too much too quickly, it can lead to seismic activity, which is part of the reason we’re exploring other options.”

The OSU produced water research team includes faculty members from multiple departments who are working in different areas, such as water treatment and resource.

“We’re not just looking at one solution,” Bikkina said. “We’re examining 90 SUMMER/FALL 2025

everything from extracting valuable metals to treating the water so it can be used in agriculture.”

The research accelerated after seismic events in parts of Oklahoma were linked to rapid water injection, Wagner said.

“When we saw the link between injection rates and seismicity, it was a wake-up call,” Wagner said. “We had to develop treatment methods that could make the waste something beneficial.”

The treatment process OSU researchers are trying to develop involves a multi-stage approach.

“The first step is to remove the oil and hydrocarbons,” Wagner said.

“Pretreatment is essential before we move to desalination.”

Produced water contains as much as 10 times the amount of salt as seawater has in it, according to the Hydro Science Journal.

“This extra salt makes desalination harder, requiring lots of energy and effort,” Wagner said.

“Traditional desalination methods like reverse osmosis work, but they

consume a lot of energy,” Wagner added. “We’re exploring solar thermal distillation. Basically, we use solar energy to boil the water, capture the steam – which is free of salts – and then condense it.

“It’s an energy-saving approach that could be a game changer,” he added.

Raw produced water contains hundreds of different chemicals, said Babu Fathepure, professor of microbiology and molecular genetics in the OSU College of Arts and Sciences.

“Some of these chemicals are toxic, and they make the water very difficult to treat,” Fathepure said. “That’s why we’re looking at biological solutions.”

Microbes, tiny organisms that can break down pollutants, could play a major role in making produced water safer, Fathepure added.

“Certain bacteria have adapted to survive in high salt environments,” Fathepure said. “These microbes can eat hydrocarbons, the same pollutants that make produced water hazardous.

They can clean the water by feeding on the contaminants.”

Fathepure’s team is testing different microbial strains to determine those most effective in treating various types of produced water, he said.

“Not all produced water is the same,” he said. “Some has more hydrocarbons. Some has different heavy metals. We’re trying to find the right bacteria that can work across different water samples.”

Beyond cleaning the water, the microbes could help extract valuable materials, Fathepure added.

Some bacteria can absorb rare elements like lithium, Fathepure said.

Researchers could use those processes to clean the water and recover valuable resources at the same time, he added.

“If we can develop cost-effective extraction methods, we can add value to the process,” Wagner said. “Instead of just treating water, we could mine it for materials such as lithium and lanthanum that are in high demand for electronics and batteries.”

Funding for the produced water research comes from multiple sources.

“We’re fortunate to have several channels of support,” Wagner said.

Produced water is the largest liquid waste stream in the U.S., far surpassing other hazardous liquid wastes.

KEVIN WAGNER The produced water project receives funding from the Oklahoma National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

The research team also received seed grants from the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology as well as support from federal agencies like the Department of Energy and the Bureau of Reclamation.

“Our work initially started with internal funding from OSU, and as we demonstrated our results, more grants followed,” Wagner added. “It’s a collaborative effort across many agencies.”

Other potential benefits of treating produced water extend to helping address Oklahoma’s water scarcity.

“Drought is a constant problem here,” Bikkina said. “Even if we can’t make the produced water drinkable, we can treat it enough for nonpotable uses like irrigating crops that aren’t for consumption or even watering lawns in areas facing water shortages.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” Bikkina added. “We’re dealing with a product with huge environmental implications. By rethinking how we treat produced water, we’re aiming to create a resource to help our communities, especially during drought.”

AMERICA’S friendliest COLLEGE TOWN

Public perception of produced water usage is still a hurdle, Wagner said.

“That’s why our focus right now is on safe, economically viable, nonpotable applications,” Bikkina said.

But, in general, people are open to using treated produced water for industrial purposes or irrigation, Wagner said.

“There’s a lot of hesitation about using treated produced water for drinking water,” Wagner said. “We’re not claiming to have all the answers.

But, every day we’re learning more about how to make this process efficient and cost-effective. It’s an exciting time for research, and we’re eager to see where it leads.”

SIDNEY WHITNEY

INDIANOLA, OKLAHOMA

WHERE COWBOYS EAT BBQ

All signs point to SWO. Check out our full calendar of events and more at VisitStillwater.org!

616 Range Rd., Stillwater, OK 74074 405-624-5454 • smokinjoesstilly.com

COWBOY JOURNAL 91

Aalap Dixit brings each of his classes to Lake Carl Blackwell. His students practice collecting data from the ponderosa pine trees to help them learn how to monitor the health of the forest. Photo by Jami Musshafen.

92 SUMMER/FALL 2025

Pines Up with the

NREM ASSISTANT PROFESSOR BRINGS FORESTRY EXPERTISE TO OSU

O

n the west coast of India in Gir National Park, Aalap Dixit found himself as a high school student volunteering to collect Asiatic lions’ scat.

“It shows how simple work like that can give great insights on what the animals are eating and the ecological complexity of it all,” said Dixit, assistant professor and silviculture specialist for the Oklahoma State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.

As a volunteer at the park, Dixit participated in different work related to species management.

His experiences turned into a curiosity for habitat and environment management and eventually silviculture, he said.

“Silviculture is one of those disciplines where anyone who is in forestry or wildlife is applying some component of it,” Dixit said. “I specialize in restoration and reforestation.”

WHAT IS SILVICULTURE? An ecosystem must be maintained and sustained — managed — for it to thrive.

Silviculture is the art and science of managing forest ecosystems. The goal is to maintain and improve forest productivity, diversity and resiliency in the reforestation pipeline.

The four stages of the reforestation cycle create a feedback loop for researchers to improve forestry efforts. The first stage is seed research. The second stage is growing those seedlings in the nursery. Stage three is planting, and stage four is monitoring the planted seedlings.

Source: OSU NREM

COWBOY JOURNAL 93

Aalap Dixit (left) takes his forestry class to tour the Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area and the Kiamichi Forestry Research Station where Corbet Weaver and the other students learn about current forestry research. Photo by Maebrey Wallace.

Although many kinds of trees grow well in Oklahoma, Dixit focuses his research on pine trees because he enjoys studying their physiology, he said.

Dixit earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, which is in India. His experiences there led him to pursue a master’s degree in environmental studies and natural resource management at TERI University, also in India, he said.

“My master’s focused on tropical forest restoration,” Dixit said. “That is where I got into restoration ecology.”

The focus on forest restoration led Dixit to earning his doctorate in forest science from Northern Arizona University in 2021, he said.

After earning his doctorate, Dixit became an assistant professor at New Mexico Highlands University.

At NMHU, he continued his research on large-scale reforestation projects, focusing on improving 94 SUMMER/FALL 2025

drought tolerance in pine seedlings to increase survival rates.

Although Dixit continued his research, most of his job included teaching forestry classes and advising students, he said.

“For me, he is not only a professor,” said Ashal Shrestha, one of Dixit’s previous students and teaching assistants from NMHU. “He is a friend.”

Shrestha plans to begin his doctoral degree at New Mexico State University in Fall 2025.

“One of the reasons I got accepted at NMSU is because of Dr. Dixit,” Shrestha said.

The NMSU professor looking for a doctoral student wanted someone with prior experience with ImageJ software, which Dixit had taught Shrestha, he said.

“It is one of those things where you teach all the tools and tricks to your students and some of those click down the line,” Dixit said.

Dixit tries to get his students interested in research by blending research and teaching and by introducing his students to big-picture ideas, he said.

“Once you start having those conversations about big-picture ideas, it’s like a piece of a puzzle, and things start coming together,” Dixit said.

Dixit wants to motivate his students to find a passion for a certain research problem to be able to do a project well, he said.

“Science is repetitive, so it is important to be invested,” Dixit said.

