Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur at the 75th anniversary of the Oklahoma Foundation Seed Stocks, Inc. Secretary Arthur addressed both the challenges and successes in Oklahoma agriculture. “Certainly some hurdles that we have seen are the weather, as we always experience here in the state of Oklahoma. Sometimes it’s a wonderful friend to us, and sometimes it’s not.” Still, she praised producers’ resilience, especially wheat growers: “They never give up. They navigate through all those things.” On the positive side, she highlighted major advancements, noting, “Over 50% of the acres in the state of Oklahoma have an OSU variety planted on them,” thanks to the Wheat Improvement Team.
Secretary Arthur expressed deep admiration for Dr. Brett Carver and the global recognition of his work. “There is no question. Dr Carver is really, truly world-renowned, and he’s kind of this jewel, and we’ve been so fortunate to have him here in Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.” She emphasized the impact of his passion, saying, “Ultimately, the work he’s doing every day is helping feed more people around the world. I mean, that’s the best kind of work to get to show up and do and see those results.” His influence, she said, ripples through his team and contributes to pride in Oklahoma’s ag community.
Looking ahead, Secretary Arthur sees a major opportunity at Oklahoma State University, especially due to its unique combination of programs. “We are a land grant university, and we’re really leaning into that, I think, in so many ways.” She highlighted the strength of OSU’s ag and vet programs: “We got a tremendous investment from the legislature for the College of Veterinary Medicine.” She added, “When you think about Oklahoma State, and we’ve got the College of Ag, College of Veterinary Medicine, we have the Center for Health Sciences over in Tulsa, no one else really does that.”
She also voiced confidence in the next generation of agricultural professionals coming from OSU. “Our students who graduate from OSU will be able to go out and kind of lead, no matter what career they choose to pursue. I think they’re going to be the leaders in all of those areas.” Arthur reflected on her pride in collaborating with the university: “Very excited for that and very proud to get to work with the team at Oklahoma State University.”
In closing, Secretary Arthur shared a personal story of her grandmother as a source of encouragement. “On my dad’s side of the family, originally Germans from Russia who came to Hooker, Oklahoma.” She emphasized perseverance: “They didn’t give up. And I think that’s what’s great about folks in the ag sector.” Reflecting on the agricultural spirit, she said, “Ag folks don’t give up, and they just figure out a way to move forward.” Secretary Arthur concluded, “That kind of entrepreneurial spirit that we have in agriculture, but also that grit that makes us get back up the next morning and go to work again is the best thing about Oklahomans, but certainly about ag producers.”
The OSU Ag Media Release of the day of celebration can be found by clicking here.
