College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Approximately 37 percent of the Oklahoma State University’s research efforts are undertaken as part of the statewide Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station system. OAES research expenditures account for more than $50 million annually.
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MISSION
Our mission is to conduct fundamental and applied research for the purpose of developing new knowledge that will lead to technology improvements addressing the needs of the people of Oklahoma. The main focus of research efforts is on agriculture, natural resources, rural economies and social issues especially as impacted by management of agricultural and natural resources.
HISTORY
Congress enacted the Hatch Act in 1887 that established the State Experiment Station system and provided land and/or funds for each state to develop an Agricultural Experiment Station to conduct research, especially in the areas of soil minerals and plant growth. The Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station was established by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890. The first building constructed on the Oklahoma A&M College campus was the Experiment Station Barn which was completed in 1892. Construction began on ‘Old Central’ in 1893.
Today, the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station (OAES) stands as the research leg of the three agency group comprising the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources which also includes teaching (the College) and outreach (Cooperative Extension). Over 100 Ph.D. level faculty members are funded at least partially by the OAES to conduct research in areas ranging from cattle and wheat production to cell wall biology and mechanisms that affect conversion of plant materials to biofuels. Research labs are located primarily in Agricultural Hall, Noble Research Center, Food & Agricultural Products and Animal Science buildings on campus. Additionally the OAES operates field, greenhouse and lab facilities at 18 research stations and/or centers located from the southeast to the northwest corners of the state.
Research Centers & Institutes
The Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
The Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center (FAPC), located in Stillwater, Okla., on the campus of Oklahoma State University, strives to keep the products, jobs and dollars home in Oklahoma. The FAPC offers large and small businesses, producers and entrepreneurs of Oklahoma, as well as other states, access to faculty and staff with expertise in business and technical disciplines.
The FAPC’s research laboratories, pilot-processing facilities, educational programs and seminars keep food and agricultural processors and entrepreneurs on the forefront of cutting-edge value-added processing and technology.
Click here to learn more about FAPC
The Water Research & Extension Center
The DASNR Water Research and Extension Center will focus efforts for sustaining Oklahoma’s agriculture water supply, which is crucial to the state’s economy and the health and well-being of residents and the environment.
There is a strong need for development, delivery and accessibility of science-based information related to water management issues. These issues include improved soil management practices, irrigation methods, efficiency of farm water storage and transport of water, as well as an overall economic assessment of agricultural enterprises to allow owners and operators to manage existing water supplies more prudently.
Click here to learn more about the Water Research & Extension Center
The Biobased Products and Energy Center
The Biobased Products and Energy Center is a center being created to better meet ever-increasing demands for the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’s (DASNR) scientific expertise regarding biofuels.
DASNR has been involved in biofuels development since the early 1990s, and formed a biofuels nonfood cellulosic team in 1998. DASNR has since been a national leader in examining and developing everything from potential biomass feedstocks to energy production systems, to economic, social and environmental considerations.
Division officials view the center as the next logical step in focusing multi-disciplinary efforts related to biofuels development not only within DASNR but across the state and nation.
Click here to learn more about the Biobased Products and Energy Center
National Institute for Microbial Forensics & Food and Agricultural Biosecurity (NIMFAB)
NIMFAB assess current national capabilities in microbial forensics as related to plant pathogens and food safety. They provide strategic planning, a long-range vision and prioritization of needs and resources related to plant and food-related microbial forensics and agricultural biosecurity.
NIMFAB has worked to establish a coalition of national and state investigators conducting research on crop and food biosecurity and forensics issues. They serve as a focal point for communication, cooperation, collaboration, funding initiatives, and outreach related to crop and food biosecurity and microbial forensics. NIMFAB also develops educational (coursework) and training (workshops) opportunities related to agricultural microbial forensics for students and stakeholders, in cooperation with OSU-CHS (Tulsa) and other State and National agencies and entities.