“With master’s students, there is already a degree of interest and motivation in a project. I want to channel that energy into the right direction.”

Dixit simplified the research process and made it more engaging for his students, Shrestha said.

“He would share cool and new ideas on forestry research and encourage me to publish papers and work on research for the future,” Shrestha added.

One of Dixit’s goals in teaching and advising is to mentor students, so they can serve the state in some capacity, whether at OSU or in forestry services, Dixit said.

Dixit joined the NREM department as an assistant professor Jan. 1, 2025.

Although Dixit enjoys teaching and mentoring students, he said his role at OSU involves teaching as well as more research, which he is excited about.

Dixit plans to continue his restoration work and use the Target Plant Concept to identify seed sources that will grow well in Oklahoma, he said.

“Target Plant Concept is where instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, we use a specialized approach,” Dixit said. “We figure out what characteristics a tree should have that will allow it to thrive, survive, and perform better at a planting site.”

Using TPC will help Dixit identify good seed genetics and nursery practices to produce high-quality seedlings for Oklahoma, he said.

“Dr. Dixit is trying to figure out what we can do to give these little

seedlings the best start,” said Casey Meek, assistant superintendent of the OSU Kiamichi Forestry Research Station in Idabel, Oklahoma.

Dixit plans to take over projects from previous staff members who have left the station and write proposals to continue researching loblolly pine and shortleaf pine species, he said.

Because of his interest in those two species, Dixit can help commercial growers and conservation stakeholders, Meek added.

“Shortleaf pine is a species that is more native here,” Meek said. “It is used more for conservation and wildlife, and it gets overlooked sometimes because it is not a commercial, fast-growing loblolly pine.”

One project Dixit will work on is growing a shortleaf pine orchard, Meek said.

Orchards are important in forestry research because trees take a long time to grow, and researchers need to be able to follow the trees for upward of 30 years and then multiple generations after, Meek said.

“It is not enough to have a seedling and say that it is performing superiorly,” Meek said. “What we need to know is how that tree is going to act in 10, 20 or 30 years.

“Row crop farmers get their results every year, but it takes 20 to 30 years to see our improvements,” Meek added.

Research can help answer many questions about fire, drought, grassland encroachment and other forestry issues in Oklahoma, Dixit said.

“TPC research has been done on that for other regions but not specifically Oklahoma,” Dixit said. “We need to figure out specific practices for our region and what will work for landowners here.”

JAMI MUSSHAFEN TULSA, OKLAHOMA

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER NMLS ID: 809962

®

COWBOY JOURNAL 95

Driven By A

Values

ADMINISTRATOR GUIDES OSU AGRICULTURE’S RESEARCH PATH

career can be shaped not only by the work you do, but also by the people you met and the lasting impact you leave.

Now serving as associate vice president of agricultural research for OSU Agriculture, Scott Senseman leads using his core values of strategy, integrity and empathy.

Senseman had these values instilled in him early on, he said, and strengthened them with the unwavering support of his wife, Laura Senseman.

Growing up on a farm in Ohio, Scott Senseman said he learned the value of hard work from his father, Allen Senseman, a lifelong farmer. His mother, Sandy Senseman, was known for her incredible cooking and her ability to create a warm, supportive environment where her son could explore his interests, he added.

Those early years taught him perseverance and the importance of doing things the right way, he said.

“My dad was one of the best examples of anyone I knew,” Scott Senseman said. “He always kept his word, whether it was paying people on time or working with them respectfully. I couldn’t have had a better example of how to do things the right way.”

As Scott Senseman moved through his career, he changed from reactive

roles to positions where he could focus more on strategy and long-term goals, he said.

At first, this shift was challenging, especially as he adjusted to the slower pace of a more strategic role, he added.

“My current role is more about strategy moving forward,” Scott Senseman said. “It’s not about getting nervous or upset in the moment. It’s about creating a clear path for the future. That helps me stay grounded.”

Scott Senseman earned his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Wilmington College of Ohio in 1986.

He then went to the University of Arkansas, where he earned a master’s degree in agronomy weed science in 1990, followed by a doctorate in agronomy pesticide residue in 1994.

Throughout his career, Scott Senseman has had one constant: his wife. The couple married Oct. 15, 1994, just two days before he started his professional career at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“She’s been a rock, supporting me through all of it,” Scott Senseman said.

“We’ve moved several times, and I’ve dragged her all around the country with me, but she’s always been incredibly supportive.”

After 19 years at TAMU, Scott Senseman moved to the University

Agriculture is at the heart of everything. We need people who are excited to make a difference.

SCOTT SENSEMAN 96 SUMMER/FALL 2025

of Tennessee. At UT, he served as the department head of plant sciences for seven years and took on an additional deputy assistant dean role of the Herbert College of Agriculture for one year. He then served as interim dean of extension for eight months before returning to the department head role just prior to coming to OSU. Laura Senseman is a passionate animal lover, he said, and the couple has welcomed many pets into their lives. Right now, they have four cats, a testament to his wife’s big heart for animals, he added.

“She’s a St. Francis at heart,” he said, referring to her dedication to rescuing and fostering animals.

The couple’s connection goes beyond their love for animals. They also enjoy spending quality time together, whether cooking, traveling, or just being there for each other, Laura Senseman said.

“Scott is someone who wants to do the best job he can, no matter what the situation is,” Laura Senseman said.

“It’s one of the reasons he’s so committed to his work, but it’s also made work-life balance a challenge at times.”

When they recognize they are out of balance, they stop and talk about it, Laura Senseman said. Cooking meals together is a good way for them to check in and make sure they are staying connected, Laura Senseman added.

Scott Senseman’s drive for growth is not limited to his career.

Whether playing golf, playing music, or practicing mind-mapping, Scott Senseman is always looking for ways to improve, he said.

Scott Senseman has found his place in Agricultural Hall serving as OSU Ag Research associate vice president. Photo by Laney Warrington.

COWBOY JOURNAL 97

Scott Senseman (left) and his wife, Laura, have been married for 30 years and have traveled around the world together. Photo by Laney Warrington.

“I always feel like I can learn something new and get a little better at it,” he said. “It’s the same in my professional life, always striving to improve.”

Mind-mapping, a method he adopted in the late 1990s, has significantly influenced Scott Senseman’s approach to problem-solving, he said. The process has become an essential tool for organizing his ideas and managing complex projects, he added.

“It’s a creative process,” Scott Senseman said. “When I can visually map out a plan, the anxiety goes away, and I feel ready to take on anything.”

Although Scott Senseman is no longer directly involved in research, he is still motivated by the passion of the scientists he works with, he said.

“What keeps me going is seeing our scientists excited about what they do,” Scott Senseman said. “When I see them out in the field, doing what they’re meant to do, that’s what inspires me to keep helping them.”

Scott Senseman’s legacy as a mentor and educator is felt deeply by 98 SUMMER/FALL 2025

his former TAMU graduate students, including Cecilia Wagner. She took his graduate classes and worked closely with him as his mentee until she earned her master’s in 2002, she said.

Wagner remembers Scott Senseman’s approach to teaching as both engaging and supportive, she said. Now living in Stillwater, Wagner still carries with her the lessons and support she received from Scott Senseman, she added.

“He taught me more than just technical skills,” Wagner said. “His focus on integrity and empathy shaped me as a young adult moving on to work and life. He always took the time to listen and help.”

Wagner also remembers how Scott Senseman’s teaching style went beyond textbooks, she said.

“Dr. Senseman made learning enjoyable and relevant, always bringing in real-world examples,” Wagner said. “As a mentor, he gave me the freedom to explore my ideas, but he always pushed me to think critically and improve.”

One of the biggest takeaways Wagner learned from Scott Senseman was a commitment to lifelong learning, she said.

“He was always encouraging us to ask questions and keep learning,” Wagner said. “He always said no matter where life takes you, education is never wasted.”

