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Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station

Approximately 40 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 $40 million annually.

Clarence Watson

Our 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.

Research News

Pecan management course offered by Oklahoma State University
Seasoned pecan growers or those who are interested in the industry should make plans to attend the 2009 Fundamentals of Pecan Management course hosted by Oklahoma State University.
pecan trees

EPSCoR funding playing vital role in OSU biofuels research
Consider it the basis of the coming biobased economy: Build a better plant and strengthen local communities, thereby improving the quality of life for residents.
bioenergy fuel pump

Our 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.