Our Mission

OSU Ag Research is working to feed the world, improve Oklahoma economy and preserve natural resources by conducting research that provides knowledge and technology extended to the public by OSU Extension professionals. Our research impacts are increased food security, maintaining environmentally friendly agriculture, preservation of natural resources and the health and security of Oklahoma residents. Our research is a collaboration between farmers and ranchers, agriculture commodity groups, industry, state agencies and federal grants.

 

History

OSU Ag Research stations were made possible by the federal Hatch Act of 1887, which served as a bridge between the Morrill Act of 1862 and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914.

 

The Morrill Act gave states the authority to sell public lands to create land-grant colleges, so working class citizens could access to higher education with a focus on farming and mechanical skills. 

 

The Hatch Act established the State Experiment Station System and provided and funds for each state to develop research stations, particularly in areas of soil minerals and plant growth.

 

The Smith-Lever Act created the Cooperative Extension Service, which takes the findings of university researchers to farmers and ranchers.

 

The OSU experiment station system was established by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890 and was followed two years later by the first research building being constructed on university grounds. OSU Ag Research has grown to encompass more than 40 research facilities that include research stations, laboratories, green houses, teaching and testing facilities, and centers and institutes.