Scott Senseman’s influence goes far beyond the classroom, Wagner said, and his work has inspired those who worked alongside him and those who were lucky enough to learn from him.

“Even though it’s been over 25 years since I sat in his classroom, I recently saw him speak at Research on Tap in February and was immediately reminded of how he approaches science,” Wagner said. “It was so refreshing to hear someone speak honestly, present the facts, avoid politics, and explain things in a way everyone could understand. We need more of that.”

Scott Senseman’s work, especially in agricultural research, has had a lasting impact on his students’ views on the world, climate change, sustainability and natural resource protection, Laura Senseman said.

“When all this is over, I won’t care about the awards or publications,” Scott Senseman said. “It’s the people I’ve interacted with, especially my wife, Laura, that will matter most.”

As Scott Senseman looks ahead, he remains committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural researchers, he said.

“We need people to help us with the things we need to learn about,” Scott Senseman said. “Agriculture is at the heart of everything. We need more people who are excited to make a difference.”

LANEY WARRINGTON

MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

BUILDING A LEGACY OUT OF

MARE POWER.

DURHAM, CALIFORNIA

STRONG as an OSU AGRICULTURE DEVELOPS WHEAT VARIETY FOR BAKING

100 SUMMER/FALL 2025

T

he saying “strong as an ox” has a new meaning, particularly in the baking industry.

The new Ox wheat variety has emerged in the wheat-growing scene and is pushing the boundaries of baking for clean labels, said Brett Carver, wheat genetics chair in the Oklahoma State University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

“Ox wheat relates to wheat quality, which is distinctly different than a hard winter wheat,” Carver said. “I didn’t grasp the difference until we began testing the genetics I was working on in the industry.”

Ox wheat is testing the limits in genetic and quality testing, Carver said.

“When I started this research 12 years ago, I looked for a glutenin rarely found in hard red winter wheat,” Carver said. “This particular glutenin impacts mixing strength.

“We could target it using molecular markers,” he added. “While we couldn’t select it in the field, we can choose it based on quality testing.

“We did that, but while pursuing that specific glutenin, I realized it is not solely this glutenin responsible for the strength of the flour,” Carver said. “Something else will determine how we breed in the next generation of wheat varieties.”

With the push for “clean” labels on the rise, a new type of wheat for flour milling was needed for bakers, Carver said. A clean label refers to a shorter list of ingredients on food labels, Carver said.

“The value arises from these genetics being developed when consumers express a greater desire for fewer ingredients on a label,” Carver said.

“These genetics allow food manufacturers to claim a clean label using this flour because it possesses characteristics that could exclude various additives on a bread label.”

Ox wheat can help with consumers’ wants and needs, said Amanda De Oliveira Silva, plant and soil sciences assistant professor and OSU Extension small grains specialist.

“What I observe leans more toward consumers’ interests,” Silva said.

“Consumers genuinely care about what they see on a bread label. Typically, they dislike seeing all those additives and unfamiliar ingredients added to their food.”

An ingredient often added to bread baking is a dough conditioner, Carver said. Dough conditioner strengthens the dough and facilitates high-speed production in modern baking.

“High-speed baking requires strength that traditional grain varieties may lack,” Carver said. “While this didn’t necessarily drive the early development of Ox wheat, it has undoubtedly influenced it and continues to shape the system.”

Although Ox wheat is a strong mixing wheat, it still faces disease challenges, said Meriem Aoun, entomology and plant pathology assistant professor and small grains pathologist.

“In Oklahoma, we are dealing with about 14 diseases,” Aoun said. “We want our varieties to have good yield and quality, but at the same time, we want them to resist diseases.

“Because disease resistance is associated with yield, if you have a lot of diseases, you will have a reduction in yield,” Aoun said. “Most of our work in my program is related to stripe and leaf rust, which are the most damaging diseases in Oklahoma.”

Ox wheat was first commercially released in 2023. In that year’s drought conditions, many diseases were not as damaging to the wheat as in previous years, she said.

“The disease pattern was low that year due to the drought, so we dealt with more problems other than

Wheat is one of the oldest cultivated crops, dating back more than 10,000 years. Photo by Addison Raber.

COWBOY JOURNAL 101

Above: Brett Carver evaluates the new wheat hybrids. Below: Stripe and leaf rust are the two most damaging wheat diseases in Oklahoma.

Photos by Addison Raber.

diseases, primarily from drought conditions,” Aoun said. “Drought was the main limiting factor for yield in 2023.”

The following year was a better year in terms of moisture, so more fungal diseases, like stripe and leaf rust, affected wheat, Aoun said.

“The primary disease we encountered in 2024 was stripe rust,” Aoun said. “The good thing about the Ox variety is its strong resistance against stripe rust as well as leaf rust.”

Oklahoma also faces challenges when growing wheat because of the state’s harsh weather, Silva said.

Droughts are extreme here, not mild and slight, Silva added.

“In some years, we faced late spring freezes,” Silva said. “While we recognize these challenges, we also saw them as opportunities. They allowed us to learn how these wheat varieties tolerate stress.”

Even with the disease challenges, Ox wheat has the potential to make a massive impact on the baking industry, Silva said. With clean labels on food on the rise, Ox wheat is making waves, Silva said.

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“Ox wheat has the potential to go international, especially regarding the end-use aspects,” Silva said. “The industry is interested in this type of wheat and the flour it can produce, not only here but also globally. This type of wheat could have a significant impact internationally.”

Getting the wheat to the global market was more of an issue, Carver said. Farm Strategy was Carver’s way of getting the raw commodities to the millers, he said.

“Farm Strategy started by delivering food ingredients rather than raw commodities from production agriculture,” said Andrew Hoelscher, Farm Strategy president. “Our job is to build the whole ingredient-based supply chain.”

Making connections from the farmer to the end user is Farm Strategy’s primary goal, Hoelscher said.

“Once you harvest the grain, whether you store it in your bin or drop it in commercial storage, Farm Strategy takes over the value extraction after the grain is grown,” Hoelscher said.

“We manage all of the stewardship and legal agreements.”

Ox wheat is not just a commodity wheat, Hoelscher said. The product can be distributed globally, valued either by the pound or by its impact on all other wheat in the industry, Hoelscher added.

“It signifies a fundamental shift in how we create value with wheat,” Hoelscher said. “That fundamental change lies in its ability to enhance other wheat. It uniquely alters the baking characteristics of bread because of its inherent value.”

With the unique baking and mixing characteristics of Ox wheat, farmers can receive higher premiums for this wheat variety, Hoelscher said.

“Historically, most growers received 50 cents per bushel in premiums,” Hoelscher said. “This year, we expect to offer a premium based on product delivery. It should be around 50 cents higher per bushel for what growers receive, if not slightly higher.”

However, not every location values wheat at the same price, he said.

“The growing area is limited because if we’re utilizing this as only

New wheat varieties with unique baking characteristics can be found at OSU. Photo by Addison Raber.

2% of wheat planted, we don’t require the entire state of Oklahoma to grow it,” Hoelscher said. “In Oklahoma, there are places where, if you grow it, Ox wheat might be valued at 50 to 60 cents less than if it’s grown in a more suitable location, primarily due to freight costs.”

In 2024, five locations accepted Ox wheat to be processed, Hoelscher said.

For 2025, more locations are being added to purchase this variety.

“The opportunities are here, including the breeders familiar with the plant materials available from OSU,”

Silva said. “Carver will continue to enhance this material. The more we cultivate it, the more we understand, and he can keep refining his materials in the local environments.”

ADDISON RABER

GRIDLEY, ILLINOIS

COWBOY JOURNAL 103

Opening

Global Doors AGEC ALUMNUS PROVIDES STUDY-ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES FOR FERGUSON STUDENTS

W

hile growing up on a small farm in Pocasset, Oklahoma, Bill Armstrong had no clear idea what was ahead of him. But after graduating from Oklahoma State University, new opportunities began to emerge.

Armstrong, agricultural economics graduate and donor to OSU, was heavily influenced by his two older stepbrothers to attend the university, he said.

“My two stepbrothers attended OSU at the time I was in high school,” Armstrong said. “One was a veterinarian, and my oldest stepbrother had been there for his master’s degree.”

In 1966, Armstrong went to college with the vision of becoming a chemical engineer, he said, but soon after the first semester, he was influenced to

Bill Armstrong shares his love for international travel by funding study-abroad scholarships for OSU students. Photo by Maggie Murphy.

104 SUMMER/FALL 2025

switch to agricultural economics by some friends who lived in his dorm.

“I kept talking to them about it, watching them and seeing what job opportunities there were from being an agricultural economist, and I thought I would enjoy that field even more,” Armstrong said. “So, I changed my major and loved every bit of it.”

During his sophomore year at OSU, Armstrong was introduced to his wife Donna Hugo Armstrong, and fell in love at a young age, he said.

“I got married when I was 19 to a girl my friend introduced me to, about three months earlier,” Armstrong said.

“She committed to working and helped put us through school.”

College did not look like how he imagined, Armstrong said, but he and his wife were devoted to each other.

COWBOY JOURNAL 105

Bill Armstrong (center) spends time in a school classroom during his trip to Kenya. Photo courtesy of Bill Armstrong.

“We had a partner in life for a long time, to help us make decisions and keep us on the road career-wise,” Armstrong said.

After graduating, Armstrong began working for Ralston Purina in 1971 as part of their trainee program. He rotated through six to seven jobs within the company and became involved in the finance side of the operation, he said.

Armstrong worked his way up through Ralston Purina, but he decided to leave, he said. Then, he had an opportunity that would change his life, he added.

“I left the company for a little while,” Armstrong said. “Then, they called and asked me to come back.

They asked if I was interested in the international division of the large animal department.”

In 1989, Armstrong began his journey abroad in the international division with his wife and two daughters.

The family moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They later relocated to the Philippines, where they lived from 1992 to 1997.

Before his time abroad working for Ralston Purina, Armstrong always had a strong connection to learning more about the agriculture and technology behind feeding people around the world, he said.

“I just love to travel, meet new people, and try to understand what is really happening,” Armstrong said.

“Part of that comes from back in high school in the mid-1960s.

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“The hunger around the world had similar media coverage we get with climate change today,” he said. “The population was growing at rapid rates across the world.

“People were starving,” Armstrong added, “because we didn’t have the technology or ability to get enough food into their countries.”

Through his work at Ralston Purina, Armstrong said he gained a deeper understanding of different countries’ hunger, exploring this issue and contributing to solutions he had been intrigued about since his youth.

“That has always been something I saw and thought would be a worthy thing,” Armstrong said. “Ralston Purina worked in feeding for more efficiency, helping people with the genetics, and so, it felt like we had something to do with it.”

In 2001, Cargill Inc. acquired the international business from Ralston Purina. Armstrong continued in the same work internationally for four years before retiring in 2004.

After Armstrong’s time abroad, he returned to the United States with great gratitude for the experience and wanted to share this with others, hoping to provide someone else with that opportunity, he said.

“The first times Bill ever flew abroad was when he took his first work trip, and he said this was kind of a life-changing experience for him,” said Sara Furr, senior director of regional development for the OSU Foundation.

“He found it was important for him to share this with others.”

For the past 25 years, Armstrong has been a consistent donor to the university, dedicating the last five years to the Ferguson College of Agriculture’s study-abroad program, which he believes can benefit students, Furr said.

“Bill wants to have an impact on the number of OSU students who get to have an international experience,” Furr said. “He hopes they’ll find something that impacts them or inspires a desire to have a career abroad.”

Despite now living in Florida, Armstrong remains forever loyal and true to OSU, continuing to find ways to stay connected, Furr said.

“Bill has not lived in Oklahoma for almost 50 years now, and he has continued to support students by giving back to OSU, no matter where he has lived in the country and the world,” Furr said. “He has continued to have a passion to support students from OSU because of who he is.”

Although Armstrong has never met one of his study-abroad scholarship recipients, he received what he described as “the nicest thank you letter” from this year’s recipient, expressing her gratitude for the scholarship that made her study-abroad opportunity possible, he said.

“I don’t think I would have been able to go on the study-abroad course if it wasn’t for the scholarship,” said Josey Austin, OSU animal science junior.

Armstrong’s generosity and passion for making a difference opens the door to irreplaceable opportunities students will remember forever, Furr said.

“During the study-abroad course was my first flight and first time seeing the ocean,” Austin said. “All of those firsts would not have been possible if it weren’t for Bill.”

MORGAN DENNIS

MAXWELL, CALIFORNIA

“When products of the wheat breeding program stand a better chance against nature than the facilities used to create them, we know it’s time to upgrade.”

Brett Carver, OSU Regents Professor & Wheat Genetics Chair

OSU is doubling down on its efforts to nourish and feed the world by modernizing and improving the agronomy research station, home to one of the world’s top wheat breeding programs. The research station is located on the west side of campus along Highway 51, and includes 28 buildings used for classroom instruction, greenhouse trials, research, Extension efforts and support services.

Thank you to our top investors. Together, we will ensure OSU Agriculture remains at the forefront of discovery.

- Oklahoma Genetics, Inc. - Oklahoma Wheat Commission - Ben Rempel - Carol and J.B. Stewart - Shirley Farm

To learn more or make a gift to the Agronomy Discovery Center scan here, or contact Teresa Gustafson at tgustafson@osugiving.com.

David Lalman won the Southern Region Individual Excellence in Extension Award in 2024. Photo by Karlee Shiery.

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Ranches & Research EXTENSION SPECIALIST EARNS REGIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

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or David Lalman, the cattle industry is not just a profession.

Cattle are a lifelong passion rooted in tradition and science.

Growing up in southeast Kansas, Lalman connected to the cattle industry long before he became an Oklahoma State University Extension beef specialist.

In November 2024, he was recognized with the Southern Region Individual Excellence in Extension Award, highlighting his contributions to the industry.

Lalman’s passion for the cattle industry has been a constant, he said.

Following high school and junior college, Lalman chose to focus his career on crop and cattle production, he said.

In the 1980s, rising interest rates made it difficult to acquire land, equipment and other essential resources needed for farming, Lalman added.

“I was faced with the option to either expand in crop production or go back to school,” Lalman said.

In 1986, Lalman moved to Manhattan, Kansas, with his wife, Susan, to attend Kansas State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in animal science.

Afterward, he accepted a position at Montana State University in Bozeman as the beef cattle herdsman, which required him to pursue a master’s degree in animal and range sciences.

“I spent a little over three years in Montana, gaining valuable experience and connecting with students and faculty while completing my master’s degree,” Lalman said.

After his time in Montana, Lalman accepted a position at the University of Missouri. This role allowed him to gain experience in extension work while also pursuing a doctorate in animal sciences, Lalman said.

“Graduate school was not in the plan,” Lalman said. “I did not have it on my bucket list.

“But, that’s how it turned out,” he added. “I had a tremendous experience in each case.”

My journey to get here was not short, but I was given many great experiences working with cattle producers and helping solve problems.

DAVID LALMAN COWBOY JOURNAL 109

Alex Rocateli (left) and David Lalman use a forage meter stick for a grazing research project. Photo by Elizabeth Hokit.

As an MU Extension associate, Lalman spent a lot of time working with farmers and ranchers across Missouri, he said.

After five years at Mizzou, Lalman transitioned to his current role as the OSU Extension beef cattle specialist and brought his family to Stillwater.

“My journey to get here was not short, but I was given many great experiences working with cattle producers and helping solve problems,” Lalman said. “Overall, it allowed me to get set up for the job I have now.”

Lalman joined the OSU Beef Extension Team in 1996 and has since worked on a variety of projects related to beef cattle production, management practices, and industry outreach.

“When Dr. Lalman joined the animal and food sciences department and joined the beef team, we started working on a variety of things together,” said Damona Doye, associate vice president of OSU Extension.

Doye and Lalman were co-developers of the Master Cattlemen Program.

Together, they developed the first 110 SUMMER/FALL 2025

version of what is now the Oklahoma Beef Manual, which provides content from animal science, agricultural economics, natural resources, veterinary medicine and much more.

“Dr. Lalman has a practical approach to things,” Doye said. “His projects provide useful insights for potential savings for producers, which can be very beneficial to them.”

Lalman also helped develop a user-friendly beef cattle nutrition software program called the “Cowculator.”

“The software is downloaded more than 2,000 times a year from all over the world,” he said. “Producing something that is helpful to people has been the most rewarding part of my career.”

Lalman and his team’s recent research study examines cow efficiency by testing cattle to identify those that excel at forage utilization. Lalman’s main goal is to help producers identify the cattle in their herds that are best at utilizing forage, he said.

“Extension and research are a perfect combination because you can turn some of your extension questions into

your research program,” Lalman said.

“It really helps you connect your passion for the industry to the rewarding feeling of actually helping people with things they are interested in.”

Lalman’s impact on the cattle industry is a testament to his ongoing dedication, said Paul Beck, OSU Extension beef nutrition specialist.

“Dr. Lalman is extremely intelligent,” Beck said. “His ability to apply his research to the real world is astonishing. He has developed an outstanding extension program that showcases how passionate he is about producers meeting their goals in economics and sustainability.”

KARLEE SHIERY

CAMDEN, MICHIGAN

We work with you, because

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Food validation provides customers with added security. Photo by Kate Munson.

Food + Forensics FAPC TEAM HELPS PRODUCERS SAFEGUARD PRODUCTS BEFORE THEY ARRIVE ON GROCERY STORE SHELVES

F

ood safety begins long before manufacturing and production—it starts at the most fundamental level: the ingredients.

While food safety and microbiology evaluation typically occur after a product is developed and concerns arise, true food safety begins in the early stages of production, said Darren Scott, food technology program manager for the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.

“When creating a product, we have to consider all of the ingredients,” Scott said. “We look at how ingredients interact together and how it will affect taste, shelf life and product efficiency.”

The FAPC began its mission to add value to food and agricultural products across Oklahoma in 1997. The FAPC team strives to help companies produce a perfect product so fewer complications occur later, Scott said.

However, when products are recalled or concerns about production 112 SUMMER/FALL 2025

methods happen, Peter Muriana, OSU Extension specialist for food microbiology at the FAPC, provides support.

“Muriana has a good reputation,” said Chuck Willoughby, business and marketing relations manager at the FAPC. “His standing is well known throughout the food industry for validation, validation studies and post-package pasteurization.”

If the U.S. Department of Agriculture has concerns about how to ensure the safety of a particular product, Willoughby said, they turn to the expert they trust most: Muriana.

Validation is used as a third-party authenticator for food processors.

This type of validation is common, and although some large manufacturers have their own food microbiologists in-house, most cannot afford such a luxury, Willoughby said.

The FAPC provides those services and many other resources to small and large producers that need third-party validation, he added.

Food validation happens in one of three ways. An expert can look at the published peer-reviewed literature to determine if a company’s process is acceptable. They can verify if a product is safe based on chemical parameters, such as water, pH and activity, or test the product’s stability through inoculation, Muriana said.

“The USDA likes you to inoculate a test product, or challenge project, with the pathogen of concern,” Muriana said. “For a type of product with raw beef, salmonella would be the pathogen of concern.”

By inoculating the food product with high levels of a pathogen, one can test how susceptible the product is to contamination, Muriana said.

If a product is easily taken over by the pathogen, then a new formula for production needs to be pursued, Muriana said. However, if the food fights off the bacteria and remains safe, then the production method is considered viable, he added.

“If the product composition can knock out 10 million salmonella per gram of product by itself and does not have any salmonella detectable or recovered, then whatever lower level might be present will not even survive at all,” Muriana said.

The process of food validation is followed up by a validation report to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, Muriana said.

When the USDA-FSIS asks companies for their food safety validation, Muriana said, the companies report they are following Muriana’s protocol.

“Companies say, ‘We’re following Dr. Muriana’s published procedure,’” he said. “And they’re OK with that.”

Offering the food validation service has allowed the FAPC to serve hundreds of companies in meeting USDA compliance, Willoughby said.

“After the Food Safety Modernization Act was passed in 2011,” Willoughby said, “the Food and Drug Administration stepped up their

game, and now some manufacturers must comply with the third-party audit systems.”

Through this oversight, consumers can safely purchase products from grocery stores, small businesses and even their favorite fast-food restaurants, Willoughby said.

Validation is also encouraged for food products that do not fit into a regimented process, such as air-dried meat instead of cooked meat, Muriana said. As a result, manufacturers have also benefited from validation as a form of risk mitigation in the instance of a recall, he added.

“There may never be a recall on a certain product, but companies like to be prepared,” Muriana said. “If there is a question about a product, they already have the validation that their product is safe.”

While some validation can occur quickly, within a week or two, other validation tests can take months of trial and error. However, Muriana’s

favorite part of the process is the puzzle of it all, he said.

“My favorite part is planning a well-executed experiment to demonstrate the efficacy of a product, the safety of a product, and having the results to show it,” Muriana said.

“Especially if I have no prior experience with the product, ingredients or process, that’s where the fun comes in, challenging myself to prove if a process is safe or not.

“I tell my students that it’s like being a bacterial detective,” Muriana added. “I love it.”

KATE MUNSON LUBBOCK, TEXAS

COWBOY JOURNAL 113

Left: Sariyah Whitfield (left) works alongside Derick Hodges and her classmates in the community. Right: Cason Gore (left), Cutter Salinas and Jeffery Carter participate in a class community service project. Photos by Brielle Prock.

Developing L

H

armon County is one of two counties in Oklahoma to have all five stressors that affect a community negatively: high outward migration, low education, low employment, high poverty and high child poverty, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.

This designation caused Shane Robinson, head of the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership, to return to his hometown of Hollis, Oklahoma, to conduct research through the OSU Rural Renewal Initiative.

“The memories I have of Hollis, growing up there, are just incredible,” Robinson said. “I wouldn’t have

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changed my upbringing for the world.

Hollis Public Schools have always been meaningful to me. My parents were school teachers there.

“I love the spirit around all things that spawn out of that school system, so that was the No. 1 reason that I wanted to try to help,” Robinson added.

He and Lauren Cline, assistant professor of agricultural leadership, worked with residents to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Hollis and presented their findings to the community in an open forum.

After one of these discussions, Kimberlee Copeland, the Hollis Middle School principal, approached Robinson and Cline to suggest they combine their findings with a new elective class she had created.

They collaborated to create and customize a curriculum to benefit the community and build civic leadership and entrepreneurship skills in the Hollis youth, Cline said. The OSU curriculum aimed to teach the students how their local government operates and how they can become involved in middle school.

The program was named Hollis LEADERS, which stood for Learning Entrepreneurship and Developing Civic Engagement for Rural Success.

Copeland recruited Derick Hodges, a teacher and coach for Hollis Public Schools, to teach the new Hollis LEADERS course.

“A lot of what we know about community development is youth play a huge role,” Cline said. “Based on what

Left: Abigayle Castaneda (left) works with Shawn Garton on a floor plan for the final grant proposal. Photo by Sara Howard. Right: Students identify roads as a problem in Hollis and work with adults to fix the asphalt in front of their school. Photo courtesy of Derick Hodges.

g Leadership OSU FACULTY WORK WITH MIDDLE SCHOOLERS TO HELP IMPROVE COMMUNITY

we do in our department, focusing on youth is something we can do to help.”

The class combines career exploration and the OSU civic leadership curriculum to create an environment where sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students can research opportunities for the future and improve their community today, Hodges said.

“The class is just trying to get kids interested in life after school, basically, because a lot of kids don’t know what they want to do,” Hodges said.

“Let’s start them in middle school and junior high to give them an idea that there’s lots of opportunities out there.

“We can get the kids geared up for when they get into high school,” he added, “and give them something to drive toward.”

Three weeks each month are spent exploring potential career paths, and one week is spent learning the OSU curriculum. In the 2023-2024 academic year, Robinson and Cline visited the last Friday of each month to facilitate discussions with the students, learning what the students enjoyed and wanted to improve about their community.

Part of the course is a photovoice project in which students take pictures of what they think of when they think of Hollis, where they want to see the most change, and what opportunities they see in Hollis.

“It’s interesting to see what the kids actually put as what they were seeing and what they were thinking when they thought of Hollis,” Copeland said.

“This is the second year we’ve done

this assignment, and this year is different than last year.”

The first year’s students identified road infrastructure as the situation they wanted to improve in the Hollis community. The students then researched who to contact to repair the streets and where to find asphalt for the repairs.

Students worked with community members to coordinate two trucks to deliver asphalt and helped repair the street near their school, packing the asphalt alongside the adult workers.

“I want individuals to work intergenerationally to continue to make their communities great,” Robinson said. “Having adults work with youth for the betterment of the community is a huge win for everyone.”

COWBOY JOURNAL 115

The researchers hope the work, effort and relationships they have facilitated will continue long after the RRI team leaves the community, Robinson said. Each year the students plan a larger project proposal for community development.

The first year’s students created the idea of “Hollis Remote,” a website showcasing benefits of living in their community to encourage people to move into Hollis. They aimed the website toward people with remote jobs and worked with city officials to create an office space for remote workers.

The students in this year’s group are researching grants to build an activity center in Hollis.

“I hope to continue building on what we started,” Hodges said. “If we keep going, the kids can build on maybe last year’s and this year’s projects. That’s the goal for me – to keep the kids involved. We’ve started a project. Now, let’s see it all the way through.”

learn.extension.com by 2026. The curriculum will cost $20 per student. Anyone can use the curriculum by contacting Robinson or Cline at 405-744-5129.

Since the Hollis LEADERS project began, Shane Robinson and Lauren Cline have worked to offer the curriculum as online modules on

SARA HOWARD

HEADRICK, OKLAHOMA

RURAL RENEWAL INITIATIVE The Rural Renewal Initiative participants serve rural communities through interdisciplinary research, student mobilization and community engagement. They research effective ways to reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience through small grants.

RRI’s Rural Scholars Program sends students to live and work in rural communities to conduct research and provide community service.

RRI’s organizers aim to engage and expand a community of researchers and students to improve rural communities and build a future in which rural renewal movements are growing in every state and nation.

To learn more about RRI, visit ruralrenewal.okstate.edu or email ruralrenewal@okstate.edu.

Source: Rural Renewal Initiative

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116 SUMMER/FALL 2025

FIND YOUR STORY HERE.

PIZZA THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. 405-372-4777 | thehideaway.net 230 S. Knoblock St., Stillwater, OK 74074

Classmates, Partners &

Soulmates FERGUSON ALUMNI SHARE A LOVE ROOTED IN EDUCATION

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he air was thick with summer heat as students walked between brick buildings, preparing for their first day of school. For most, Aug. 20, 2007, was just another day, but one couple remembers it as the start of something special.

On that day, Eric Kennel and Carmen (Russell) Kennel walked into the same graduate statistics class.

They were both from Ohio but had not met yet. Both recently graduated with bachelor’s degrees in agricultural education: he from Oklahoma State University and she from The Ohio State University.

“My friend said, ‘Hey, there is a girl from Ohio coming to get her master’s degree at Oklahoma State. Make sure to be nice to her,’” Eric Kennel said.

The pair met and went to lunch after class where he was quick to ask

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if she had a boyfriend, he said. Luckily, she said no, but she did not seem too interested in dating, he added.

“It was love at first sight for Eric, but for me it was a different story,” Carmen Kennel said. “I was more interested in building a friendship.”

For the next two years, they developed a friendship as they worked toward completing their Master of Science degrees in agricultural education. They both completed research and worked to prepare for their future teaching careers.

“Simply put, my time at Oklahoma State was the best four years of my life,” Eric Kennel said. “It taught me how to be extremely independent in my classes and relationships.”

After a couple unsuccessful attempts of asking for a date, Eric Kennel heard his first “yes,” he said. In

Eric (left) and Carmen Kennel teach together at National Trail High School. Photo by Laura Wuebker.

COWBOY JOURNAL 119

Carmen Kennel (back left) and Eric Kennel encourage their children, Kashen Kennel (front left), Corbin Kennel and Clara Kennel to be involved in agriculture and FFA. Photo by Laura Wuebker.

April 2009, a month before graduation, the couple started dating.

“Before meeting Carmen, I considered staying in Oklahoma and teaching there,” he said. “But after meeting Carmen, I said, ‘Well, we’re going home to Ohio.’”

After graduating, they returned home with the hope of finding jobs, Carmen Kennel said. With few teaching positions open in Ohio, their competitive spirit came out, she added.

“She was mean,” Eric Kennel said as Carmen Kennel giggled in the background. “She would not even tell me what schools she was applying to. She wanted a job over me.”

Her plan worked, she said, and she accepted an agricultural education teaching position at Mechanicsburg High School. She taught there for two years before moving to Preble Shawnee High School in the same role.

During this time, Eric Kennel worked for his family’s business before entering the classroom to teach.

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Four years after walking into statistics class together, the couple said their vows and married Oct. 8, 2011.

Ready to start their lives together, they longed for the next adventure, Carmen Kennel said.

In 2014, Eric Kennel took an agricultural education teaching position at National Trail High School, which brought him into the classroom.

“His program was growing, and so was our family as I was pregnant with our second child,” Carmen Kennel said. “I knew it would be hard to have two really strong FFA programs and a strong family, so I applied for the second agricultural education teacher job at National Trail.”

In 2016, she joined him as the second teacher. Now, they share the same title — National Trail Miami Valley Career Technical Center agricultural education teacher and co-FFA adviser.

Today, they still teach at National Trail High School, sharing memories alongside their three children: Corbin,

12; Kashen, 9; and Clara, 7. They have 165 students and teach five different classes to engage every student’s interest, Carmen Kennel said.

“The best part about my job is seeing students outside of their comfort zone,” she said. “Through different career development events, students do just this while preparing themselves for careers outside our classroom.”

Eric Kennel finds the most joy in his job when the work is finished and his students graduate from high school, he said.

“Not because they are leaving, but because I think FFA gives students the tools needed to succeed after leaving and entering the real world,” Eric Kennel said.

Even though they reside in a state that bleeds scarlet and gray, they still find ways to give back to their Oklahoma alma mater.

In 2024, the Kennels hosted their first student teacher from Oklahoma State University.

Left: Carmen Kennel (left) assists Jacob Farno with his supervised agricultural experience inventory in the Agricultural Experience Tracker.

Right: Eric Kennel (right) helps Molli Deaton with an agricultural record keeping assignment. Photos by Laura Wuebker.

When the time came to place Carrie Rhoades with a cooperating teacher in Ohio, the decision was an easy one to make, said Nathan Smith, OSU agricultural education instructor and field placement coordinator.

“Eric and Carmen are good cooperating teachers because of the breadth of the program they have built at National Trail,” Smith said. “They have both used their strengths to diversify what they can bring to the table for their students.”

During Rhoades’ student teaching, she gained hands-on experiences and skills she will use in her future classroom some day, she said.

“While watching the Kennels interact with their students, I realized they had the respect of every student,” Rhoades said. “It was neat to see how they gained that respect, not by being a mean teacher, but by showing the students that they care for them.”

For the Kennels, having Rhoades as a student teacher was a special

moment to remind them of their past and allow them to prepare for the future, Carmen Kennel said.

“It was a full circle moment for us,” she said. “Student teachers allow us to help prepare the next generation of agricultural educators by providing them with resources and tools to succeed in their future.”

Besides staying connected through having a student teacher, the Kennels try to encourage their students to attend OSU, Rhoades said.

“I encourage my students to embrace life and go to school out-of-state because you never know who you will meet,” Eric Kennel said. “I tell them it will be OK because there are good people everywhere.”

Even hundreds of miles away from OSU, the Kennels wear America’s Brightest Orange® with pride, Carmen Kennel said.

“A lot of folks claim to be alumni, and they are,” said Jon Ramsey, OSU agricultural education professor and

student-teaching director. “But, the Kennels live that out.”

Whenever the Kennels travel through Oklahoma for a pig show or just on a vacation, they visit OSU and Stillwater to bring their children back to show them where their story began, Eric Kennel said.

Nearly 18 years later, the Kennels are still thankful for the statistics class where they met, Carmen Kennel said, because it led them to a family and a life together, which is their proudest accomplishment.

LAURA WUEBKER

VERSAILLES, OHIO

COWBOY JOURNAL 121

Celebrating Ag Week 2

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8 1. The 2024-25 Ferguson College of Agriculture Student Council decorates Agricultural Hall: Cade Harris (back left), Griffin Henry, Trell Amoss, Andrew Schulz, Cody Loganbill, Jared Stone, Lily Brown, Dani Bellmer (front left), Hunter Haslem, Taylor Yount, Tatumn Kennedy, Jenna Sanders, Maddie Dollarhide, Mollie Kate Webb, Kinley Bratcher, Savannah Mauk, Katie Dillon and Omkar Joshi. 2. Cade Harris (left) and Parker Wallace participate in the pickleball tournament. 3. Kinley Bratcher (left) and Mollie Kate Webb assemble the Ferguson Week banner. 4.

Easton Fraser tosses the cornhole bag. 5. Maddie Dollarhide (left), Katie Dillon and Tatumn Kennedy serve hamburgers at the cookout. 6. Hunter Morton (left) and Derek DeGroot battle in cornhole. 7. Cynda Clary (left) and Dani Bellmer show their school spirit at the cookout. 8. Coleman Junell (left) and Jaron Robbins win the pickleball tournament for the ASLA club. Photos by Sara Howard, Jami Musshafen, Brianna Stockwell and Laney Warrington.

COWBOY JOURNAL 123

Jared Stone, 2025 Ferguson College of Agriculture Outstanding Senior, sets the standard for future students through education and service to others. Photo by Emma Menefee.

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Standard Setting the

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FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE RECOGNIZES 2025 OUTSTANDING SENIOR

ometimes an award is more than just an honor. It represents excellence, determination and core values.

The 2025 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior Award for the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture is no exception.

This year, Jared Stone stands out among his peers as he leaves his final mark on OSU and the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

Growing up in Chandler, Oklahoma, Stone found a love for agriculture and service to others at a young age.

Spending more time in the barn than his home, he grew up raising sheep, cattle and chickens, along with growing pecans and small grains on his family’s farm, Stone said.

He was involved in 4-H and FFA, serving as the Northeast District 4-H president and president of his FFA chapter twice.

Not only did Stone channel the same energy into his college career, but also he exceeded his own expectations, he said.

“Very early in my college career, I discovered the coursework and workload was more demanding than high school,” Stone said. “Adjusting to this change, I found myself learning how to manage my time between clubs, studying and homework.

“I utilized services from the college like Study and Snacks in the Hilst Center for Student Success to help me through the tougher classes,” he added.

Stone found the services helpful as a student, he said, and decided to help others in the same way. He was selected as a Ferguson College of Agriculture Career Liaison in 2022 and helped host events for students looking to develop their professional skills.

When it comes to selecting the college’s outstanding senior, the task is difficult for the team, said Cynda Clary, associate dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

“Jared’s authenticity is what stood out to me most,” Clary added. “He has provided a level of contribution to the college that is unique. He focuses on other students’ goals, helping them to be their best. He makes it about them, not himself.”

During his four years, Stone participated in countless research and creative activities, he said, one being Cowboy Motorsports, where he led a team in designing, building, and testing a $20,000 tractor.

In addition, he fulfilled leadership roles, dedicated hours to community service efforts, and received awards and honors.

“Jared is an excellent student,” said John Michael Riley, OSU agricultural economics associate professor and Stone’s academic adviser. “This recognition comes as no surprise, given his diligent efforts in and out of the classroom, and serves as a testament to the kind of success our college cultivates.”

In addition to the hours Stone served in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, he also worked at the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. His role put him alongside pathologists to help diagnose disease and animal health issues across Oklahoma and throughout the nation, Stone said.

During his time at the OADDL, he gained crucial skills for a career in animal medicine, he added.

“From the beginning, his eagerness to learn and willingness to help stood out,” said Emily Cooper, OADDL assistant director and quality manager.

“In a role where strict adherence to protocols is essential, Jared quickly proved he could reliably handle tasks with minimal supervision. He communicates professionally and compassionately with clients, has a strong work ethic and has natural leadership skills.

“Simply put, Jared is a great young man with an exceptionally bright future,” Cooper added.

Stone graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in animal science and agribusiness with a minor in microbiology on May 10, 2025.

“My time in the Ferguson College of Agriculture has provided me with the opportunities, knowledge, and skills necessary for me to be successful and impactful in the agricultural industry,” Stone said. “For that, I am thankful.”

After graduation, Stone plans to attend OSU College of Veterinary Medicine to study food animal medicine and pursue mixed animal medicine in rural Oklahoma, he said.

“One word to describe Jared Stone would be solid,” Clary added. “He is humble, kind, smart, hardworking, ethical and dependable all wrapped up in one. He has the ability to make others feel welcomed in his presence, and that’s special.”

EMMA MENEFEE

LOS BANOS, CALIFORNIA

COWBOY JOURNAL 125

2025 FERGUSON COLLEGE SENIORS OF DISTINCTION Gunnar Aune LaCrosse, Washington Biosystems Engineering

Cade Harris Brock, Texas Animal Science

Mason Smith Elk City, Oklahoma Agribusiness

Katelin Bean Manteca, California Agricultural Systems Technology

Sara Howard* Headrick, Oklahoma Agricultural Communications & Agribusiness

Hailey Spray* Riverton, Wyoming Food Science

Audrey Bishop* Van Alstyne, Texas Plant and Soil Sciences

James Lee Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Biosystems Engineering

Jared Stone** Chandler, Oklahoma Animal Science & Agribusiness

Karstyn Cantrell Collinsville, Oklahoma Agricultural Communications

Emma Long Jasper, Georgia Agricultural Education

Elizabeth Struble Owasso, Oklahoma Environmental Science & Plant and Soil Sciences

Katie Dillon* Louisburg, Kansas Agribusiness

Macie McPeak Ripon, California Agribusiness & Plant and Soil Sciences

Cade Halbrook Morrilton, Arkansas Plant and Soil Sciences

Blake Robbins Pauls Valley, Oklahoma Food Science

Rebekah Harmon Waukomis, Oklahoma Horticulture

Paige Roberts Garner, Iowa Agribusiness

Carson Westberg Bend, Oregon Animal Science Laura Wuebker Versailles, Ohio Agricultural Communications & Agribusiness *Dean’s Award of Excellence **Outstanding Senior

2025 FERGUSON COLLEGE TEACHING AWARDS

The Ferguson College of Agriculture presents the 2025 Teaching Awards: Cynda Clary (left), associate dean; Omkar Joshi, Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award; Rob Terry, Dick and Malinda Berry Fischer Award for Teaching Excellence; John Michael Riley, Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award; Julie LaBar, Early Career Award for Excellence in Teaching; and Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean. Photo courtesy of Genesee Photo Systems.

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The Ferguson College of Agriculture presents the 2025 Seniors of Distinction at the annual banquet: Cynda Clary (front left), associate dean; Cade Halbrook; Audrey Bishop; James Lee; Sara Howard; Macie McPeak; Rebekah Harmon; Paige Roberts; Laura Wuebker; Katie Dillon; Hailey Spray; Blake Robbins (back left); Cade Harris; Karstyn Cantrell; Emma Long; Mason Smith; Gunnar Aune; Katelin Bean; Carson Westberg; Jared Stone; Elizabeth Struble; Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean. Photo courtesy of Genesee Photo Systems.

2025 FERGUSON COLLEGE DEAN’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

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The Ferguson College of Agriculture presents the 2025 Dean’s Award of Excellence recipients: 1. Cynda Clary (left), associate dean, Audrey Bishop, and Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean. 2. Cynda Clary (left), associate dean, Katie Dillion, and Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean. 3. Cynda Clary (left), associate dean, Sara Howard, and Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean. 4. Cynda Clary (left), Hailey Spray, and Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean. Photos courtesy of Genesee Photo Systems.

COWBOY JOURNAL 127

FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS

ALUMNI EARLY CAREER

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

ROBBY BRANSCUM

Robby Branscum graduated from the Ferguson College of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agricultural education in 2013 and a doctorate in agricultural education in 2024. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the Freshmen in Transition Living Learning Program, the FirstYear Representative Council and Collegiate FFA. In 2016, Branscum joined Stillwater Public Schools as an agricultural education instructor and FFA adviser, after he began his 12-year career in the same role at Oilton Public Schools in Oilton, Oklahoma. He has helped Stillwater FFA members earn 78 state and 19 national championships in the Agriscience Fair. Stillwater FFA was named the 2023 National Premier Chapter for Building Communities and Model of Excellence winner by the National FFA Organization, the highest honor an FFA program can receive.

Branscum has been recognized by the Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teachers Association and the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

He also received the 2023 National Carl Perkins Community Service Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education for promoting student involvement in community service. Through training sessions and guest lectures, he continues to support OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership students.

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Cynda Clary (left), Justin Anderson, and Jayson Lusk present Halston Johnson (third from left) and Robby Branscum with the Alumni Early Career Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of Genesee Photo Systems.

HALSTON JOHNSON

Halston Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from the Ferguson College of Agriculture in May 2013, followed by a master’s degree in international agriculture from the college’s Master of International Agriculture Program in December 2013. She gained her passion for international trade from her father.

While at OSU, she was a member of the Alpha Zeta professional agricultural fraternity and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. In addition to her campus involvement, Johnson said the friendships she built inside and outside the classroom were among the most meaningful parts of her college experience.

She joined Courson Oil & Gas as a landman in 2014 and became vice president in 2022. In 2024, she began working with Panhandle Drones, where she leads marketing and operations and oversees the company’s advertising and social media. Johnson has played a key role in continuing the Courson family’s legacy supporting higher education priorities at OSU. Johnson remains active in her community of Perryton, Texas, serving as president of the Ochiltree General Hospital Healthcare Foundation and volunteering with the Perryton Rodeo Association. Her passion for local organizations allows her to advocate for agriculture and natural resources and promote the Ferguson College.

FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

HOMECOMING CELEBRATION Please join fellow alumni and friends at the Ferguson College of Agriculture Homecoming Celebration, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.

Refreshments, giveaways, activities and more for the whole family to enjoy will be provided. The celebration will be hosted at Agricultural Hall. At 3:30 p.m., the 50-, 25- and 10-year graduates of the college will be recognized.

“Homecoming is a great time to reconnect with your Ferguson College of Agriculture family, old friends, faculty, staff and current students,” said Herb Lengel, Ferguson College employer and alumni relations coordinator. “We invite all college alumni to join us for our Homecoming celebration and alumni annual meeting.

America’s Greatest Homecoming and Walkaround is a can’t miss event!”

SAVE THE DATE

OCT. 12-18, 2025

HOW TO GET INVOLVED You can stay connected with and show your support of the college by becoming a member of the OSU Alumni Association and the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society.

A portion of all OSU Alumni Association membership dues received are returned to the college to support alumni-sponsored events, scholarships and student programming.

Each year, the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Society Board

of Directors coordinates and is involved with several events, including Ferguson College Roundup, the annual Homecoming Reception and Alumni Meeting, the Ferguson Week cookout and more.

If you are interested in getting involved with these activities, consider becoming a board member.

Visit agriculture.okstate.edu/alumni-friends to learn more.

FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE ALUMNI SOCIETY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Justin Anderson President Stillwater, Oklahoma At-Large Member Becky Walker Chandler Vice President Stratford, Oklahoma Southeast District Travis Jones Secretary/Treasurer Roff, Oklahoma At-Large Member Herb Lengel Executive Secretary Stillwater, Oklahoma Barry Bessinger Stillwater, Oklahoma Northeast District Will Chaney Roff, Oklahoma Southeast District Tucker Dotson Enid, Oklahoma Northwest District Matt Gard Fairview, Oklahoma Northwest District Danielle Metz Binger, Oklahoma Southwest District Austin Partida Edmond, Oklahoma At-Large Member Amy Seiger Newalla, Oklahoma Northeast District Marcus Washington Choctaw, Oklahoma Southwest District Debbie Wedel Yukon, Oklahoma At-Large Member

COWBOY JOURNAL 129

ONCE A

F

rom the days of my childhood, I’ve cheered for the Cowboys — even when doing so wasn’t “cool.” When the time came to pick a college, my only application was to Oklahoma State University to earn an agricultural communications degree.

When I left OSU for my first job in 1989, I knew my dream was to come back to campus to be the OSU AGCM adviser. In February 1992, I began living my dream job.

For the next 33 years, the privilege of working with the nation’s best and brightest students AND the most amazing colleagues has been mine. I’ve long since lost count of the students

I’ve spent time with, but the countless memories continue to flood my mind with laughter, a few tears, hugs, joy, and above all, pride.

As I begin a new journey, a piece of my heart will remain in Ag Hall (both of them), for within those walls, all my career dreams have come true.

A most heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shared this road with me, and may you reach your dreams.

I’ll keep cheering for my Cowboys and Cowgirls from the sidelines.

Always a Cowgirl.

WORLDWIDE LEADERS IN CLONING THE ANIMALS WE LOVE

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Life’s lessons

learned the right way.

Oklahoma’s farm and ranch families share what is most important from generation to generation: grit, hard work, determination and the understanding that making a living from the land is a blessing. Oklahoma Farm Bureau is proud to support Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and Oklahoma’s agriculture youth to help ensure that our state’s most valuable resource — our people — thrive together as Oklahomans.

www.okfarmbureau.org/join

We are rural Oklahoma.® Featured: The Cox family, Blaine County Farm Bureau members

Cowboy Journal Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership 215 Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078-6020

MEET YOUR CAREER SERVICES TEAM Whether you are discovering your career interests as a student or looking forward to the next step in your career, we are here for you!

Dr. Chelsea Arnold Director of Student Development, Career Services

Herb Lengel Employer and Alumni Relations Coordinator

FERGUSON COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE 146 Agricultural Hall | Stillwater, OK 74078 405.744.5395 | agriculture.okstate.edu